Think horizontally and vertically to solve your next creative challenge
The next time you're faced with a challenge that requires a creative solution, why not try exploring both "horizontal" and "vertical" approaches?
Innovation Vanguard Firms Show the Way to Beating the Downturn
Could the current economic downturn actually be sparking an upturn in innovation? I see subtle signs of that happening. Anemic corporate growth, the bursting of the bubble economy, and the merger hangover are creating a unique, one-time opportunity for those of us who are advocates for and practitioners of systematic innovation.
Reflections on ‘A Passion for Ideas’
I'm now in the process reading the book, "A Passion for Ideas" by Heinrich v.Pierer and Bolko v.Oetinger. It contains a series of chapter-length essays and one-on-one interviews with innovators from all walks of life. [...]
Quick and easy kaizen
I'm now in the process of reading The Idea Generator: Quick and Easy Kaizen by Bunji Tozawa and Norman Bodek. From the standpoint of innovation, it has a very interesting premise: The authors believe that [...]
Are your innovation ducks all in a row?
If being innovative is so important to organizations, then why is it so difficult to achieve?
Strategy: A portfolio approach to innovation
In his excellent book, Leading the Revolution, author Gary Hamel points out that most companies are extremely risk averse when it comes to developing and nurturing ideas and innovations. Too often, nascent ideas are strangled [...]
Skills of the ‘information literate’
As business becomes increasingly based upon knowledge and ideas, it’s becoming more important for knowledge workers to become more "information literate" -– comfortable with continuous learning, creative thinking and problem-solving and who have the ability [...]
Content Critical
I just started reading a book last week called "Content Critical," by Gerry McGovern. Its main focus is on why organizations need to adopt standards for "publishing" their content to the Web. What does this [...]
Photography: the Art of ‘Seeing’
There are a number of elements that contribute to creative photography, and which have metaphorical equivalents in the world of creative problem solving. Learn how to 'see' more effectively in both realms!
Tips for Personal Brainstorming
Everyone has problems and challenges that need solving; they're an inevitable part of living. What many people don't realize, however, is that most of them can be overcome using a simple, focused program of personal brainstorming. Here's how...
Continuous Learning: An Essential Strategy for your Personal Success
In today's fast-paced business world, no one's going to give you permission to engage in continuous learning -- a strategy that is essential to your future success. You must take the initiative yourself.
How to creatively leverage benefits from new technology – and beat your competition
Read this article to discover how becoming an 'early adopter' of technology can help you stay one step ahead of your competition.
Attitudes of creative people: A descriptive sketch of the creative person
What traits and attitudes makes a person creative? Earl Nightingale sheds some light on the subject.
‘Creativity is 99% perspiration and 1% inspiration.’ What does that mean?
We've all heard this popular expression about the creative 'spark' or the 'a-ha!' experience. But how does it work in real life?
A daily regimen of creative thinking
The tools for daily mind conditioning are those you may already have, according to Earl Nightingale.
Visualize Your Goals
Want to supercharge your goals? Then consider mapping them out on paper, using a simple yet powerful visualization technique called a Mindscape.
Visual Thinking: Executive Power Tool of the 21st Century
Visual thinking encompasses a variety of creative thinking techniques that rely on visual imagery to arrange your thoughts, plans and ideas.
Take time for ‘think time’
In today's fast-paced world, few of us take quiet time for creative thinking and problem solving. But we should!
Envision your future
In these times of rapid, profound change, you can't effectively plan your future by extrapolating the past.
Got a Problem? Take a ‘Walk’ Around It
Visualization - the powerful technique used by the world's best athletes to condition their subconscious minds for peak performance - is also a potent problem-solving tool. Here's a simple four-step visualization technique that can help you solve nearly any problem you may face.