Break Up with Corporate
Culture: Preserve creativity
Heather Ryan, Psy.D.
Psychologist | Former UX Researcher
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In the next 10
minutes…
Layers of “corporate” culture
Creativity
Individual contributors
Managers & leaders
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Layers of Culture
Corporate
Department
Team
Individual
Contributor
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Creativity
The ability to generate or recognize
ideas that make something new or
solve a problem.
S1, E1 - supermarket materials
S13, E2 - movie theater materials
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I did some research!
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Your Environment…
Managers….
Create psychological safety on your team
(Resource: Dr. Amy Edmondson)
ICs…
Consider your workspace
All 7 senses (the usual plus vestibular &
proprioception)
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Communicate!
Managers….
High and wide your team’s process
Set realistic expectations for work
What does your team need?
What does each IC need?
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Communicate!
ICs…
Teammates for feedback & inspo
Manager for opportunities
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Consider Work Norms…
Managers….
Flexibility (e.g. 9a-5p mandate?)
Communicating availability
Group creative exercises (non-work related, e.g.
“progressive designs”)
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Consider Work Norms…
ICs...
Address your calendar situation
● Defensive scheduling
● Color coding
● Strategic meeting attendance
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Consider Work Norms…
ICs...
Use other tools wisely
● Organize your files!
● To do lists - kanban style
● Go async