Increasing Your Intercultural Creativity with Genein Letford

In a world where innovation and creativity shape our futures, the ability to tap into our creativity and sensory awareness is more crucial than ever. Whether in the classroom, at home, or in the workplace, nurturing creativity is a skill that fosters problem-solving, adaptability, and resilience. In a conversation between Genein and Kassy, the value of tapping into our senses and encouraging intercultural creativity came to the forefront, illustrating that creativity is not just for artists—it's essential for everyone, everywhere.

The Importance of Rewiring the Brain: Sensory Awareness

One key aspect discussed was the concept of brain plasticity and the importance of re-engaging senses that are often dulled by overreliance on others. Genein, an advocate for sensory exploration, shared her approach to sensory training with her three-year-old son. Through activities like closing eyes and identifying spices by scent, Genein not only nurtures her son's sensory awareness but also instills creativity at a young age. This exercise demonstrates how sensory engagement—whether through taste, smell, or touch—can sharpen our minds and enhance our creative thinking.

The brain is incredibly adaptable, and engaging in activities that stimulate different senses can encourage neuroplasticity. According to the book Keep Your Brain Alive, you can rewire your brain by training it to use senses in unconventional ways. This is particularly important for individuals who may face sensory challenges, such as those with visual impairments. In fact, when one sense diminishes, the brain compensates by strengthening the remaining senses. This adaptive ability of the brain can be deliberately harnessed by using non-dominant senses more frequently in everyday activities.

At the core of these sensory exercises is the principle of part-to-whole learning. Genein described how, when teaching her son about spices, they begin by isolating and focusing on individual spices, then building up to the entire cooking experience. This method mirrors how we teach individuals with visual impairments: breaking down complex concepts into digestible parts. By focusing on small sensory experiences, we enhance attention to detail and develop creativity by understanding the components that make up the whole.

Creativity Beyond the Arts: Breaking Free from Functional Fixedness

While creativity is often associated with artistry, the truth is that creative thinking extends far beyond that. In fact, creativity is essential to all fields and daily life. Genein introduced the concept of functional agility, a term that refers to the ability of children (and highly creative individuals) to see and use objects in ways other than their intended purpose. Think about the common scenario where children turn a cardboard box into a spaceship, or a placemat into a hat. They don't see an object for its predefined function—they see it as a tool for their imagination.

Adults, on the other hand, tend to become "functionally fixed"—we see things only as they were designed to be used. In Genein's words, "a stapler is a stapler." However, people who exhibit high levels of creativity can break out of this fixed mindset. Just as a child might use a placemat as a hat, an entrepreneur or innovator can repurpose everyday items to serve new functions. Creativity thrives in environments that encourage divergent thinking—seeing a problem from multiple perspectives and not limiting oneself to conventional solutions.

Moreover, this flexibility is vital for businesses, particularly when developing new products or services. By combining diverse ideas and approaches, teams foster more innovative solutions. The conversation between Genein and Kassy highlights the idea that creative thinkers can break objects or concepts into smaller parts, then recombine them in novel ways. It’s this capacity for combinatorial thinking that fuels innovation, whether in the arts, business, or education.

Intercultural Competence: A Path to Inclusive Creativity

Intercultural creativity takes this concept a step further. It’s about recognizing that creativity flourishes when people from diverse backgrounds and experiences come together. In the world of education, teachers can boost students' creativity by bringing in diverse cultural perspectives and understanding their students' lived experiences. This intercultural exchange not only enriches students’ learning but also helps them develop a deeper empathy and appreciation for different viewpoints.

Genein underscored the importance of cultural competence—being open to new experiences and diverse cultural practices. When teachers are attuned to the cultural and creative differences in their students, they can create more inclusive environments that promote innovation. The most creative teams in business, as well as the most successful classrooms, are those that foster an open mindset. This means not only welcoming cultural diversity but actively engaging with it to enhance learning and problem-solving.

Additionally, Genein highlighted the Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI) as a valuable tool to assess one’s level of cultural competence. This assessment provides actionable steps for increasing one’s intercultural understanding, which ultimately strengthens creative collaboration across diverse groups.

Creativity and Entrepreneurship: A New Opportunity for All

In a world where technology has made so many opportunities more accessible, creativity isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity. For individuals with visual impairments, or those with other disabilities, the power of creativity can open doors to entrepreneurship. As Genein pointed out, the ability to create and innovate doesn’t have to be confined to traditional employment. With the rise of the digital economy, individuals can now explore creative solutions and generate income from home.

By fostering a creative mindset, we can empower people, especially those with sensory challenges, to embrace entrepreneurship. They don't need to conform to the traditional workforce model. With creativity and the right tools, they can thrive independently.

Final Thoughts: Embracing Creativity as a Lifestyle

The conversation between Genein and Kassy provides a rich framework for understanding how creativity and sensory awareness contribute to our overall growth—both as individuals and as communities. By encouraging creative thinking, sensory exploration, and cultural competence, we can unlock untapped potential within ourselves and others.

Whether it’s encouraging our children to explore their environment through their senses, breaking free from functional fixedness, or fostering intercultural creativity, the key takeaway is this: creativity isn’t a single skill—it’s a mindset. When we create an environment that nurtures creativity, we not only open doors for innovation, but we also foster a deeper connection between ourselves and those around us.

Ultimately, everyone has the potential to shine, and with the right mindset, we can all contribute to a more creative, inclusive, and innovative world.

Links mentioned:

Caffe Strategies, Website
Intercultural Development Inventory, Website
Create and Grow Rich, Podcast