Creativity and Innovation Management: The Creative State

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.

The Creative State

Often the creative state is described in almost "spiritual" terms. However, these analysis are misleading and do not help to make creativity tangible, measurable and useable.

The creative state is the result of a combination of factors:

a) The creative state is actually a problem solving state. It is identifying a problem and solving it. It is moving from an original state to a goal state.

b) The creative state is actually an idea generating state. This state is a creative thinking state as opposed to a critical thinking state. Ideas are expressed without evaluation. As large a number of ideas is produced, as large a number of novel ideas is produced as possible and as large a number of diverse ideas is produced as possible. The production of ideas without seeming relevance or direction encapsulates the concept of lateral thinking.

c) The creative state is actually an unblocked state. Most blocks are the result of some sort of evaluation apprehension ? when these have been removed, the "feeling" of flow becomes more apparent.

d) The creative state is actually a competent state. It is where a high level of competency has been attained in the endeavour. Along with competency comes confidence.

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/

In The News:

pen paper and inkwell


cat break through


A Management Strategy

I witnessed some interesting behaviour from one of our premier... Read More

Entitlement Programs Kill Productivity

In articles I've written over the years, I have used... Read More

An Honest Look at Your Business

There is a difference between being comfortable and being in... Read More

How to Manage Your People Well: Tips for Managers of Training

As a training manager, there are two important aspects to... Read More

A Leadership Lesson: Two Guys With Guns

PERMISSION TO REPUBLISH: This article may be republished in newsletters... Read More

Hire People For What They Do Best

I recently flew from Seattle to Atlanta, I realized, just... Read More

How to Coach Your Emplyees and Increase Motivation

It is easy to spot the difference between a work... Read More

How Businesses Can Stop Wallowing in Bad Debt and Prevent It in the Future

"Become the Squeaky Wheel", a new book just published, explains... Read More

ISO 9001 2000, Getting Started on The Route To Registration

ISO 9001 2000, Getting startedBefore starting the ISO 9001 2000... Read More

Too Much Time Treating Symptoms

A man drives down the highway each day on his... Read More

The Silent Assassin - What to Do When They Visit You?

IntroductionThere are a group of people in the community that... Read More

The Cheapest, Forget It !

Wouldn't it be great if we got get the cheapest... Read More

Tales from the Corporate Frontlines: Coworker and Caretaker

This article relates to the Coworkers competency, commonly evaluated in... Read More

Innovation Management ? Flexibility

Creativity can be defined as problem identification and idea generation... Read More

Personnel Access Poses a Continued Risk

The Security Consultant's Perspective...Implementing Personnel Security Initiatives should be the... Read More

The Seven Cs: Partnership Danger Signs - Conflict Becoming the Norm ? Part 2

A series of articles exploring the seven critical areas that... Read More

Inspirational Power ( Part 1 )

The Fundamentals of Strategic Marketing, Some Key Traits for Greater... Read More

Leadership Skills Means Turnover is Not a Problem

"Ha!" you say. "For someone to make a statement like... Read More

Use QA As Your First Step To Outsourcing

Quality Assurance, or QA, is often given short shrift in... Read More

4 Tips on How to Avoid Communication Lines Breakdown

For example, in a small, two-person company, there is often... Read More

How to Delegate Effectively

ACCOUNTABILITY: Delegation is not complete unless subordinates are held accountable... Read More

The Devil We Know

"I'm in an abusive relationship," sighed Andrew. "My bookkeeper annoys... Read More

Improved Communication to Improve Results

Facilitating good communication can make the difference between a well... Read More

Data Delivers Credibility

Over the past couple of days I've been setting up... Read More

Lateral Thinking, Logical Thinking, Applied Creativity

Certain processes enhance creative output and others enhance innovative output.... Read More

The Thick Line Between Buddy and Boss

Q: One of my key employees is giving me trouble.... Read More

Why I always Keep my Promises

Integrity is very important to me, and I try hard... Read More

Hows Your HUB?

Marketing gurus are always coming up with new lingo but... Read More

Management Consultants, Creativity, Innovation

Most firms have intelligent, capable, knowledgeable managers who are very... Read More

Group Meeting Disrupters

MEETING DISRUPTERS: If two participants are carrying on a personal... Read More

Rapport - How to Build it with Your Team

I've often heard managers say - "My door is always... Read More

Pricing Strategy for Retail Flower Shops

When you create your profit and loss statement to assess... Read More

Corporate Governance for Business Owners

It is clear that good Corporate Governance is in the... Read More