Higher-level sports teams need players that can be counted on to be consistent in certain areas every game and, possibly, bring forth a night here and there where they exceed normal output. It's hard for a coach to give substantial playing time to someone that will be all over the place regarding production from game to game.
Is business the same way? Do we crave consistency so much in business that we stifle creative inspiration? Do alignment and engagement suffer when creative ideas don't come forth? Is it possible to have some of both in the same person or do we need to have a separate savant around to lead us into new places? Are you, as a leader, willing to empower your team to be creative?
I've been known in my career to have many periods of time where many things have come together at the same time and my work product (at work or elsewhere) has been really special and unique. Fortunately, I've generally been in situations where my boss and the situation allowed it and encouraged it.
There are varous items that come together when I get into a flow or "The Zone". I've consciously put myself into an attitude that is much more positive and inquisitive. That attitude adjustment has helped allow my creativity to flow. I've also given myself time to let these concepts spin around in my head and progress along various paths. Usually, this process has helped the concepts to coalesce into common themes and stories.
I have practiced higher levels of the Four Fundamental Force of Leadership, especially Respect.
Historically, my times of other-level performance have changed the way our team has done things or has looked at how we think about our customers and channels. Because I worked in small divisions within larger companies, I was 'sheltered' in a way that afforded me a way to challenge convention in ways that weren't available in the larger group. That atmosphere may have stifled me due to established processes, procedures and expectations.
Many times, ones that have the ability to have bouts of creativity aren't as successful when they are pressed to come up with other-level ideas. Einstein has said that some of his greater ideas came after he let go of thinking for a solution and just flowed. I suppose that's why 'in the shower moments' happen.
So, in answer to the title question, can an employee be consistent and have 'bouts' of explosive creativity? I believe the answer is yes, with a caveat. When people see the explosive creativity, they will tend to expect higher levels of consistent performance. I'm not certain it works that way. Their bout will bring a higher level of performance to make that creation a reality, but that level will come down once things have been established, until the next bout.
As you look to lead your team, or your child, or interact with colleagues and friends, consider setting up foundations for those around you to explore how they can see situations in new ways -to Respect - whether it be tactical and operational or strategic and visionary. Cramming stress down people's throats all the time will eventually bring them to a point where they can only look in front of their faces and do what they are told.