Many of you are trying to determine what your next step should be during this economic slowdown.  We approached this challenge and generated various options.  Now these incredibly savvy women have learned a new creative thinking tool to generate ideas. 

We began with a group session and developed a mind map using many colors, visuals, and words.   This allowed them to use radiant thinking and their whole brain to map out their future.

It is during an economic slowdown that creative thinking and innovation is most critical.  By learning the various techniques and innovation processes available to stimulate creative thinking, you equip yourself for competitive advantage.  One of my favorite techniques is iMindMapping.  To learn more about this software, please go to http://www.imindmap.com/ ]]> http://appliedconceptscreativity.com/index.php/2009/09/25/creative-thinking-tools-give-witi-women-the-competitive-advantage-during-an-economic-slowdown/feed/ 0 http://appliedconceptscreativity.com/index.php/2009/09/14/what-is-creativity/ http://appliedconceptscreativity.com/index.php/2009/09/14/what-is-creativity/#comments Mon, 14 Sep 2009 15:05:32 +0000 Connie Harryman http://www.appliedconceptscreativity.com/?p=127

Use a systematic approach for creative thinking!

Creativity is about coming up with new ideas.  Creativity is the front end of innovation.  Before you can begin to innovate, you must come up with a great new idea. 

In addition to the fine arts, there is another side to creativity.  Since I am a business owner, my primary interest is about the practical application of creative thinking to solve problems and create new opportunities.  

How do you come up with new ideas for business, science, technology, engineering, new products, or sales?  You must and can stimulate your brain by using a systematic approach to creative thinking.

Edward de Bono, internationally acknowledged as a thought leader in the field of creative thinking, says “Creativity is essential in order to create new value.”  Think about this!  Surely an economic meltdown is the best time to develop your organization’s creative thinking skills.  Creativity is a skill that can be taught and learned.

David Tanner, Ph.D, who wrote the book, Total Creativity in Business and Industry, outlines six dimensions of creative thinking.  They include 1.) Tools, processes and frameworks  2.)  Diversity in styles & preferences,  3.) Engaging the organization,  4.) Organizational systems and structures,  5.) Champions and supports, and  6.) Bringing ideas to market.

What's Next?

This weekend I have been working on developing a presentation for the WITI RTP event called SMART networking.  It will be taking place on September 19, 2009.  Everyone is invited to attend.  You may find the details at:  http://www.witi.com/rtp/meeting.php?id=2267

I am using Tony Buzan’s iMindMapping software.  If you wish to test a free download, please go to:  http://www.imindmap.com/  iMindMapping is one of many tools used to stimulate your brain to create new possibilities. 

My central topic is “What’s Next?”   I will begin with a book review of A Whole New Mind by Daniel H. Pink and follow this by Sir Ken Robinson’s book, the Element.  The objective is to show the relevance and value of creativity.

In his book, the Element, Sir Ken Robinson speaks about finding your passion.  I am fortunate because I have found my passion.  It is about sharing my knowledge and resources surrounding creative thinking and innovation.

Uncertainty is difficult enough.  However, when you have a creative thinking tool like iMindMapping, developing a strategy for your future becomes much easier.   You are able to develop your creative thinking skills by incorporating the elements of play, color, imagery and associative thinking.

I am a creativity developer and the CEO of Applied Concepts Creativity. My focus for learning the new social media technology is to find practical applications to generate business for my creativity speaker’s bureau. I will use twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, blogging as well as other social media applications to create visibility for some of the leading creative thought leaders in the world. Many of my blog posts will surround the topics of creativity and innovation.

I am beginning to understand the advantages and power of the new social media. I fully intend to learn as much as I can as fast as I can. Please stay tuned, for it is going to be a rollicking social media ride!