Dr. YKK Articles

GETTING PEOPLE EXCITED ABOUT CREATIVITY

Yew Kam Keong, Ph.D (Dr. YKK )

CEO & Chief Mind Unzipper, Mindbloom Sdn. Bhd.

Website: www.mindbloom.net  Email: drykk@mindbloom.net

Introduction

According to a survey by training and consulting firm Genesis Training Solutions of the US, 92 percent of professionals say that creativity will be critical to sales success in the 21^st century. Further  studies by Sales & Amp and Marketing Management  showed a the vast 95 percent of the workers want to be more creative on the job. Why are most workers not creative then? The reasons are that they do not know how to apply their creativity and that they work in very structured environments where creativity is not encouraged. The studies concluded that if your organization wants great performance, then you have to find ways to feed the creativity of your workers.

 

Bad System & Good Person

Professors Alan G. Robinson and Sam Stern who have done extensive studies on corporate creativity have made a very important observation – “A bad system will beat a good person every time”. Therefore the way to get your people excited about creativity is to set up a system that encourages and nurtures creativity.

Mike Vance , the Dean of the Disney University is in full agreement in having an organizational  system for creativity. This is what he believes:

“ The highest creativity occurs in well-organized environments. Poor organization leads to wasted time and confusion. Confused people are not creative people.”

World-class CEO

The process starts with the leaders and the CEOs themselves. It has to be a top-down approach. Great organizations are characterized by open-minded leaders who create a conducive  climate for creativity within their organizations. A noted advertising expert, John Emmerling has this to say about being a world-class CEO:

“If you eventually become a world-class CEO, you will be a tiger on the subject of ideas. You will set up your organization to foster creativity, search your organization for the best ideas, the best people. You will glorify those ideas and generously reward the people who thought them up. You will quickly forgive the idea-maker who flops. Your organization will become well known as an extraordinary creative place. And the most creative people will flock to work there.”

Mentally Illiterate

Tony Buzan, one of the foremost creativity experts in the world who created the training programme “Radiant Thinking" and the “Mind-mapping” technique for problem –solving emphasizes that creativity is a skill that can be learnt by everyone. The most important people who should learn this skill are the business leaders and CEOs themselves. He quotes statistics to support his views:

“ Sadly , most business leaders are mentally illiterate. They have been taught many things, but never to think. By their own admission, 90 percent of business leaders have never studied creative thinking – they haven’t studied the basic alphabet of their own intelligence.”

Asking the Right Question

When Toyota Corporation of Japan asked the staff to submit : "Ideas to Improve Productivity", the response was rather poor. However, when the problem was re-stated as:

 " How to Make Your Work Easier", there was a dramatic increase in response though both of them has the same end objective. In the first case, the workers' perception was that the management and owners were the beneficiaries of the project to improve productivity. In
the second case , the beneficiaries were clearly the workers themselves.

The Ford Motor Company was in a sorry state in 1980 when Donald E. Petersen took over as president. Sales were down and Ford was losing market share at a rapid rate. One of the major factors leading to the decline was the design policy consisting of a set of strict and complicated design rules that severely hampered creativity. Petersen replaced the rigid set of rules with a 12-word target for the Design Center :

“ Design something that you would be proud to park in your driveway.”

This12 -word directive established a winning formula that empowered and motivated the team. The directive unleashed the team’s creativity that enabled them to design the highly successful range of Thunderbird and Taurus cars.

 

Encourage Free Association

Casual conversations among employees are potent weapons for making technological breakthroughs. Two engineers who had just finished their design of the engine for HP's new laser printer were having coffee when they were joined by their other colleagues. They talked about the type of printer they would like to have if they could have anything they wanted. The consensus was to have a color printer with a resolution of at least 200 dots per inch. The two development engineers could not get this idea out of their mind. They made a connection with the way coffee percolators worked and tried heating up the ink. The result was a controlled ink explosion and they invented the highly successful inkjet printer. This would not have happened if not for the casual conversation at the coffee machine.

Such incidents of breakthroughs are by no means isolated. In fact, it seems to be the most effective mechanism for innovations and is popularly practiced in the Silicon Valley.

Idea Campaign

The Idea Campaign concept is a very effective way of capturing new ideas and getting workers to get excited about creativity. They are an exciting, fun and a more structured  version of the traditional employee suggestion program. The major difference is that, if used properly,  there is a direct bottom line result. The campaign is the best way of getting a large number of  ideas from the workforce within a specified period, say from one week to 30 days.

The goal is to get at least one idea from everyone in the organization in an atmosphere of fun and celebration.. All ideas submitted are rewarded. They could be in the form of certificates, T-shirts, caps, pens, badges, etc. At the end of the celebration, there should be grand function such as a company dinner where outstanding performers are recognized and rewarded. There should also be some frivolous awards like the funniest idea, the craziest idea, the most elaborate idea, the most playful idea and so on.

