In an ever-evolving creative landscape, where innovation and originality are prized, the attitude of creatives plays a crucial role in determining their success.
Whether one is an artist, designer, writer, or musician, the mindset with which they approach their work significantly influences not only their personal growth but also the impact they have on their audience and the industry at large.
As the creative sector becomes increasingly competitive, professionals are urged to reflect on their attitudes and make necessary adjustments to foster growth.
Creativity is not solely about talent; it is also about how one perceives challenges, feedback, and collaboration.
A positive and growth-oriented attitude opens doors to new opportunities, while a negative or fixed mindset leads to stagnation.
The Deputy Minister for Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Mark Okraku-Mantey, has made a passionate plea to stakeholders in the creative industry to shed harmful habits that have been hindering the sector’s growth.
He argued that the creative industry’s failure to reach its full potential was due to the prevalent negative attitudes and poor collaboration among players.
He called for a change in the way stakeholders operate, stressing that honesty, accountability, and transparency were essential for progress.
“There is one particular area that I think we should look at, and this is very dear to me. Anytime we mention culture, we are quick to talk about the tangible and forget about the behavioural aspect. We don’t consume what we have. Do we believe in Ghana?
“Another one is corruption. We forget that the whole conversation about corruption is behavioural. If you fix the behaviour, all the other ones, whether it’s heritage, forts and castles, all the things that UNESCO is struggling with when it comes to Ghana, because our behaviours are fixed, we will end up fixing them ourselves.”
Mark Okraku-Mantey
Coined by psychologist Carol Dweck, a growth mindset is the belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through hard work, dedication, and learning.
Creatives with a growth mindset are more likely to take risks, experiment with new ideas, and learn from failures. They see challenges as opportunities for growth rather than insurmountable obstacles.
Mark Okraku-Mantey urged creatives to do things better than before.
“And so culture is not just the dance, the music, and all the things we want to talk about, it’s the roots of our culture. Because it’s our behavior that informs our culture. So please, this year, we want to see steps, things that show we are working on our game,” he added.
The creative industry often feels like a competitive arena, but a collaborative attitude yields greater rewards.
Working with others fosters new ideas and perspectives, leading to innovative solutions and richer creative outputs. Creatives should seek to build networks and partnerships rather than viewing peers solely as competitors.
Impact of Attitude on Growth
The relationship between attitude and growth is profound.
A proactive and positive attitude attracts opportunities. Whether it’s networking events, collaborations, or job offers, those with a can-do spirit are more likely to be noticed and approached by others in the industry.
Positive attitudes foster better relationships with colleagues, clients, and audiences. When creatives approach their work with enthusiasm and respect for others, they build a reputation as collaborative and reliable professionals.
Maintaining a positive mindset helps creatives stay motivated, especially during challenging times. A strong sense of purpose and belief in one’s abilities provide the drive needed to push through obstacles.
In a world where the creative industry is constantly shifting, the importance of attitude cannot be overstated. Creatives are urged to reflect on their mindsets and make necessary adjustments if they wish to see growth in their careers.
By embracing a growth mindset, creatives unlock their full potential and navigate the challenges of their profession with confidence.
The journey of creativity is not just about what one produces; it is also about how one approaches the process. With the right attitude, the possibilities for growth are limitless.
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