Sooner rather than later, there is a special element that has been in existence for way too long; which has to surface. Especially, when working. Though it exists just as an idea, it is voluminous. In the job market today, we are judged not only by how smart we are, but also by our levels of creativity. Creativity, I said.

Pablo Picasso, Leonardo da Vinci, Albert Einstein et al, were oozing with this rare talent. To them it formed part of their life. They had trained their bodies and brains to invest time and effort in coming up with that perfect work of art, innovation or piece of writing. Through their creativity, they immortalized themselves, such that years after their demise, we still refer to them.

In my own understanding, the concept of creativity seems to have been coined from two words. Create and act-ivity. Look at it as an activity that involves creating things, if I may use ‘things’ casually. At least you get the picture. It is for us practitioners, tuning ourselves in the habit of generating ideas that are of value once in a while if not consistently. But for the sake of keeping that lucrative job you have-it rather is consistently.

At this point in time, I believe it would be prudent of me to mention that there is a distinction between creative, creative thinking and creativity. ‘They all sound the same to me,’ probably that’s what you are telling yourself. I am not here to disagree with you, only to shade some light on the same. With the hope that you may change your line of thought.

Being creative, is the ability you posses. Most employers will give you an assignment let’s say coming up with a talking poster and usually they will add this; ‘…be creative and come up with something outstanding.’ Good God, how do I do it? Well the best place to start is evaluation. Have a moment of self introspection and try and throw yourself in a weighing creative-balance. Do you have this rare quality? Sometimes nobody will tell you so, but you owe it to yourself. Given that you are in my line of profession, you must have it hidden somewhere. A few unearthing and it will surface.

At this point let’s say it’s in check, you have confirmed positive of possessing this ability. What next. It is only wise if you understood creativity, but this time as a process. Besides confirming the existence of that ability to create, you have to engage yourself in a process that will eventually result in something worthwhile.

Robert E. Franken in his book Human Motivation, 3rd ed., he says: creativity is the tendency to generate or recognize ideas, alternatives, or possibilities that may be useful in solving problems, communicating with others, and entertaining ourselves and others. (Page 396) Scholarly, isn’t it? He further points out the various situations that will prompt an employee and or an individual to put on his creativity ensemble.

These are: need for novelty, varied, and complex stimulation, need to communicate ideas and values and the need to solve problems (page 396). Fitting in employees shoes, then what Robert says sums up the role of most employees within the organizations. In one way or the other, our bosses want us to solve problems, come up with novel ideas of doing things-again I use it casually, and or communicate!

Being in the field of communication, it cannot be said enough. We need, we must be creative professionals. Most people think that since they cannot draw, paint and or design then they lack that creative proficiency, I have good news. It is a true lie. Irrespective of your field and abilities, if you have the resolve to develop creativity for your sake, then you can. It can be learnt, but prior you must firstly have that mental shift.

“Others have seen what is and asked why. I have seen what could be and asked why not. ” said Pablo Picasso. This is the way to go. This is the mental shift I am talking of. Do not be conventional. You want to see what creativity tastes like? Stop sitting at your work station all day when given a poster to design. Walk around. You need that perfect photograph of the sun setting, do not use the same camera settings you used last. Adjust them. You want to test your writing ability, pick a topic that is challenging and interesting at the same time. The bottom line is, rephrasing Pablo’s quote, dare to be different in your execution of duty. Stick your neck out there, it may just be it.

We live in a sophisticated world; where innovation is the way to go. Maybe when we are long gone or not, there will be tyre-less vehicles or talking electronics. But due to dynamism, things will certainly not be the same as they are today. The world is shifting beneath our feet, speedily. “It’s not the strongest of the species that survives nor the most intelligent,” wrote Charles Darwin, “but the one most responsive to change.” Leaving us with no option; but to actually shift with it.

This forecasts that our employers will definitely need people with something extra to offer. Owning academic papers will soon be a norm or is it already; it is what you will have that the other doesn’t have that will eventually give you the keys to the office. And most certainly it will be creativity.

At this point I will say that, it goes without saying creativity is a cognitive process. It curtain raises us into the world of creative thinking. At this point we are tasking our brains to yield creative ideas. In my first year, way back I remember being taught critical thinking and listening skills. Making me think, why don’t they teach creative thinking skills as well? You may ask but why, the truth is we need this. The human brain is not easy to capture, unfortunately for us communication practitioners. Be it in our writings, photographs, adverts and designs, we need an audience. But how do we get them? How do we infiltrate their attentive zone, the answer is by being creative.

Creative thinking is a way of looking at  or situations from a fresh perspective that suggests unorthodox solutions (business directory.com). Look at creative thinking as a bolstering initiative. Specific thought processes which improves the ability to be creative. Ideas do not grow on trees, so I have heard. But suppose they do, you just have to look hard.

Fortunately, creativity cuts across all the disciplines. Architects have stepped up their game a notch. Look at the amazing structures like the one in Dubai, The palm island. In addition, motor engineers who came up with the fastest car alive, The Bugatti Veyron. Not forgetting teachers who need this skill. For you to teach that sum, so that even the less bright of your students at least understands it…is actually your job. Creativity is indeed a must have.

