There are a variety of blocks to creativity:
a) conformity and risk aversion
b) cultural dictates; appropriate behaviour
c) negatively assessing own ideas
d) scientific heritage forces logical thinking
e) ego forces rejection of inappropriate ideas
f) evaluation apprehension
g) competiton causes many people to shut down
h) negative interpretation
i) educated out of creative thinking
j) fear of being perceived as unoriginal, unintelligent
k) illusion of difficulty
l) waiting for the mood; procrastination
m) waiting for the big idea
n) lack of focus or goal
o) not trusting oneself or experiences
Various techniques assist in the overcoming of blocks:
a) Separate creative from critical thinking; write first, edit later; ignore content. Best done in different environement. The first containing much stimuli, variety, diversity, novelty etc. The second focusing on feasible, bottom line factors etc.
b) Allow atmosphere of psychological safety and freedom. Essentially, where the individual is safe and free to express him or herself without that person's value being based on the quality of output.
c) Acknowledge failure as a given; use it to expand competencies.
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The MBA research project, 188 stage Hero's Journey and other creativity and innovation tools can be found at
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Kal Bishop, MBA
Kal Bishop is a management consultant based in London, UK. His specialities include Knowledge Management and Creativity and Innovation Management. 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 at
http://managing-creativity.com/.
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