Feature: Business talent that drives creativity, problem-solving, and discovery

By Timothy A. Edward

With all that is happening in the world, is there a particular business talent we should aspire to have? What is the key ability needed to be creative, solve problems, and make new discoveries?

Art of Innovation

Most of us have used a vacuum cleaner at some point in our lives, but its invention carries an inspiring story. In 1901, Hubert Cecil Booth, an engineer and inventor, had a conversation with an elderly cleaner after a Christmas party. The cleaner spoke about the need for a more efficient cleaning method, which inspired Booth to create a power suction device - revolutionising household cleaning.

Similarly, many other inventions came from casual conversations with seemingly insignificant people - children, workers, or strangers. These moments of listening sparked groundbreaking discoveries.

Foundation of Innovation: Communication

As humans, we communicate constantly. But do we truly understand how to communicate effectively?

Communication thrives on essential elements such as respect, trust, empathy, shared interests, and mutual support. High-performance teams leverage these qualities to their advantage. If we aim to master communication, we must actively work on these aspects - elements that are often neglected in today's digital world of mobile phones, social media, and AI-driven conversations.

None of us are perfect communicators. When we listen and respond while incorporating trust, respect, and empathy, our communication becomes transformative. Yet, we all falter in different ways, leading us to be perceived negatively ‘bad’ in others' stories

Consider the recruitment process: when HR asks for references, candidates tend to provide those who will speak favourably of them. However, if HR conducted a 360-degree reference check, they might uncover the frailties, shortcomings, and idiosyncrasies even in the best candidates.

Power of Trust and Empathy

Trust is one of the hardest commodities to earn. Then, many of us lack empathy, often failing to put ourselves in another person's shoes. This fast-paced, data-driven world leaves little room for genuine connection. Yet, stepping into another’s perspective provides invaluable insight into their struggles, challenges and unique situations that they are facing.

Unfortunately, we are also quick to judge, but judgement obstructs meaningful relationships. When we judge others, we invite judgement upon ourselves and our families - multiplied many times over. This principle reflects a fundamental law of life.

Respecting boundaries in communication is equally critical. Every person is unique, much like fingerprints. Honouring individuality in communication enriches marriages, families, work relationships, and community engagements.

Communication and Touch

Have you considered the relationship between communication and touch? Observe how friends connect when they meet. Think about how we interact with babies and children - do we simply talk to them, or do we touch, cuddle, and handle them with love? The most humane form of communication involves warmth and affection.

At the bedside of a loved one who is passing away, conversation often includes gentle words, quiet reflections and sometimes even shared jokes and laughter. However, when the final moment arrives, words fade, and touch takes over - people hold hands, grasp arms, or rest their hands on their loved one's feet, silently saying their goodbyes.

Listening to the Inner Voice

Each of us carries an inner voice deep within.  As we communicate, we must cultivate the ability to listen to this quiet guidance, discerning what is right and meaningful in our life situations. Doing so shifts us from being perceived as "bad" in others' stories to becoming good, even excellent. This growth enables us to contribute uniquely to humanity - whether through discoveries, creative frameworks, healthy recipes, business models, or breakthrough inventions.

I recall one of the wealthiest individuals in Sri Lanka, when asked how he amassed such great wealth, mentioning that before making any investment, he first consults his inner voice. As a result, he never made a bad investment.

But what about us? Do we take the time to listen to our inner voice before making decisions - including business decisions? Communicating with this inner voice may well be one of the highest forms of communication.

By embracing trust, empathy, and respect in our communication, and by consulting our inner voice and learning to discern, we gain the ability to create, solve problems, and unlock new possibilities.