Creativity can be defined as problem identification and idea generation whilst innovation can be defined as idea selection, development and commercialisation.
There are other useful definitions in this field, for example, creativity can be defined as consisting of a number of ideas, a number of diverse ideas and a number of novel ideas.
There are distinct processes that enhance problem identification and idea generation and, similarly, distinct processes that enhance idea selection, development and commercialisation. Whilst there is no sure fire route to commercial success, these processes improve the probability that good ideas will be generated and selected and that investment in developing and commercialising those ideas will not be wasted.
Incubation and Insight
Two of the most common terms in the field of creativity include Eureka! Or Aha! Often these terms are used to describe that moment when an idea has occurred "out of the blue." This whole set of terminology and the inherent assumptions are misleading.
a) Ideas do not occur out of the blue. The mind works on various problems at various cognitive levels. Aha or Eureka is the moment when solutions to problems become conscious. If Newton did discover gravity while sitting under an apple tree, it is because his mind was engaged with the topic of planetary motion and the memes of his times.
b) The process of allowing the mind to work on various problems is calle incubation. Allowing incubation to take place results in richer solutions than if time pressure were used to elicit responses. But time pressure also has benefits ? it increases output thus leading to higher probabilities of quality ideas emerging.
c) Aha and Eureka are terms that trigger bad thinking. Insight is better.
These topics are covered in depth in the MBA dissertation on Managing Creativity & Innovation, which can be purchased (along with a Creativity and Innovation DIY Audit, Good Idea Generator Software and Power Point Presentation) from http://www.managing-creativity.com/
You can also receive a regular, free newsletter by entering your email address at this site.
You are free to reproduce this article as long as no changes are made and the author's name and site URL are retained.
Kal Bishop MBA, is a management consultant based in London, UK. He has consulted in the visual media and software industries and for clients such as Toshiba and Transport for London. He has led Improv, creativity and innovation workshops, exhibited artwork in San Francisco, Los Angeles and London and written a number of screenplays. He is a passionate traveller. He can be reached on http://www.managing-creativity.com/
The term crisis management has different connotations. In this article,... Read More
Solving a big problem is a project: you're far more... Read More
Leadership in Troubled Times The... Read More
"We have to be careful it's like a minefield out... Read More
Does your organisation have one of those annual 'occasions' that... Read More
The Critical Success Factors Focusing on the... Read More
Creativity can be defined as problem identification and idea generation... Read More
Here's a productivity tip that will save you a lot... Read More
Do you have piles of paper on your desk. Many... Read More
TEAM DECISION MAKING: Managers who invite participation believe that people... Read More
People in leading positions are often in a dilemma: on... Read More
Like many, I watched the 134th Belmont Stakes hoping to... Read More
This article relates to the Ethics in the Workplace competency,... Read More
Creativity can be defined as problem identification and idea generation... Read More
Standardizing Quality SystemsThe ISO, or International Organization for Standardization, was... Read More
Last month, my featured article was about creating a "Stop... Read More
Interested in learning how to reduce development time, save money... Read More
Many times business owners can have significant differences in management... Read More
From the personal and professional experiences of other colleagues and... Read More
My client had faced the same challenge, which was frustrating... Read More
Okay, so you've figured out what kind of meeting is... Read More
It's clear to me that a workplace is a better... Read More
This article relates to the Compensation and Benefits competency, commonly... Read More
'I heard it on the grapevine' the old song goes.... Read More
The litany of headaches related to the implementation and on-going... Read More
GROUP DECISION-MAKING: Many managers feel they are well-versed in areas... Read More
In our fast paced work culture, manned by technology savvy... Read More
Managing a meeting is like setting off on a long... Read More
You can use this step-by-step method to hire applicants who... Read More
When you create your profit and loss statement to assess... Read More
As a manager, it is your job to ensure that... Read More
Leadership is lifting a person's vision to higher sights, the... Read More
In running any kind of business, it's inevitable that sometimes... Read More
One of the major benefits, if not THE benefit of... Read More
There are so many ways to jump start your prifits... Read More
I've always been fascinated by situations where art imitates real... Read More
Take some bold steps and help your employees and business... Read More
In light of recent corporate scandals, from Enron and Global... Read More
Hiring good people is only half the battle. The other... Read More
The ability to solve complicated problems quickly is more important... Read More
This article relates to the Recognition competency, commonly evaluated in... Read More
Q: How much do I have to worry about what... Read More
Q: One of my former employees has launched an online... Read More
Creativity can be defined as problem identification and idea generation... Read More
A framework is a way of thinking, a point-of-view, a... Read More
Human Resource Communications and Corporate Communications ? are they one... Read More
Can a person's behavior and values really determine if they... Read More
Trust is essential. You can't run a business without it.... Read More
Today's employees are not only interested in security or in... Read More
In my organisational career, I had budgets from the age... Read More
The second you quit being the 'best deal' for your... Read More
When people or groups make a decision to purchase something,... Read More
This article relates to the Team Dynamics competency, which evaluates... Read More
Managers who aren't loyal to their people can't expect loyalty... Read More
Are you ready to raise money for your startup?Leslie Mitts,... Read More
1. Base your business in the Magic Triangle. Honesty, integrity,... Read More
Quality Assurance, or QA, is often given short shrift in... Read More
Standardizing Quality SystemsThe ISO, or International Organization for Standardization, was... Read More
Step 1Get the proper level of Six Sigma expertise at... Read More
Does the idea of program evaluation make your stomach churn?... Read More
Imagine the following scenario; Ten years ago you decided to... Read More
An ongoing series of articles exploring the seven critical areas... Read More
Employee motivation is probably the most important single manageable factor... Read More
A paper manufacturer with over 300 employees once announced that... Read More
Become a better boss and reap the benefitsAnother interesting study... Read More
It seems incongruous that good idea generation can be a... Read More
Business Management |