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.
Rigorous data analysis
Problem identification is often considered the most boring aspect of creativity. But it is in fact the most crucial. If you're not working on the right problem, then you're working towards the wrong solution; all energy, time and resources are being wasted. Ideally, problem identification should occupy more time than idea generation.
Ask a group of ten people what the problem is and you are likely to get eleven answers.
Each suggestion the above group of individuals give will be valid in it's own way, but how do we really distinguish between the best and the least best answers?
The answer is to apply a rigorous standard of information analysis.
It is from rigorous data analysis that you are able to discover which of your clients provide most revenue, how each demographic responded to a marketing campaign, why your top clients didn't buy the green latest Aston Martin or why 70% of respondents thought your advertising campaign too patronising.
The above analysis yields a whole new set of problem identification answers and a higher probability that your solutions will not be misdirected.
These and other 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.
Kal Bishop, MBA
**********************************
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 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/
Women have made tremendous contributions to society at every level;... Read More
For your people, they want to do a great job... Read More
Based on a wild guess by a close associate of... Read More
Working virtually adds a whole new dimension to the phrase... Read More
Maximization methodologies have long been used in business to produce... Read More
In the call center environment we are often only as... Read More
Mistake #1: Going with the flowInexperienced interviewers sometimes fall into... Read More
Tis' the season for business and corporate gift-giving! If you... Read More
As crazy as it seems, some people spend more time... Read More
My experience working with thousands of leaders world wide for... Read More
This article relates to the Diversity in the Workplace Competency,... Read More
It is when the going gets better, that the going... Read More
On communication: One of the biggest strains on the communication... Read More
Take the pain out of gain and decrease the upheaval... Read More
A good consultant provides specialist abilities and experience, innovative ideas,... Read More
Before Gertrude Ederle began her historic swim off of Cape... Read More
THE MEASUREMENT OF TRAINING: Evaluation is one of the most... Read More
Since the beginning of the industrial era our world has... Read More
What is the no. 1 asset in your business beside... Read More
How long does it take your customers, clients or patients... Read More
Implementing an ISO 9001 system represents a major effort. However,... Read More
Do you struggle with a "problem" employee? If so, join... Read More
There's a programme currently running on BBC Television in the... Read More
Goals are critically important for the success of a meeting.... Read More
Everyone wants to succeed in life. And no one starts... Read More
JUGGLING DEMANDS: All leaders constantly juggle a multifarious array of... Read More
If you're old enough and were living in America about... Read More
Q: Why is a great business like a great marching... Read More
Left alone it doesn't take long for a building with... Read More
1st Fact: Interviewing applicants is the most common way companies... Read More
This facilitator's guide to running a stakeholder analysis workshop is... Read More
Managers make three mistakes when they try to run businesses.... Read More
Every day, everyone can make the world a better place.... Read More
THE CHANGING BOSS-SECRETARY RELATIONSHIP: Imagine a partnership at work. One... Read More
Sometimes.In fact making some small changes to the circumstances when... Read More
Transitioning from Vertical Hierarchies to Decentralized / Flatter OrganizationsThe need... Read More
This article was originally called "Do You Need a Business... Read More
Do you have more projects than time? Help might be... Read More
Creativity can be defined as problem identification and idea generation... Read More
Someone can say, 'Why do you oppose this?' So I'd... Read More
Meetings, whether they're regularly scheduled routines in your company or... Read More
Top businesses that continually lead their industry clearly understand a... Read More
This article relates to the Coworkers competency, commonly evaluated in... Read More
The reason jobs are often not done right and employees... Read More
Stop hiring new administrative support staff. And learn how to... Read More
Tis' the season for business and corporate gift-giving! If you... Read More
I have always said that if I were to write... Read More
Geshe Michael Roach is a Princeton graduate and a Buddhist... Read More
One of the biggest challenges any business owner or manager... Read More
Meetings ? they are a fact of our business lives.... Read More
It is 9:00 am on a Monday morning. Do you... Read More
Individual and corporate security stand in the center of the... Read More
Q: One of my key employees is giving me trouble.... Read More
Meriwether Lewis set the stage for the Corps of Discovery's... Read More
The steps need to be taken to prepare an organization... Read More
Like many, I watched the 134th Belmont Stakes hoping to... Read More
Creativity can be defined as problem identification and idea generation... Read More
Too many businesses wait until a crisis occurs before they... Read More
The business books at the library and book stores fill... Read More
Creativity can be defined as problem identification and idea generation... Read More
GROUP DECISION MAKING -- IDENTIFY THE PROBLEM: Tell specifically what... Read More
In today's era of Professional and IT Services competition and... Read More
The CultBecoming a part of the Cult, consists of being... Read More
Everyone wants to succeed yet everyone has a different perception... Read More
Based on a wild guess by a close associate of... Read More
What really amazes me, with all the personal and professional... Read More
Business Management |