The motor-cycle company, Harley-Davidson ran a 30 day Idea Campaign and saved US$3,000,000!

Conclusion

The above are just some of the many ways to get your people excited about creativity. Perhaps you could implement at least one of them. The most important thing is to get excited about creativity yourself!

The author Dr. Yew Kam Keong  (Dr.YKK) is an international speaker, trainer and consultant on creativity. He conducts creativity workshops for local and  multinational corporations in Malaysia and other countries . Dr.YKK is the only Asian to be selected by Lego to be one of its 8 international creativity experts to spearhead its global creativity movement, “The Next Generation Forum.” He is also the best-selling author of the book: YOU ARE CREATIVE-LET YOUR CREATIVITY BLOOM.

 Website: www.mindbloom.net , Email: drykk@mindbloom.net

TIPS FOR CONDUCTING CREATIVE

& PRODUCTIVE MEETINGS

          Yew Kam Keong, Ph.D (Dr. YKK )

CEO & Chief Mind Unzipper, Mindbloom Sdn. Bhd.

Website: www.mindbloom.net  Email: drykk@mindbloom.net

Introduction

According to a Wall Street Journal survey, meetings account for the greatest amount of unproductive time topping telephone calls, e-mails, paperwork, travels and office gossips.

Despite the advent of advanced telecommunications technology, there is still no escape from meetings. Meetings are essential for the conduct of any business. The problem is how to make meetings more efficient, productive and effective.

There are many kinds of meetings briefings, presentations, problem-solving and idea generation. This article will only provide tips for meetings devoted to problem-solving and idea generation. They are based on successful practices of innovative companies.

Humour

Humour is probably the best method for relieving stress, improving health and opening up the mind. The beneficial effects of humour have been proven by scientific studies. It can even heal incurable diseases as revealed by Norman Cousins in his book, “ The Anatomy of a Disease” He literally laughed his way back to health by checking into a hotel and spent all his time watching TV comedy shows like the American Funniest Home Videos and Candid Camera.

Humor is an excellent way to open up the minds of attendees prior to a meeting. Studies have confirmed that a few laughs preceding a meeting will render it more productive in generating ideas. The ten to fifteen minutes spent on warming up and opening up the mind is really worthwhile.

Among the ways to introduce humour in a meeting are:

-         A joke session where attendees have to take turns in telling hilarious jokes.

-         Watching comedy shows on TV such as Mr. Bean and the others mentioned above.

-         Games that create laughter.

-         Telling funny stories.

Props

If the purpose of your meeting is to come out with ideas for new designs or products, the props are great for stimulating creativity. Place props relevant to meeting around the meeting room. Give time for the attendees to hold them, feel them and to play with them. There is nothing like a sensual experience to get the creative juices flowing!

For example, if the meeting is to design a new toy, then place different toys in the meeting room. Let the attendees play with them before and during the meeting.

If the objective of your meeting is to plan  a sales campaign, then place the sales campaign materials of your previous campaigns and those from other companies in the same or adjoining room. It could be in the form of news cuttings, advertisement, posters, video-tapes and the actual products themselves. The meeting will take on a whole new dimension.

Outsiders

Frequently meetings are confined to those who are directly involved with the specific agenda of the meeting. For instance, if the meeting is about production, most likely, only the production people are called to attend the meeting. The result is tunnel vision or thinking inside the box.

An effective way to counter this is to invite people form other departments to attend the meeting. They could include sales, marketing, administration and frontline workers. You may even invite your customers to the meeting.

The principle is simple. If you are part of the forest, you will see only other trees within the forest and not the forest itself. It needs an outsider to give a better perspective of your operation. That is why even giant global corporations with all its in- house expertise still need external consultants. When such companies are in trouble, they usually source for a new CEO who is in a new perspective to the problem.

Outsiders may not have the knowledge and experience. But they can ask so-called “naive” questions that will trigger off thinking in a new direction.

Different Venues

The venue for meetings is very important. If meetings are always held at the same place, there is a tendency to say the same thing and think the same way. One way to get off this situation is to hold meetings at different venues.

There are many possibilities :

-         Changing meeting rooms within the company itself . It will also provide an opportunity for the people from various departments to get to know each others’ work better.

-         Meeting in the suppliers or customers premises and inviting them to join in the meeting.

-         Holding meetings in an outlying holiday resort where the attendees are casually dressed.

-         Having outdoor meetings to tie in with some games

The possibilities are endless. It is up to you to create the right environment. You may even occasionally surprise them such as holding a meeting in the jungle, by the beach or on a cruise ship. You need not spend a lot of money. All you need is some creativity in selecting the venue.

The above are just a sampling of the ways in which innovative companies conduct their meetings to generate new ideas to fuel their phenomenal growth. Is your company ready to conduct its meetings differently? I hope this article will provide you with some food for thought.

