Thoughts on innovation and fulfillment with Clemson’s Gail DePriest
Gail DePriest has found her purpose by helping others find their own, both in business and in life. As the Director of Leadership Development and Corporate Relations at Clemson University, she teaches college-aged students and older business professionals alike how to harness their creative potential.
Here are three lessons she strives to impart to her students.
Three Keys to Creativity with Gail DePriest
Showcase the Waterfall
I live in Greenville, which is just a vortex of creativity. I look at the Liberty Bridge down there, designed by Miguel Rosales, and how he designed it to pull back away from the waterfall, so the waterfall is free to be seen. In a very humble way, he said by that design, ‘I’m not going to make it about the bridge; I’m just going to showcase that beautiful waterfall.’ And I think that’s the reason his design was chosen.
With my own students, I teach a class on creativity and innovation on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, and on Saturdays we always take a break to walk down the street (during the TD Saturday Market) and meet makers in this city. Whether they’re showcasing candles they made or vegetables they grew, they’re all involved in creative endeavors, and that’s really what excites me.
You look at the waterfall, and what a rare and beautiful thing that is, and so I ask my own students, ‘What are your rare gifts? What do you have to offer that could help other people? How can you contribute to the world in a creative manner?’ Follow that.
Give Yourself Permission to Pause
I don’t think you can actually find your sense of purpose, properly understand yourself, or be your most creative if you’re not stepping back to a quiet, safe place where you can really be reflective. To really slow down and hear that inner voice, in terms of what it is you want to do. You cannot be creative if you are in a whirling dervish of people and ideas. You have to step away and say, ‘What’s best for me? What’s true for me? What works for me?’ Because it’s going to be different from anyone else, and you cannot compare yourself to other people. It is absolutely devastating when you do, because everyone is uniquely gifted.
Sometimes we feel we need to have permission to do this. But try to start pushing pause more. To say, ‘I’m standing in line, and that’s OK . . . I’m at the red light, and that’s OK . . . I’m reading a book now, and that’s OK.’ It’s more about stepping back and taking that quiet time and connecting with yourself spiritually. Because I think that’s where the real energy and creative ideas come from.
Draw Like a Child
When I’m teaching my grandchildren art, what’s great is they’ll try anything, they’ll do anything. They’re not afraid to be creative. That’s something I want to bring to my creativity class.
So when I’m teaching innovation and creativity to working professionals, people that show up in business suits, it’s a little bit like teaching creativity to kindergarteners. I have them draw each other on the first day. They literally have a poster board and markers and have to draw someone at their table. And they’re mortified at first. But then there’s a lot of laugher and a lot of fun, and it’s just getting them to start breaking down their fear. Any time you’re doing something creative, there’s a little bit of intimidation. Even just speaking a new idea out loud, it can be daunting. But when you can let your guard down and step outside your comfort zone, the ideas just get better.
Fast Facts about Gail DePriest
Courses taught: Innovation & Creativity, Leadership & Ethics, Strategic Career Management, and Advanced Leadership
Certification: Registered Corporate Coach, Worldwide Association of Business Coaches
Author of: The Journey Project: Nurturing the Spirit at Work (2013)
