Top 10 Creative Ideas: In Business, In Life
The following top 10 creative ideas come from a feedback report I had access to from the “What’s the Big Idea” conference held recently on the east coast of Australia. I thought these ideas deserved a second look and some comments.
ONE: Don’t Trust Big Idea Lectures (we need to do our own investigations and tests)
Don’t trust salespeople – right there is a golden rule of life. There are natural rewards for diligence enough to ‘serve yourself’. We know what we want most of the time, so why not trust our instincts?
TWO: Fail well and early
When I was a year old we learned to walk. We fell and we did it often. We probably hurt ourselves many times and fell awkwardly on the floor or against furniture; However, we didn’t give up, did we? At that age and stage we wanted to learn; U.S Dyed learn. Our sense of curiosity and desire was strong. However, as time went on, we learned that failure wasn’t that much fun, especially during school. We became ridiculous and then resisted raising our heads only to have them cut off quickly. Failure had consequences to say.
Failing well and early requires courage; boldness and bravery. It’s even better for teams to embrace this – imagine team members applauding each other for failure! – For trying … Realistically, who cares when we fail? It is not death. We are one step closer to success.
THREE: Have at least one dumb idea a day.
Silly ideas are becoming more and more popular. Once we get past the mockery factor and give so-called stupid suggestions an unbiased audience, we are often amazed at how innovative they really can be. Innovation can be defined as “implementing creative ideas”. Think about it, as Edward De Bono said: “Creativity is always obvious in hindsight.” Most creative ideas that lead to innovation are initially somewhat ridiculous.
FOUR: Wait for the world
Why wouldn’t we expect the best results if we are doing all the required work? Shooting for the stars is making the most of opportunities.
FIVE: Be like a child
Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. “[1] This applies to situations on this side of heaven as well as those in the afterlife. Who is less, earns more.
In order for the creative juices to really flow, we need to stop being smart-ass and we may learn a few things. Learning is also a lot more fun from a child perspective. There are three more reasons for becoming more childish: Children don’t overcomplicate things, they are more trusting, and they are also less likely to fall for moral temptations.
SIX: Do nothing, create space
We know this implicitly, I’m sure. Where we mentally create space, we have room to take on new things. We couldn’t fill our car’s fuel tank if it was already full; the same applies to our minds. When we are very busy, we don’t have the time or energy to be creative. Doing nothing may seem like procrastination, but if we’re intentionally freeing up space, it’s good news to encourage the next wave of creative splendor.
SEVEN: Thieve
There is no need to be shy, there is nothing wrong with ‘reappropriating’ the thought, as long as it is properly recognized. (Please note my thanks at the end of this article).
EIGHT: Home
How often do we become paralyzed with analysis? Some wonderful ideas are never implemented. Talk about frustration! Start. Should. Start. Start. Instigate. Initiated. Now.
NINE: Challenge
Challenging requires critical thinking and courage to face. Neither is easy in all settings, but when we challenge things, particularly ‘groupthink’, we unlock the key to doing the right thing, and not just doing it right.
TEN: Leadership is a verb.
Leaders differ from aspiring what they do. They do things that show leadership, and many of these things are contrary to the usual way. Leadership is creative; they’re synonyms. Like love, leadership is distinguished in doing.
I thank Mr. Gino Valenti and Mr. Nigel Collins for providing the framework for this information.
Copyright © 2008, Steven John Wickham. All rights reserved throughout the world.
NOTE:
[1] Matthew 18: 3-4 (NIV).
