Creativity, Growth, Innovation

The Getty Museum, Los Angeles

Keep dreaming your way to creativity. Creativity spawns innovation and innovation leads to new growth opportunities.  

One of my greatest joys is teaching classes on growing critical thinking through creativity. During the course,  one session involves bringing a group of community leaders to a museum to be inspired by creativity. This one change of pace can impact the day-to-day, sharpen focus on the details and refresh one's outlook in unexpected and positive new ways. Seeing something new, doing something new motivates creativity.  

Unhook yourself and your employees from their routine every once in a while. Encourage them to do something different. The benefits will be felt in the workplace immediately. 

Do you still dream ideas?

  

Are You Looking and Not Seeing?

Do you see your surroundings or are you spending too much time in your head…?

I knew I was spending too much time in my head when, upon returning from a recent walk, I had no recollection of my surroundings during my walk.

With the constant distraction of technological gadgets, I’m missing things.  There is no stop to multi-tasking all day long.  Are you trying to figure out your place in this conversion of human beings with technology?  As we are asked to do more with less time, are we doing everything well?

Recently I reserved some time to compose a letter. I proofed it and sent it out. The next day, the recipient pointed out a very important missing item – that I never should have missed.  

It was obvious. I was not present when I wrote the letter (even though I thought I was). Lots of other thoughts were filtering through my head -- not to mention texts and emails and calls. How did I allow myself on the hampster wheel when I tell everyone to watch out for it?

So, before I start in on something new, I am choosing to close my eyes and say, “This is what I am focusing on now.”  

I am consciously slowing down, organizing ideas and prioritizing; making realistic goals before moving forward. The work, the errands and the schedules will always be there.

Be present in all you do. By turning off all of the excess noise and distractions, the time we have is spent more wisely and we spend less time correcting our careless mistakes.