Innovate

The experts claim that we can all be more creative. See some quotes from the Creativity special issue of New Scientist magazine (October 2005).
“Merge two previously separate concepts that are in conflict with one another. For example, combinations such as ‘friendly enemy’ and ‘healthful illness. The more discrepant the concepts, the more likely they are […]

Most creativity techniques are concerned with forcing us out of our usual ways of looking at things.
The lateral thinking techniques of Edward de Bono are typical. De Bono is renowned for his highly effective systematic approaches to generate alternative points of view. However, while the term that De Bono popularised, ‘lateral thinking’ is often used […]

Look at your life and all its aspects and activities, and consider, one by one, reversing everything!
This exercise will give you a fresh look at who you are and what you do, and will allow you to make changes where appropriate, and to leave things as they are when you realise they are satisfying […]

We are all creative. It is self evident that some people are more naturally creative than others, but we are all capable of developing our creativity from whatever level it is currently at.
Creativity is about seeing or making new connections. As Albert Szent-Gyorgy, the discoverer of Vitamin C put it, ‘Genius is seeing what everyone […]

A common problem for teams who work towards a common purpose but do different things for most or all of the time, is how to build co-operation and understanding across the team. Most enlightened team leaders recognise either explicitly or implicitly the unique and valuable contribution each team member is able to make. However, is […]

As part of a global innovation programme, the worldwide insurer, Allianz, has been looking to develop practical creativity in the workplace. Here Anthony Landale outlines the drivers for innovation and reports on the drive for new thinking at all levels of the business.   
  
Innovation is a big game in business. It promises to break open rigid […]

What do you do when faced by a difficult problem?
In many organisations, the only technique used to try to generate fresh thinking and new ideas is ‘the brainstorm’. Results from brainstorming sessions are often disappointing for all concerned. Then, you also have to work out how to deal with mental blocks.
The truth is that we […]

I heard a story the other day (it may be apocryphal) about an irate BBC manager who walked into his office one morning and noticed that every single member of his staff was reading The Guardian. He flew into a rage. His exasperation, however, wasn’t caused by his disapproval of that particular publication but by […]

Problem = something difficult to deal with or solve; question or puzzle set for solution
Opportunity = favourable time or condition; good chance
What are your problems?
As soon as you start thinking about the exact nature of your problems you’ll recognise that they come in two rather different shapes. In the first instance, you will tend to […]

Let’s face it, many organisations today wave the corporate flag for creativity, but far fewer are able to point to specific improvements that have arisen from creative initiatives. And many seem to remain focused on the ‘same old - same old’.
They should be able to do so. Creativity is a ‘must- have’; both for individuals […]