Inhabiting The Creative Space

The simple abstract diagram below depicts the activity space for creating something new. 

Every point in the space represents a necessary activity, which is characterized along two axes: REALISM (Blue Sky vs. Down To Earth) and CONCRETENESS (Mind vs. Body). 

Speaking The Same Language

Collaboration requires communication, which requires language. So it’s legitimate to ask whether people can truly collaborate when they don’t speak the same language. And if they can, what makes that possible?

The Story Behind The Story

I used to think only lawyers and doctors needed to read between the lines when listening to their clients. Monday night I was reminded that consultants need to do that too.

Leaders Must Imagine The Past

When your coach or mentor encourages you to be more imaginative, you probably think they mean imagining what could be. But as a leader, you may get more mileage by imagining what already was.

Innovative Leadership In The Wild

I've just finished reading another good article about an innovator's need to open the mind. And as usual, the illustrations come from new product development and business strategy. Articles like these always make me wonder: Doesn't the other 95% of the business need to innovate, too?

Making Presentations Effective

I've almost finished preparing for a high-profile fifteen-minute performance slash presentation for a major new client. I've had so much fun crafting this little event that I wanted to share my joy with you.

Letting Go Of The Task

For the past few weeks now, I've been coaching several participants from my recent sustainability workshop. Each has a leadership role in a sustainability program. Sustainability is all the rage these days, especially here in Portland, and many organizations want to get on the bandwagon. But few are ready to pay the band.

Imagination Is King

The culture at most companies encourages leaders to "force" – if expectations for delivery aren't being met, leaders are supposed to use incentives or discipline to speed things up. Possibly leaders at your company do this. Or maybe you do, yourself. So I ask you, "Is it working?"