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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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Unlocking Creativity summary
Michael Roberto
How to Solve Any Problem and Make the Best Decisions by Shifting Creative Mindsets
20 mins
Brief summary
'Unlocking Creativity' by Michael Roberto explores the connection between creativity and innovation. It provides practical exercises to help individuals and teams generate and implement new ideas in their personal and professional lives.
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Unlocking Creativity
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Key idea 1 of 6
Counteract the linear mind-set by incorporating an iterative approach to product creation.
Imagine you’re a team leader. Recently, you’ve been having difficulty with a member of your team, a talented but eccentric guy. He’s got a history of failing to meet deadlines, sometimes simply abandoning assignments altogether. A perfectionist, he also iterates obsessively, tinkering with prototypes rather than delivering.
You like the guy, but it’s just not working out. So you call Leonardo da Vinci into your office and fire him.
If you’re thinking, “Hold on, I’d never fire one of the most brilliant people of all time,” then pause a moment. Yes, history recognizes Leonardo da Vinci as a genius, but the man who painted the Mona Lisa probably wouldn’t fair too well in the current market landscape. He was a chronic procrastinator, extending deadlines for years, and sometimes never meeting them.
Most of today’s leaders would fire Leonardo for a simple reason: he had an iterative mind-set, and they have a linear mind-set, which is the first creativity-blocking mind-set we’ll explore.
The linear mind-set approaches projects like this: First, you do your research. Then you analyze the data you’ve collected. After that, you make an execution plan based on your analysis. Next you create a budget for the plan. Then, you execute it.
No one can deny the importance of research and analysis, but there’s no way to make a perfect plan prior to embarking on a project. Unforeseen obstacles will rear their ugly heads. Unimagined problems will arise.
That’s why it’s better to adopt a less linear approach to production. First, build a working prototype. Then launch it. After that, evaluate its reception. Then adapt based on that evaluation and build again. And then repeat the process.
Skype’s Director of Design, Peter Skillman, once created a design challenge that made the effectiveness of the iterative approach particularly apparent. Here’s the challenge: using 20 pieces of uncooked spaghetti, a bit of string, some tape, and a marshmallow, make the tallest structure you can. The twist: the marshmallow must sit atop the completed tower.
Business school graduates ended up being among the worst at this challenge. They treated the task linearly, devising a concrete plan and then sticking to it. More often than not, their towers toppled when the marshmallow was placed on top.
Six-year-old children proved to be much better tower builders than the MBA holders. Da Vinci-style, the kids iterated, using the time not to plan, but to experiment.
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What is Unlocking Creativity about?
Unlocking Creativity (2019) is a guide to unleashing creativity in the workplace. Starting with the premise that all people are innately creative, it argues that the best way to unlock employee creativity isn’t to hire all-star creatives or restructure your businesses. Instead, the key is to dismantle the workplace mind-sets that are stifling the creativity of the people already in your midst.
Unlocking Creativity Review
Unlocking Creativity (2019) by Michael Roberto is a captivating exploration of how creative thinking can be fostered and harnessed to drive innovation and success. Here are three reasons why this book stands out:
- With its practical techniques and insightful case studies, it provides readers with actionable strategies to ignite their creative potential and unlock new possibilities.
- The book combines research from diverse fields such as psychology, neuroscience, and business, giving readers a comprehensive understanding of the factors that influence creativity.
- Through its engaging storytelling and thought-provoking exercises, the book keeps readers actively engaged, ensuring that the exploration of creativity is anything but boring.
Who should read Unlocking Creativity?
- Leaders striving to boost employee creativity
- Workers wondering how to become more creative
- Creatives who want to empower their coworkers
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Unlocking Creativity FAQs
What is the main message of Unlocking Creativity?
The main message of Unlocking Creativity is that everyone has the ability to unlock their creative potential and generate innovative ideas.
How long does it take to read Unlocking Creativity?
The reading time for Unlocking Creativity varies depending on the reader's speed, but it typically takes several hours. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Unlocking Creativity a good book? Is it worth reading?
Unlocking Creativity is a valuable read for anyone looking to enhance their creative thinking skills. It offers practical strategies and insights to stimulate innovation and generate fresh ideas.
Who is the author of Unlocking Creativity?
The author of Unlocking Creativity is Michael Roberto.
What to read after Unlocking Creativity?
If you're wondering what to read next after Unlocking Creativity, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Surrounded by Setbacks by Thomas Erikson
- Shift Into a Higher Gear by Delatorro McNeal II
- 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do by Amy Morin
- Deep Creativity by Deborah Anne Quibell
- The Great Mental Models by Shane Parrish and Rhiannon Beaubien
- The Myths of Creativity by David Burkus
- Fusion by Denise Lee Yohn
- Activate Your Brain by Scott G. Halford
- The Fifth Discipline by Peter M. Senge
- The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel