How creativity supercharges coaching (Part 1)
What is ‘Creativity’ ...

What do we mean by ‘creativity’ and how can applying it supercharge coaching experiences and outcomes? Interpretations of the term ‘creativity’ can vary. Some view it as the act of bringing something new and useful into existence – this could be a new solution to a problem; a new theory; a new method or a new object. Some situate creativity in the idea of the ‘creative person’ – the great artist, designer or innovator. Others focus more on the notion of the ‘creative environment’ – places where creativity is inspired and nurtured, such as creative start-up hubs, creative learning environments or creative arts centres. Others place less emphasis on the quality of the creative product or elite creative individuals or special environments for creativity and promote the importance and universality of the ‘creative process’, as something that everyone can enjoy, participate in and achieve personal or community benefits as a result.
Having some understanding of these different perspectives of creativity is a helpful starting point for any coach seeking to explore how creative tools, techniques and approaches can contribute to improved coaching experiences and outcomes. By way of an overview, let’s look at 7 important ways that applying a creative approach in coaching can have a positive impact.
1. Creativity in coaching increases accessibility & inclusion
Traditionally, coaching relies on focused verbal communication between the coach and coachee. However, this can present an accessibility barrier for some client groups, for example, non-native speakers; the socially anxious; individuals with neuro-diverse conditions; those with cognitive or communication impairments; other health conditions; cultural differences and so on. The good news is that by embracing a creative approach to support communication and broadening the coaching repertoire beyond the purely verbal, the door is opened to beneficial coaching experiences and outcomes for a wider range of client groups.
2. Creativity in coaching is a pathway from the unconscious to the conscious
Integrating a creative approach within coaching offers novel avenues to self-reflection and self-discovery. Immersion in the creative process has the potential to enable seeing the world and one’s place in it from different perspectives. Sharing a relevant, self-generated creative product with an interested other and exploring its meaning can surface thoughts and ideas that were hitherto hidden from view or suggest previously unacknowledged hopes and aspirations.
3. Creativity in coaching is a source of positivity
Creativity is an active ingredient in feeling good. We are all born with the power to be creative – watch any toddler in action! Sadly, the joys of being creative can get forgotten or buried as we mature. But our innate creativity is still there and this can be harnessed in coaching to generate a well spring of positive emotions to make the coaching experience more joyful, create the conditions to broaden coachee thinking and build internal resources for positive change.
Read our next blog for part 2 of this article.