Overall, meetings should be fun and enjoyable. Those attending the meeting should be imbued with infectious enthusiasm. Your company will then become known as a fun company and creative people will flock to work for you. These are the gold-collar workers who will propel your company to a path of sustainable prosperity.

*The author, Dr. Yew Kam Keong is an international speaker, trainer and consultant on creativity. His clients include multinational corporations in Malaysia and other countries in the region. He is the best-selling author of the book: YOU ARE CREATICE – LET YOUR CREATIVITY BLOOM.

How To Raise Your Company’s

Innovation Quotient (IQ)

By Yew Kam Keong, Ph.D (Dr.YKK)

CEO & Chief Mind Unzipper, Mindbloom Sdn.Bhd,

E-mail: drykk@mindbloom.net  Website: www.mindbloom.net

Many people confuse creativity with innovation. Creativity is the ability to bring forth new ideas. Innovation is the transformation of selected ideas into improved processes, marketable goods and services. It is the conversion of ideas into profits that is the essence of innovation. Creativity or the power of idea creation is simply the starting point. This brings us to the key point – it is innovation, not creativity that ultimately matters.

What is Innovation Quotient?

There are many creative companies with high C.Q (Creativity Quotients) , the measurement of  the average number of ideas generated per employee. The problem is that many of these high C.Q companies suffer from low I.Q ( Innovation Quotient). I.Q. is the measurement of the percentage of ideas that can evolve into tangible applications that bring about improved performance and better profits. The challenge therefore is how to create the conceptual conveyor belt that transports chosen ideas to implementation leading to innovation.

Any Company Can Raise Its I.Q

Any company can raise its I.Q. What then is standing in the way of companies that fail to innovate?

In many cases, it is their tried-and-true formula that brought them past successes could become their greatest enemy of innovation. This is because businesses with a winning formula are understandably hesitant to change. Over time, every business model and every strategy goes stale. Indeed, the lifespan of successful business strategies has been rapidly declining in this era of fast technological changes  and intensive competition. Recognizing and acknowledging this fact is the first step towards raising your corporate I.Q.

Another major obstacle to innovation is the lack of Creative Leadership. Jack Welch, former chairman of G.E’s who has proven his credentials as a Creative Leader has this to say: “Today’s hierarchical structure, giving the CEO control over strategy, organisation and information creates an organisation with its face toward the CEO and its ass toward the customer.” 

A truly creative leader sets an example for openness and imagination and assessment of ideas from any quarters irregardless of rank, file and age or source, whether internal or external. A creative leader creates the conditions where human ingenuity can flourish.

Principles of Innovation

According to Margaret J. Wheatley , a creativity consultant and a professor of management innovation means relying on everyone's creativity based on her belief that organizations are living systems rather than machines. She outlines six principles on the human dimension for innovation.

1.      Meaningful Engagement

If we want people to be innovative, we must discover what is important to them, and we must engage them in meaningful issues. The simplest way to discover what's meaningful is to notice what people talk about and where they spend their energy. Put ideas, proposals, and issues on the table as experiments to see what's meaningful to people rather than as recommendations for what should be meaningful to them. No two people see the world exactly the same way.

      2.      Encourage Diversity

By encouraging diversity in an organization, innovative solutions are being created all the time since different people do things differently. There is a high probability that the innovation that the company needs is already being practiced somewhere in that system. Failure to encourage unique and diverse ways of doing things will destroy your company’s  capacity to adapt.

      3.      Involve anyone who is interested

Involve anyone who is going to be affected by change to contribute ideas to bring about a better organization. Those  who are not invited may rebel or worse still sabotage the entire process.

Most people are smart. They can figure ways to get around company’s policies which they dislike. Some even create their own networks and system. Fighting them may be futile. By engaging them, system your company can harvest the invisible intelligence that exists throughout your organization.

       4.      Unity in Diversity

The cacophony of diverse opinions frequently shares a common purpose. This common purpose is what binds the people together. As people discover something whose importance that they share, they will want to work together, no matter what their  differences are initially.

       5.       People Will Always Surprise Us

Listening to colleagues -- their diverse interpretations, their stories, what they find meaningful in their work -- always transforms relationships. The act of listening to each other always brings people closer together. It is important not to attach any label to anyone. Some people may not be likeable or behave in a way that could be considered odd. However, by  listening intently, they could surprise  you with their talents. It is only by working together all of you will be able to achieve you’re your common dream.

       6.       Rely on Human Goodness

People want to help. People want to contribute. Everyone wants to feel creative and hopeful again. As leaders, as neighbors, as colleagues, it is time to turn to one another, to engage in the intentional search for human goodness.

 Conclusion

Innovation comes more from the heart than the head. Companies must involve all its people and tap into their creative energies that takes into account the human dimension of encouraging diversity, sharing a sense of purpose and recognizing that each person is talented unique individual. When people are part of a cause and not just a cog in the wheel, your corporate IQ ( innovation quotient ) will zoom.