Halloween has always been my favorite time of year. I love the creativity, the imagination, the chance to transform ordinary spaces into something magical or…spooky. I have scaled back a bit over the years, but I used to go all out. We’re talking full-blown decorations: fog machines, glowing pumpkins, creepy music, the works. There’s something about creating an experience that has always inspired me. Giving people something worthy of stopping, looking, feeling is rewarding. And, who am I kidding, it’s simply so much fun.
Turning Spooky Moments Into Opportunities
That same playful, imaginative energy is part of who I am and guides how we approach work at Alder. Airfield construction might not sound like a place for imagination, but every project has its own puzzles to solve, personalities to coordinate, and challenges to overcome. Sometimes the “spooks” at work are a little too real: a piece of equipment left in the wrong spot on the airfield, or a miscommunication that could delay a complex project.
These moments aren’t fun in the same way costumes, candy, and decor are, but they do remind me why creativity and careful planning matter. They turn potential scares or dangers into opportunities to strengthen systems, improve communication, and build trust with the team. And just like Halloween, the more thought and imagination you put in, the better the outcome. And that is fun as a leader, knowing the approach you’re taking is getting you the kind of results you want.
Caring About People Is Part of the Job
And it’s not just the technical side of leadership that matters. Creative leadership also means caring about people; their well-being, confidence, and ability to contribute ideas. After all, 84 % of U.S. workers report that workplace conditions have contributed to at least one mental health challenge, according to a 2024 report by MindShare Partners. A different study that year by LIMRA shows three-quarters saying they’ve experienced at least one mental-health challenge in the past year. As a former counselor this is no surprise. When employees feel safe, supported, and empowered, they are far more likely to speak up, innovate, and stay engaged.
For us at Alder, this looks like encouraging team members to share ideas, raise concerns, and think creatively about solutions, even when the unexpected happens. Research shows that 72 % of leaders feel they are not engaged enough in fostering creativity, and 58 % say their organizational culture does not reward it, according to an HR Daily Advisor Report in 2024. And NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, reported this year that nearly half of U.S. workers worry about being judged if they share mental health struggles, and 42 % fear career impact. Talk about scary! We know a psychologically safe, creative environment helps dismantle those barriers.
Creativity Boosts Performance and Safety
When employees feel supported and safe to speak up and innovate, the benefits go beyond mental wellness, they show up in performance. Teams that are encouraged to problem-solve, share their thoughts, and experiment tend to be more efficient, safer, and more resilient. At Alder, allowing employees to suggest solutions or flag potential hazards reduces errors, prevents delays, and keeps safety incidents low, no matter what job they hold. Research consistently shows that workplaces which reward innovation see better retention, higher employee satisfaction, and measurable performance gains. Creative leadership shapes outcomes you can see and measure.
Finding the Magic in Every Project
Just like my Halloween productions, the best projects are a mix of imagination, surprises, and a little thrill. It’s about embracing challenges with curiosity, turning moments that could challenge you into opportunities to shine, and making the ordinary feel a little extraordinary. That’s the kind of magic that keeps work exciting, rewarding, and satisfying.