ACE October Newsletter

Atlanta Creativity Exchange 2009
"Hooked at the Roots"
October 2008 Newsletter

Please go to...visit www.atlantacreativity.org
and submit your presenter proposal.

Also, register early and save!



"Preparing for Change"
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Another year of change, roller coaster ups and downs, uncertainty, significant highs and accelerated lows in a variety of situations. It is no longer a question of, "Will there be changes? It is "How many changes, where will they be and how much time do we have."

The best way to prepare for changes, both expected and unexpected, is to establish an environment that encourages creativity. A creative climate allows individuals to be free to go beyond - to act differently and be non-conventional - in short, to react creatively to change.

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Visit www.atlantacreativity.org and submit your
presenter proposal. Also, register early and save!
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There are five ways you can establish an environment that boosts creativity and maximizes both your potential and that of the people around you.

1. Encouragement leads to more ideas. If we encourage those around us to offer their suggestions - and remember to praise them whenever they do so - we'll have more ideas and happier people. The most important and meaningful praise is from parents to their children and from bosses to their employees.

2. Self-discouragement slows creativity. All too often we censor ourselves to avoid looking foolish. Think of this quote from an unknown source next time you hesitate to present an unusual, strange, or different idea: "Behold the turtle. He makes progress only when his neck is out."

3. Leave timidity at the door. "If I thought of it, it can't be that great." Sound familiar? Learn to express your ideas and take the chance of being laughed at - you may also have your ideas accepted and prized.

4. Negativity is a minus. The first step in creative thinking is to be open to any idea, deferring negative comments until all ideas have been presented. Judgments are more useful later, when it's time to narrow the field of possibilities and prioritize.

5. Evict established habits. We all have patterns of thoughts or ways of perceiving what we habitually hold on to. Learn to change and be open to new ways of thinking. Next time your routine makes you want to say, "No way," step back and say, " I'll consider it."

How to implement these techniques?

At work:

* Allow employees to try new ways to get the job done.
* Provide challenging yet realistic work goals.
* Delegate responsibility.
* Encourage participation in decision-making and goal-setting.
* Provide timely feedback on task performance
* Don't forget the importance of praise!

At home:

* Appreciate curiosity and imagination.
* Encourage independence and humor.
* Defer judgment.
* Nurture self-confidence and self-awareness.
* Don't be afraid to take risks!

The next time you feel the mind-altering effect of change, don't panic. Instead, embrace change as an opportunity for creative thinking. If you use these techniques to foster a climate that encourages creativity, you can have a smooth ride to new and exciting discoveries.


Harry, Alan, Frank and Mary Ann