Setting the Preconditions for Creativity

For the meeting to amount to anything, for it to make a difference in the wider scheme of things you’re going to need creativity.

Lots of it.

Yours, your colleagues, in fact everyone’s creativity.

Because without creativity there will be no new ideas.

And without new ideas – great ideas – there can be no real progress.

And without real progress, you’re hardly going to become more successful.

Be sure you really take on board this point as it’s crucial.

There’s no success without progress.

And there’s no progress without ideas – great ideas

And there can be no ideas without ordinary people being creative.

So you have to start thinking about how to get everyone in a creative mood, and willing to give of themselves and their ideas to help generate that great idea you’re hunting for.

So always set the preconditions for creativity.

Start by stating openly that we need a better solution.

Ask people if they agree that a better solution is required.

Show enthusiasm for the Vision.

Obtain their agreement.

Then go to work.

Ask for their ideas, and add your own ideas.

Challenge, cajole, flatter. Pass the ball around.

Pin ideas up on the wall, or flip chart.

Repeat the Vision. Use the language of Enablers and Blockers.

Then catch the lightning when it strikes – and write it down fast.

Exercise 31:

Here are four great habits

• Enthuse over the Vision. State how important it is to you.

• State how we need new better ideas.

• Work up ideas together. It’s fun.

• Catch the lightning.

Repeat them in your mind until you know them off by heart.

> How often are Great Ideas required?