It has no limits to what it can do, irrespective of your profession if you have it. Owing to our malleable nature we can change to inculcate this quality. Meaning even the less creative, with a little conviction, and a push in the right direction then we can all be creative.

In my next article I will look at the steps that I have used to generate ideas and how I have transferred them from mere ideas to two dimension posters. If you get time visit this (www.filmaid.org/blog/breastfeeding poster for life) and get a peak of what creativity looks like.

THE RIVER FLOWS ACCORDING TO ITS COURSE

The vicious cycle of poverty is not a new phenomenon. This time round I will refer to it as the vicious cycle of irresponsible leadership. We fashion the same tools that end up destroying us. Little do we know, but that’s the case. In the good book, bible, it is written train up a child in the way he should go; that when he is of age, he will not depart from it. (Proverbs 26:6)

All leadership positions are noble. They come with great responsibility, which requires great sacrifice, commitment and all virtues well interwoven together. Without one thread of virtue in our code of virtues, then the leadership boat will be rocked to doomsday.

In our higher institutions for example, we have student leaders. A people elected by fellow comrades, to go into office and voice our concerns to the administration. They come second in the hierarchy of command as far as the administration and students are concerned. They are the go between; for they are closest to the administration. We always expect great representation of our interests. How naive we have constantly remained.

Our 24^th student governing council was full of promising men and women, who fooled everyone that they would deliver. How long did it take? Reality dawned, and the foxes came out of their sheep skin ready to trample their way to connections, fame, luxury and money.

Saying that the entire student governing council (SGC) was greedy, inconsiderate and selfish would be unfair. For amidst them, was a man or woman who wanted to do good, but without support their effort became futile. The will was present, but a way, wasn’t. There are noble men and women in such band wagons, who want to be of service to their electorates; unfortunately they are outnumbered. Thus their efforts succumb and the resultant effect felt is zero.

History does repeat itself, only if you sit and let it. A father, who is born blind, sires a child with both eyes. Does the child have to pluck out their eyes, just because their forefathers, inclusive of their own were blind: not at all.

Later in came the 25^th SGC, the same bait was used and we again fell for it. The results inevitably were the same. That sent me thinking, who is to blame? Those of us who vote are to blame. That burden is ours to bear-and we must live with the repercussions. ‘I will only vote for an individual because I want him to have that share of the pie’, this are bold words coming from a student. Who said the Moi University Student Organization (MUSO) subscription fee goes to some kind of kitty, for those who want to get rich the easy way, to take?

With reference to what I have said above, in comparison with the type of leadership our country has, there seems to be an emerging pattern. Our higher institutions of learning are breeding grounds for greedy, selfish, inconsiderate leaders. They are the same people who will go out in the job market and produce their leadership certificates, thus making them ‘better’ of than their competitors. But are they really better?

The bottom line is; we will always wallow in our very own era of poor governance. Selfish and greedy leaders will continue being churned from our institutions. They are the same people who will venture into national politics, having graduated from the institutional politics. Tax payer’s money will be exposed to embezzlement and they will do this without a thread of guilt; squandering every penny. If leaders embrace corruption, while in universities, colleges, high schools, then what makes you think they will abandon it when in positions of real power?

People out there always want to change the dynamics of politics; to ensure we get the best governance which we deserve. That’s why activists are all over nowadays. However, how many are willing to make that first leap? Understanding that at the end of the day, for every unworthy leader in office it is partly your fault? Do not go to your neighbour’s door seeking change, it starts with you. As they say you cannot change the world, unless you change yourself.

Have a purpose as to why you will cast your vote, that way you won’t regret. Personally, I have had enough and this time round I will vote for someone because I want to, not because I have to. It is not a favour, but a practice of democracy and an exercise of my constitutional right.

Elections are at the door steps. Knock! Knock! Whether you open or fail to open the door for the wrong or right reasons, it is entirely your decision. But remember, the innocent suffer because of the wreck less decisions we make. Be wise, be Kenyan.

Dr. Martin Luther King junior says and I quote ‘Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.’ Elections are imperative; do something about it, do not remain silent about it.

This election period, numerous candidates have stepped forth, to contest for the big office. Hon. Uhuru Kenyatta was the first candidate to take centre stage, in an event that took place at the KICC and received massive media coverage. Then came Hon. Cyrus Jirongo, Charity Ngilu and most recently we had Peter Kenneth-aka PK ‘Tunawesmek’. Quite a handful I would say. But of all these candidates a choice has to be made.

This number is incredibly high, given that there are those who are aiming for the same, but haven’t declared it in ‘style’ as Hon. Peter et al. They remain silent, yet their eyes doggedly fixed on the top sit. Is it that we will be hearing from them soon or they simply do not match the financial muscle of their competitors? Well, being the good citizens that we are, we wait.

