I’ll bet you’ve been in the role of a Creator many times and didn’t even know it. As Creators, we create our reality by what we believe and assume. See if you recognize yourself in the five following themes.

Creators focus on what they want. I know I’m being a Creator when I am exploring what I want to contribute to my work, family and friends, community, and even the world. Creators direct their thoughts and actions toward what they want for their lives and what emerges is passion for their heart’s desire.

Creators question beliefs and assumptions. I recently learned about a tool called the “Ladder of Inference,” created by Chris Argyris, organizational psychologist and Harvard Business School professor. We draw conclusions and subscribe meaning about things, people, and situations all day long. Creators create space for reflection, observation, and inquiry. They invite alternative perspectives to create new, broader knowledge and understanding – a bigger version of the truth.

Creators take responsibility. When I see someone take responsibility for their actions and behaviors, I know I’m in the presence of a Creator. Creators don’t look for someone to blame for their situation; they see their role in the situation and learn from it.  Creators don’t abdicate their power to others; they set boundaries and clearly communicate those boundaries with respect and honor for everyone.

Creators choose their responses to everything that happens. Today’s society seems frantic – everything has to move fast. Fast isn’t always bad. There’s nothing I love more than prompt customer service! But in the case of a Creator, fast is not always the best choice. Taking a pause and thinking through your response is an excellent way to stay in the role of a Creator. Creators give themselves permission to take a pause and respond rather than react.

Creators have courage in the face of fear. A Creator has hope for a better outcome. Creators are parents who aren’t willing to accept a fatal diagnosis for their child and won’t rest until they find a cure. Creators are athletes, knowing their limitations, and using their strengths to their advantage. Creators are teachers who inspire their students to generate more knowledge than they ever could on their own. Creators are trustworthy CEOs who take a stand for integrity, even if it’s not a competitive advantage.

How can you create more opportunities for your Creator role to shine?

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