Quick Spoon: You’re Not “a Creative” (And Other Labels That Stick)
“You’re not a creative.”
It’s a simple phrase — but one that can have a lasting impact.
In this Quick Spoon, inspired by a conversation with Jess Lee, Ross explores how quickly we label people at work, and how those labels can shape behaviour in subtle but powerful ways.
From “creative” to “not creative”, “strategic” to “not strategic”, these categories can influence who speaks up, who contributes, and who holds back.
But creativity — like many capabilities — isn’t a fixed identity or a job title.
It shows up in how we solve problems, connect ideas, and approach challenges.
And the real risk?
We don’t just apply labels to others — we start to believe them about ourselves.
What This Episode Explores
- How labels form quickly in workplace settings
- Why labels can limit contribution
- The difference between identity and capability
- How internalised labels shape behaviour
- A simple reflection to increase awareness
Key Idea
The labels we carry can shape how we show up — often without us realising.
Reflection
What label might be shaping how you show up?
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Transcript
Jess: we were in kind of an innovation
type
session
and somebody said to me, well, you can't.
Get involved in this because you're not a creative.
Ross: Hi there, and welcome to People Soup, quick Spoon, real conversations about work leadership and being human grounded in behavioral science, with practical ideas you can actually use. I'm Ross McIntosh, and here's your quick spoon.
This one's about the labels we carry at work.That moment Jess describes, being told
she wasn't a creative, ,
and it shows how quickly we label people at work. Creative, not creative. Strategic, not strategic, but creativity isn't a job title. It shows up in how we solve problems,
How we connect ideas,
how we [:They don't just limit how we see others. They limit how we see ourselves. So maybe just notice this week, what label might be shaping how you show up? That's your quick spoon. Until next time, take care.
