I saw a quote today that made me further reflect on creativity and vision – which I believe are the most difficult competencies to master as a leader - and the ones that Steve Jobs probably most excelled in.

The quote was:

“The creative person wants to be a know-it-all. He wants to know about all kinds of things: ancient history, nineteenth-century mathematics, current manufacturing techniques, flower arranging, and hog futures. Because he never knows when these ideas might come together to form a new idea. It may happen six minutes later or six months, or six years down the road. But he has faith that it will happen." — Carl Ally

In my mind, very few leaders are that creative or that visionary. Most deal with the day-to-day grind and use people competencies and decision-making competencies and do fairly well. But the sad thing is they really do not generate new notions and concepts. We often hear the phrase, “same-old, same-old.” I think that is descriptive of many leaders.

The answer to me is found in the quote – those who strive to be “liberal arts” oriented and are seekers of expansive and wide-ranging information will boost their creativity.