“Creativity and Personality: Insights from the Process Communication Model®”
The new research article “Creativity and Personality: Insights from the Process Communication Model®” by Sixtine Lefebvre and Anaëlle Camarda (June 2024) shows how the basic PCM personality types can influence creativity.
Haven't you ever wondered why some people are brimming with creative ideas, while others take a little longer to find that creative spark? Our latest research article offers fascinating insights into exactly this question!
The Connection Between Personality and Creativity
Our study explores the fascinating connection between personality types and the ability to generate ideas. To this end, we used the Process Communication Model (PCM), a tool originally developed in the 1970s and now used by companies and organizations worldwide. PCM divides personality structure into six types: Logician, Perseverer, Empath, Rebel, Dreamer, and Doer.
The “Egg Task”: A Creative Test
To test their creativity, we had the participants take on the so-called “egg challenge.” Their task was to come up with as many solutions as possible for dropping a chicken egg from a height of 10 meters without breaking it. Sounds easy? Think again! This challenge really puts creative thinking to the test.
Surprising Results
Our study shows that a person’s core personality type has a significant influence on creativity. Particularly striking: individuals with a “Dreamer” core type scored significantly higher on idea diversity and flexibility than the other core types. This means that core Dreamers were able to generate more and more diverse solutions. They are imaginative, reflective, and remain calm even in stressful situations—perfect prerequisites for peak creative performance.
What This Means for Businesses
For companies and teams, this means that having people with different core types can be a huge advantage. Core Dreamers, in particular, can excel at generating ideas and developing innovative solutions. But the other types within our personality also bring valuable strengths: On the Logician level of our personality, we are responsible, logical, and organized; on the Perseverer level, we are committed, attentive, and conscientious; on the Empath level, we are compassionate, sensitive, and warm-hearted; on the Rebel level, we are spontaneous, creative, and playful; on the “Dreamer” level, we are imaginative, reflective, and calm; and on the “Doer” level, we are adaptable, charming, and persuasive.
Encouraging Creativity
The results of our study suggest that fostering the individual strengths of each personality type can enhance a team's creative performance. Companies should strive to have a balanced mix of different personality types on their teams and to foster those individual strengths.
Conclusion
The combination of personality research and creativity research clearly shows that creativity is not just a matter of talent, but also of personality. With the right approach, anyone can develop their creative abilities and contribute to their team’s success.
Have we piqued your interest? Would you like to learn more about the process communication model or how you can foster creativity in your team? Visit our website and dive deeper into the world of personality research!
About the Authors
Sixtine Lefebvre works at Kahler Communication France and is an expert on the process communication model. Anaëlle Camarda is a researcher at Paris-Cité University and teaches at the Institut Supérieur Maria Montessori. Together, they conducted this fascinating study and gained new insights into the connection between personality and creativity.
Downloads
