John Cleese, legendary English actor and screenwriter, founder of the Monthy Python troupe, is a specialist in creativity. You may not have known it, but the actor has been a psychology buff for several decades, and takes every media opportunity to talk about creativity, often with an outspokenness that contrasts with the usual cliches.
In a recent article and some videos published in the English magazine Business Leader, he shares his recipes for creativity and innovation. First of all: not to believe that creativity is reserved for artists.
Secret #1: creativity is not a gift for some
One could imagine that such a brilliant mind was nourished from school by acting or writing courses. However, for Cleese, creativity was never on the agenda. With a background focused on mathematics, physics and law at Cambridge, he had to explore on his own what makes the magic of the imagination and the capacity for innovation that lies within each of us.
In his book, Creativity: A Short and Cheerful Guide published in 2022, it explains how everyone can create this creative spark in themselves without wasting time and without dwelling on methods.
Cleese's core idea is based on two ways of thinking, inspired by the concept of”Hare Brain, Tortoise Mind“by Guy Claxton: the rabbit's brain, fast and logical, and the tortoise mind, slow, dreamy, and more playful (something strangely reminiscent of Thinking Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman who, as an innovation speaker, I speak about regularly and about whom I did An article here some time ago!)
Creativity is not limited to music, movies, and dance. It is just as crucial in the business world, whether in developing pricing and marketing strategies. - John Cleese
The key? Cultivate this tortoise state of mind, where we accept to immerse ourselves in thinking, to explore without immediate goals, as children do when they play. ” Imagine children playing: they are completely absorbed in what they do. No rules, no fear of error, just pure exploration. ” For Cleese, it's in these moments that the best ideas are born.
Secret #2: It takes time. And it's born out of chaos.
Cleese also emphasizes the importance of time, but especially timing. While one of his classmates Monty Python accepted the first solution that came only to finish early, Cleese preferred to let his ideas mature, even if it meant working longer.
Result? More original and memorable scripts. Her experience on Fawlty Towers The proof is that he took six weeks to write each episode, setting a specific deadline for himself, but giving himself time to unleash the creative magic.
And in the business world, according to Cleese, it's the same. Whether it is to innovate, find new strategies or rethink a product, you should not be afraid to remain uncertain for a while.
When it comes to being creative, there's a lack of clarity for most of the process. You only need to be clear at the end.”
It's okay if clarity isn't immediate. In fact, it is even a must. ” Confusion is the breeding ground for creativity, ” he said. And after hours of reflection, the solution then seems obvious.
Not easy to accept in a company. During an innovation conference, this is a point that I regularly point out as difficult for organizations that essentially work with schedules and deadlines. However, you must try to carve out time without an agenda. If you want to be creative and push your team towards more innovation
Secret #3: the number 1 obstacle to the creativity of your teams is interruptions
Cleese warns against these moments that fragment our thinking, especially in the ultra-connected world of businesses. According to him, each interruption imposes a mental reset that prevents us from diving into the depth of our ideas.
He recommends that leaders impose moments of isolation, away from emergencies. This discipline creates a corporate culture where reflection has its place, far from oppressive control. ” If the boss is a control freak, the whole company will become one. ” To promote creativity, you have to trust teams, give them space to think.
Secret #4: accept that sometimes it doesn't work out.
Finally, Cleese shares advice that resonates well beyond creativity:” You can't have a new idea until you get rid of the old one. ” In other words, the times when you feel less inspired are not failures, but phases of transition to fresher ideas. So, rather than panicking or wanting to control everything, Cleese encourages us to accept these moments of latency. Stay calm, give yourself some time and play.
Her book is a breath of fresh air in a world where creativity is often seen as a mysterious talent reserved for the elite. With her humor and simplicity, Cleese reminds us that imagination is accessible to everyone, even for the most pragmatic entrepreneurs.
