Fast Company just reported IBM's findings among 1,500 CEO's interviewed about their leadership success. Their assessment: Creativity was/is the most important factor in leadership - even in the face of a downward market in the middle of a recession.

• When creativity doesn't fit in the same focus categories as we've always messed with, is creativity somehow harder?
• When we shore up our commitment to the "basics," is it tempting to do so with little to no creativity?

At Granger we're having lots of conversations about being "attractional" AND "missional;" about finding new ways to do ministry AND being true to the Gospel. People still matter. The message of God's grace through Jesus must still be communicated and lived out. It will require creativity, integrity, global thinking, influence, openness, dedication... (Check out Granger's AND Conference scheduled for Nov 2010)

By the way while some of us would jump at integrity's second place in this list, it's worth asking: Does integrity alone define leadership in our culture - in the marketplace or in church? Can a leader be upright, honest and faithful - and lack creativity, global thinking and influence?

What do you make of this list? How important is creativity in your leadership? In your church? In your business?

(read the entire article from Fast Company here)

Mark Waltz is pastor of connections at Granger Community Church in Granger, IN. He is the author of First Impressions: Creating Wow Experiences in Your Church and Lasting Impressions: From Visiting to Belonging. He consults and trains in the areas of guest services and relational connections in the local church. Catch his blog and contact him at becausepeoplematter.com. Follow him on twitter at http://twitter.com/MarkLWaltz