Collective Genius

October 28, 2024

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If you want to tap into the full potential of your creativity, remember that genius is often a team sport. 

Even the brightest minds are no match for the power of collaboration. 

Crowdsourcing is a perfect example: when diverse voices come together, the ideas generated are more innovative and impactful than any individual effort. 

This is something I’ve seen firsthand in jazz, where one musician’s idea sparks a wave of creativity from the rest of the group. 

The next time you’re working on a tough problem or new opportunity, invite others to contribute. 

Co-creation isn’t just more effective—it’s the key to unlocking the best outcomes.

Tapping into collective genius is not new.

What if the secret to long-term business success mirrors what keeps Okinawans living well past 100? 

Two principles—ikigai (purpose) and moai (community)—drive their well-being and can fuel your organization too. 

Purpose ignites your team’s creativity, but it’s the power of collective genius within a strong moai that amplifies their potential. 

By fostering a deep sense of purpose and a tight-knit culture, you allow your people to challenge and support each other, unlocking new levels of innovation. 

When you embrace ikigai and moai, you’re not just building a company—you’re creating an ecosystem of sustainable success.

Something seems fishy.

Pepperidge Farms Goldfish’s clever rebranding to “Chilean Sea Bass” shows what happens when you tap into collective genius

Partnering with Mischief @ No Fixed Address, a marketing agency famous for outrageous stunts, they’ve turned a classic kids’ snack into something that’s catching the attention of adults. 

Limited-time sales of the rebranded bags are selling out within minutes each day. 

This isn’t just luck; it’s the power of bold, collective thinking. 

Take a cue from Goldfish and bring in outside perspectives to push your creative boundaries.

Failing your way to success.

At Google, failure is a feature, not a bug. 

With 296 failed projects proudly displayed on KilledByGoogle.com, the tech giant proves that innovation thrives when mistakes are embraced. 

Google’s success is built on a culture that treats failure as part of the process, allowing its collective genius to shine. 

If you’re afraid of failure, you’re missing out on opportunities for growth. 

Instead, follow Google’s lead: celebrate missteps, learn from them, and unlock the creativity of your team. 

When failure is part of your routine, success becomes inevitable.

To your creative success…

JL

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About Josh

Josh Linkner is a New York Times bestselling author, serial entrepreneur, venture capital investor, professional jazz guitarist, and a globally recognized innovation expert. To learn more or to explore a collaboration, visit JoshLinkner.com

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