“Invitation to Innovation”, by Mary Lou Leistikow (Tijgernoot)

Yesterday we had a really interesting workshop from Mary Lou Leistikow. Thanks again, both Arno and Mary Lou, for delivering this unique chance.

The workshop was about how to deal with creative ideas.

This picture clearly shows her shiny character:

I made some notes during the workshop and I’ll try to give you guys an idea of what the workshop was about.

Think tanks (brainstormsessies) are not of this century anymore. That is, when you are not using the right techniques.

Her inspiration comes from dr. Edward de Bono. One of the people who had a major influence on the way we think. It’s about lateral thinking.

You really have to be updated on everything that’s going down in this world. Spotting the newest trends is therefore really important. On the website: www.springwise.com you can spot the newest business ideas and trends. And if you spot something new, you can become a spotter yourself. (don’t publish your unique ideas to soon is what I am thinking)

“Imagination is more important than knowledge”, said dr. Einstein. Keep that in mind.

When in a think thank. Ask 6 managers for a definition for creativity. You will get 6 different answers. This easy assignment imidiately points out what the problem in the company is. How can you manage when everyone isn’t focussed in the right direction?

Mary Lou’s definition of creativity is: “Making connections you did not ‘see’ before”.  Important with creativity is humor and the simple rule: Rules don’t rule!

 Mary Lou’s definition of innovation is: “Implementing the creative idea, successfully”.

 

Dr Bono’s Creative thinking process:

1. Select a define focus
2. Generate ideas
3. Capture a work with output
4. Result: New Ideas

Focus – creative energies on opportunities as well as problems.

Creative assignment: Choose a random word and connect this with the question (problem). Very handy for new insights and strange new ideas. BUT: Don’t judge new ideas! Then you are blocking your creative thoughts. When somebody presents you a creative thought don’t say ‘Yes, but…’, but always say ‘Yes, and…’.

Remember this:

• No judging
• No criticism
• Quantity above quality
• Diversity

When you have created your specific ideas, beginning of ideas (impossible ones) and concepts you can start harvesting. First you cluster all the ideas that have something in common. Then you start converging the ideas into one logical idea. Therefore you have to use treatment. Treatment means transform bundled ideas. The treated idea is the idea where the most value is added.

Consider real life constraints like cost, legality, timelines, technical feasibility etc. Modify your idea to fit them.

This was in short what the workshop was about. It maybe a bit fuzzy if you didn’t participate, but if you look at google on dr. Bono or Mary Lou Leistikow you are finding millions of pages full of useful information, so knock yourself out and keep in mind:

 

“Do not dare to have an AVARAGE day”