Creativity can be defined as problem identification and idea generation whilst innovation can be defined as idea selection, development and commercialisation.

There are other useful definitions in this field, for example, creativity can be defined as consisting of a number of ideas, a number of diverse ideas and a number of novel ideas.

There are distinct processes that enhance problem identification and idea generation and, similarly, distinct processes that enhance idea selection, development and commercialisation. Whilst there is no sure fire route to commercial success, these processes improve the probability that good ideas will be generated and selected and that investment in developing and commercialising those ideas will not be wasted.

Blocking: saying YES or NO

Personalities can be divided into many types, but one of the simplest and easiest classifications that benefits idea generation and creative thinking is the concept of YES and NO.

a) People who generally say NO are rewarded by the security they gain.

b) People who generally say YES, are rewarded by the adventures they have.

Consciously acting to ACCEPT, that is say YES, rather than say NO, has benefits including:

a) A wider diversity of ideas as none are rejected.

b) More novel ideas as none are rejected.

c) A greater tendency to not evaluate ideas before expressing them.

d) A greater propensity for accepting first thoughts.

e) A greater tendency to see value.

f) A greater tendency to think outside comfort zones.

These and other topics are covered in depth in the MBA dissertation on Managing Creativity & Innovation, which can be purchased (along with a Creativity and Innovation DIY Audit, Good Idea Generator Software and Power Point Presentation) from http://www.managing-creativity.com/

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Kal Bishop MBA, is a management consultant based in London, UK. 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 on http://www.managing-creativity.com/

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