What do creativity managers do? Replace the word management with the word optimisation. That's what creativity managers do: they optimise the quality of the idea pool (creativity) and the implementation process (innovation). There are many methods of optimisation and the creativity leader must be aware of all of them, in other words, he or she must synthesise them for optimal effect. Areas [within creativity] that need managing include motivation, organisational culture, organisational structure, incremental versus radical effects and processes, knowledge mix, group structures, goals, process and valuation. Areas [within innovation] that need managing include idea selection, development / prototyping and the art of commercialisation. It is worth noting that 4000 good ideas result in 4 development programs, which in turn results in 1 winner. Engagement in rest and unrelated activities Insight is often explained as something like this, "I was walking across a traffic light and then the idea came to me!" The apple falling on Newton's head is a classic example of this idea of aha! or Eureka! It is a classic example of this concept that ideas occur out of the blue. However, ideas do not occur out of the blue. The mind is at some point exposed to the problem, whether this be at the conscious or subconscious level, works on that problem at various cognitive levels and then arrives at a solution. This process that leads to insight consists of the following at least: a) Problem identification. b) Intense investigation. c) Forced solution seeking. d) Stimuli search. e) Allowing the unconscious to take over through rest and engagement in unrelated activities. Engagement in unrelated activities is a core part of the process toward insight, and within the framework above, is essential to parts d) and e). Engagement in unrelated activities is also a core element in the expansion of tacit knowledge and bridging: the linking and crossing of incongruous domains. Both are critical to effective creativity management. Learn more Download the MBA research, learn about this topic at http://www.creativity-management.com/ You can also receive a regular, free newsletter by entering your email address at this site. Kal Bishop, MBA ********************************** You are free to reproduce this article as long as no changes are made, the author's name is retained and the link to our site URL remains active. |
