Creative intelligence seems to be a thing right now.

The trick is to know how to connect with it. You want to be able to connect and collaborate with this intelligence to complete a task, especially when you’re dealing with a new or unusual situation or when you want to perform a task in a state of flow.

Let me share my go-to strategy.

You can use archetypes to connect and collaborate with your creative intelligence.

Archetypes can unlock your creative genius out of the bottle. Possessing a high level of creative intelligence works like an inbuilt compass that lets you generate ideas, insights and inspiration. All of which you need these days if you want to be able to navigate your way through this world of accelerating change.

Here’s how to use archetypes to connect and collaborate with your creative intelligence:

You’re going to characterise your creative intelligence by naming it and allocating it to the task at hand.

• Define your task.
• Choose an archetype by thinking about what you’re trying to achieve.
• Which archetype could help you to complete that specific task?

For example, maybe your creative intelligence required for the task is best characterised by the artist archetype, or the lover, or the muse. Is it the mystic, magician or visionary? Could it be the storyteller, engineer or genius?

The first thing you do when you meet someone is to learn their name. Then if you want to work with them, you build a relationship from there. Journalling is one way to do that. Make a list of questions you want to ask the archetype. Interview your archetype and record the responses. Then watch what happens.

While creative intelligence is useful when you’ve run out of options, it’s better not to wait until you reach the point of desperation. Otherwise, desperation becomes a barrier to creativity.

Your creative intelligence behaves like a shapeshifter. It’s adaptable so it shapes itself according to your requirements. Don’t take it for granted. You don’t need to block your creativity.

If you really want to collaborate with your creative intelligence, then you would treat it like your best friend. With respect. You wouldn’t only ever call on them at the last minute and expect them to be available and supportive.

If you nurture, protect and honour your creative intelligence on a regular basis, then you’ll find that it won’t let you down.

Sternberg, Robert J 2022, Investment Theory of Creativity, Robert J Sternberg <www.robertjsternberg.com/investment-theory-of-creativity>.