It's easy to categorize animators, musicians, and artists as "creative" innovators - cultivating new ideas, trying out new concepts, and pushing limits.

But what about us boring desk-job people?  What about the suit-and-tie, number crunching, coffee-spilling, conference calling people - can we be creative too?

Sure we can, but we need some inspiration from the "truly creative" crowd.

Take Dreamworks Animation for example.  These people created Shrek, Madasgar, and King-Fu Panda - they definitely fall under the "creative" catagory.  But did you know that the employees at Dreamworks continuinly provide innovative ideas to their managers who not only listen, but encourage these suggestions and work hard to implement them.  A fun new food choice in the office cafeteria?  Funky office equipment?  A crazy new concept for an animated motion picture? Noted.  No idea goes unnoticed.  

Furthermore, employees are not only encouraged to come up with new ideas - but their presentation of that new idea is also valued.

Why are these ideas and the presentation of these ideas so crucial?   Creative skills will be a more important driver of the economy than technical skills, according to a DreamWorks survey of 150 senior human resource executives.

Employees feel validated when their creative ideas are recognized.  They feel motivated to contribute and feel valued as a creative mind and a dedicated worker.  Dan Satterthwaite, head of Human Resources at Dreamworks states -  "Employers that want the most engaged and innovative employees will support each individual's skills."  

So there lies the answer to our question.  Can the number crunchers be just as creative as the animators?

The answer?

Yes - but the success of the company lies in the employers' response.

Want an innovative, engaged employee?  Listen to his ideas.  Encourage creative thinking.  Value his suggestions.

Bring on the creativity!