Then vs. Now
July 5, 2011
Let’s take a look at winning – then vs. now.
Read MoreColombo’s Curiosity
June 27, 2011
Lt. Colombo solved each case using his most powerful weapon: curiosity.
Read MoreStand Up and Stand Out
June 20, 2011
A recent employer asked job seekers the following riddle…
Read More31 Tips to Reach Your Next Level of Greatness
June 13, 2011
We are all trying to reach that next level of greatness – in our careers, families, and communities. But in today’s hyper-competitive world, that isn’t such an easy thing to do.
Read MoreHow To Be Attractive
June 6, 2011
We all want to be attractive. To get to the next level in our lives, we are trying to “attract” people: investors, employees, voters, customers, suppliers, friends, a mate, Facebook friends, Twitter followers, etc.
Read MoreFeedback is a Gift
May 23, 2011
Why is direct feedback so awkward in the business world? When you politely nod your head in agreement while thinking that your colleague must be smoking crack, you are not helping anyone. In fact, holding back your insight is an injustice to your organization and yourself.
Read MoreThe Past is Dead
May 16, 2011
We all face incredible challenges in our lives. Difficult people. Ruthless competition. Time constraints. But so many of us succumb to an imaginary and impotent demon that strangles our potential and restricts our progress. This fictitious monster is called simply … the past.
Read MoreYour New Job: Disruptor
May 9, 2011
Disrupt or be disrupted. Simple as that.
Read MoreHow Teachers Can Save Our Kids
May 2, 2011
The statistics are alarming. According to researchers, creativity among kids has sharply declined over the last 15 years.
Read MoreThe 5% Creativity Challenge
April 18, 2011
Take a quick look at your schedule. Most of us have calendars that are packed to the gills with endless appointments, meetings, conference calls, and deadlines. When, in this insanely-busy schedule, are you planning to come up with your best ideas?
Read MoreWill You Protect Your Newborn?
April 11, 2011
My nephew Lane is almost four months old. Like most parents, my sister and her husband shower their baby with attention, love, and support.
Read MoreDetroit – From Decay to Opportunity
March 28, 2011
The story of Detroit (my home town) is an unfinished book. We can continue to point fingers, cry in our soup, and long for the days gone by. Or we can DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT. We can own it, fix it, and rebuild it. This is our time. This is our defining moment.
Read MoreThe Seven Deadly Sins of Creativity
March 21, 2011
Don’t let these Evil Seven poison your thinking and murder your imagination. Remain vigilant, and when these nefarious forces emerge, don’t wait for the authorities to arrive – take matters into your own hands.
Read MoreThink Like a Jazz Combo
March 14, 2011
I’ve had the privilege of performing jazz guitar on stage for nearly 30 of my 40 years. Live improvisation is an adrenaline rush like no other. Spontaneous creativity in real-time.
Read MoreLessons from Charlie Sheen
March 7, 2011
Along with millions of others this past week, Charlie Sheen’s dramatic and self-destructive rants captivated me. Although disturbing, we all noticed and paid attention. Coffee shops and water coolers were all abuzz about Charlie, and not about Milton down in accounting.
Read MoreISMs
February 28, 2011
Altruism. Sexism. Nationalism. An “ism” is a suffix that refers to a strong principle or belief. It is a set of values so powerful, it drives behavior and serves as a beacon for those who subscribe. The best companies and leaders have ISM’s of their own driving their success.
Read MoreSPECIAL EDITION: Disciplined Dreaming
February 21, 2011
After two years of research, I am thrilled to announce that my new book has launched and is widely available for purchase. Disciplined Dreaming: A Proven System to Drive Breakthrough Creativity offers a 5-part process that will transform your organization – and your career – into a non-stop creativity juggernaut.
Read More21 Quotes on Creativity
February 14, 2011
This week, I decided to share the wisdom of others. Here are 21 hand-picked quotes on creativity.
Read MoreThink like a Startup
February 7, 2011
I’m often surprised that the most innovative breakthroughs come from startups with almost no money, experience, or resources.
Read MoreGreenhouse vs. Prison
January 31, 2011
A friend of mine’s passion is growing orchids. We’re talking perfect, exotic, contest-winning orchids.
Read MoreArt is the New Math
January 24, 2011
I was recently helping my 13-year-old son Noah with his math homework. Long division. By hand. Ewwww.
Read More“I have an IDEA” vs. “I have a CONCERN”
January 17, 2011
In meetings, what do you suppose the ratio is at your company between these two phrases? What do you think the ratio was five years ago? What is the ratio at Google?
Read More2011: The Year of Creativity
January 3, 2011
Most of us set bold resolutions at this time each year. Unfortunately, most of us will fall short. Losing those pesky ten pounds, landing your dream relationship or getting that raise are too often based on wishful thinking instead of actually being resolved. We don’t miss the mark due to lack of good intentions… we […]
Read MoreThree Magic Questions
December 27, 2010
In an era where creativity and original thought are the currency of success, three simple questions will lead you to more (and more astounding) breakthroughs. Tape these to the walls, make them into a screensaver, and tattoo them on your teammates: 1. Why? 2. What if? 3. Why not? Most of us have become trained […]
Read More11 Thoughts for My New Nephew
December 20, 2010
My sister Sarah had a baby on Saturday morning – a big beautiful boy named Lane. It got me thinking about what advice I’d give to someone who will graduate high school in 2029, have kids of his own around 2040 and, with advances in healthcare and a little luck, should ring in the year […]
Read MoreDeer in Headlights Die
December 13, 2010
We can all picture that hapless deer. Frozen with fear and awaiting the inevitable, the immobilized soul locks up instead of leaping to safety. As decent people, we just wish that sorry creature would get moving and avoid the Mack truck, racing 70 miles per hour to put an end to this innocent being. With […]
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