Ever since this ‘game’ began, every other Tom, Dick and Harry is as if they had an epiphany. And each thought if s/he can go for it, why not me? I too can become president. Well this is just me trying to think for them. I however started asking myself endless questions, but one was weighty. As a youth, where is my country headed to? Considering countries like the United States, Britain, Germany et al, candidates vying for the presidency do not add up to a football team, let alone basketball. But here we are, twelve less one, plus who knows how many will emerge. Yet these countries present very few candidates for presidency, yet they are worth emulation in every dimension, more so politically.

Looking at it critically, it is overwhelming. Finding the best candidate who will deliver can prove gruelling. It can be equated to finding a needle in a haystack. Not that it’s impossible, do not get me wrong. It is a matter of fact, possible; only that it will take time. For decisions to do with voting, require people to see with their inner eyes, listen with their inner ears and make sound judgements partially with their hearts but wholly with their brains.

It is what I will call, 98 percent brain work and 2 percent matters of the heart. That’s why I will delve into critical thinking as a tool to help us make this sound and eventually ‘correct’ decision, which we will not regret. Come what will. I have placed correct in quotes, because, it is subjective. A decision you deem correct, is not in any way correct to others. It is your own correct decision.

Opinions on the other hand are ours to express. As who you will vote for, is 100 percent your business. For at the end of the day, two people might vote for the same candidate, yet for entirely different reasons. Those are their opinions.

Look at it this way; you ask yourself of the candidates, who will I vote for? If you settle on candidate A, then there you are, decision made. But we have to be solid that we will not waver when shove comes to push. It is at this point that you ask the second most relevant bit of the question. Why A and not B? When coming up with various reasons as to why A, and not B backed up with relevant examples, then we are thinking critically. Simply put, critical thinking is convergent thinking.

Quoting a pedagogue, I deem very insightful and whose works I follow whenever I can, Professor Michael Giesen defines critical thinking as; ‘Evaluating evidence using logic and reason in order to help us make decisions.’ For instance, what has A done that puts him on edge, over B? What quality does A exhibit that B doesn’t stand a chance against?

Allow me to be candid for a while, having many candidates vying is not a good indicator. Given that some wounds haven’t yet healed and very great losses were exhibited during the 2007/8 post election violence. Quoting doctor Obala; ‘This coupled with the high complications emerging from the ICC case makes the forthcoming elections be a game of very high stakes.’ It signals more tension. But being the humans that we are; we are encouraged to always maintain some level of optimism.

Others cling on to skepticism, saying it enables them be more careful; I do not know about you, but personally, I choose to strike a balance. Nothing is in black and white nowadays. There’s is a shed of grey. Despite my level of optimism and skepticism we simply hope that nothing exhumes the past and brings it back to life. At the same time, gauge all the candidates to choose just the one who will not allow that past to relive again!

For that matter, critical thinking is the way to go. It is gruelling, mentally, to be precise. Thus, I will tackle a tool, called the decision matrix and how we can employ it in making our critical thinking a bit easier. It is an aide and accompanied by other cognitive processes then I bet you, you will be among those who made the ‘right’ choice despite the outcome.

This technique is not only used in deciding who to vote for, but its mastery can go a long way in making it easier to make decisions when planning, writing research projects and making other gold stand  decisions. This can be while in school, at work or in the house. But for today, let it help us choose the next president of this wonderful country-Kenya. She deserves it.

The decision matrix according to business directory.com

Now having known that let us take our candidates, say A, B, C, D & E. Identifying our candidates is but one task. The second bit is choosing the qualities that we will use to vet them. These will be; performances, integrity, decisiveness, track record and educational background. These are but examples. You are at liberty to choose your own. And for each candidate per criteria, we have a scale of 1-5, with 5 being excellent,4 best,3 better,2 good and 1, poor.

It is from these two categories that we will form two columns, with candidates and criteria on the other hand, as below.

Criteria	Performance	Integrity	Decisiveness	Track Record	Educational Background
Candidate
A	5	3	2	4	3
B	2	1	4	5	1
C	1	5	3	2	4
D	4	2	2	3	5
E	3	4	1	1	2

After you are done allotting the scales, per candidate per criteria (quality) you proceed to determine the weight. This is arrived at by summing up the totals horizontally for each candidate. The candidate that has a higher score in comparison with the rest emerges as your most preferred candidate.

For our case, the candidates A, B, C, D & E score 17,13,15,16 & 11 respectively. Placing A far better than the other candidates. It should be noted that, this qualities should be one’s own. And that, it is not some random scoring, but before you decide on what to award a candidate, deep in your mind you must have evidence to justify the award. It is not a matter of dishing out points. But having a reason to that further builds on your lager reason to make a decision.

Every race must come to an end. When the runner, crosses the finish line and tears the tape. ‘It is done,’ reverberates in their minds. Some visualize the national anthem singing, gold medal on their necks and crowds chanting their names: a true mark of victory. Yet it wasn’t that easy. So many things transpired, before clinching that medal. The same is true for politics. Though, amidst the campaigns, rallies and other persuasive ploys we are subjected to, ours is to make a decision. One that will make or break the yet to be born future. At first it will be daunting, but employing this method, then you have one foot in the house. Getting along with it to the end, you have both feet in the house.

Make that decision, despite the numbers. Be wise, be Kenyan!