This article was inspired by a note I found in Les Echos last April
The article It details the results of scientific research on the concept of “flow”, a concept often associated with those moments when a person seems transcended by their “art” (we'll call it that), reaching a kind of state of grace.
This concept, popularized by the psychologist Mihály Csíkszentmihályi (His Exciting TED Talk Here) and which I regularly mention at a creativity conference or an innovation conference, refers to an optimal mental state where a person is completely immersed in an activity, with a feeling of full concentration and development.
What is Flow exactly?
Flow occurs when a person's skills are in perfect harmony with the challenges of the task at hand. The scientists explain that this altered state of consciousness allows total absorption into the activity, a loss of sense of time and a feeling of absolute control! The dream.
And that creativity is closely linked to the state of flow.
Flow would also allow access to new ideas and push the boundaries of innovation.
When a person enters this state, they are able to create in a spontaneous and authentic way. Moreover, this state would not only promote self-expression, but would also allow access to new ideas and push the boundaries of innovation.
What Science Says on the Subject
A recent study published in the magazine Neuropsychologia of April 2024 Explore the neurophysiological mechanisms underlying flow in musicians.
Thirty-two guitarists, equipped with EEG headsets, therefore improvised (= it's the creative act) on six pieces accompanied by bass, piano and drums. The researchers used brain imaging techniques to observe changes in neural activity during flow moments, and the creativity of the 192 performances was evaluated by four jazz experts.
The result showed that “flows” were more intense and frequent among experienced musicians, confirming that expertise and technique promote creative fluidity.
This fluidity is manifested by increased brain activity in the auditory and tactile areas of the left hemisphere, and a decrease in the area of executive control.
In summary, letting go combined with expertise increases creativity. One does not go without the other. It is from the unique combination of these 2 qualities that the capacity for innovation arises.
Letting go combined with expertise increases creativity.
They also saw increased activation in areas of the brain associated with motivation and reward, as well as increased activity in regions involved in self-criticism and self-awareness.
Flow is a state of grace where the ego disappears and creation seems to be created by itself. This phenomenon is often described by those affected as a kind of transe, where the person is completely absorbed in their “art.”
The Impact of Flow on Performance
According to the study, artists in a state of flow report a significant improvement in their performance. This state would in fact allow for better synchronization with the other members of the team, greater expressiveness and the ability to improvise fluidly.
Some artists also seek to recreate the conditions in order to flow, with intense practice, mental preparation and by building the favorable environment.
Practices such as meditation, visualization, and self-regulation could also help promote this state.
And for a team in a company?
As a creativity speaker and innovation speaker, I am often asked this question: how do I deal with the constraints of my company, and my day-to-day? Is it really worth it?
This flow state is capable of promoting intuitive communication and harmonious collaboration, reducing friction and increasing productivity. Hence the interest in managing a team.
Flow means ideas that emerge more quickly and that are developed more slowly, which speeds up the innovation process.
In addition, flow reinforces the satisfaction and commitment of team members, which maintains a dynamic and motivating work environment, which is essential for maintaining a sustainable culture of innovation.
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Charlie “Bird” Parker, the famous saxophonist, is quoted at the end of the Les Echos article:”Learn your instrument, practice constantly, then forget everything and play.”
Everything is said: that's the flow!
