Business Innovation ? the Value of Role Play

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.

the value of Role Play

One of the useful concepts in Creativity Management is the use of role play. The basis of this is an awareness of archetypes ? stereotypical characters such as Mentor, Goddess, Hippy and the Guru etc. Jung argues that archetypes are universal and come through most strongly in our dreams. Mask and Trance studies show that when we put on a mask, we take on the characteristics of what we perceive that mask (or associated individual) to represent.

In a study in the British Journal of Psychology, businessmen scored low on creativity when they were asked to be themselves, but scored much higher when asked to pretend they were happy-go-lucky hippies.

Masks remove the evaluation apprehension that is associated with block. Wearing masks allows individuals to generate otherwise unoriginal or unintelligent ideas because "it is not them" that is doing it.

Role play ? pretending how a mentor, sailor, guru or other would answer a question ? allows the individual to tap into a rich source of subconscious tacit knowledge.

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/

You can also receive a regular, free newsletter by entering your email address at this site.

You are free to reproduce this article as long as no changes are made and the author's name and site URL are retained.

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/

---

The 99 Percent Rule

It's Friday night, you're sitting at a restaurant, and as your meal arrives, the server says, "Now, don't touch that plate. It's hot." What's the first thing... Read More

Business Innovation ? Real Self versus the Trained Self

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... Read More

How To Do What You Dont Want To

Before I reveal it, shall we review some things that will help you understand it? Let's start with the premise that you are made up of seven... Read More

Penny For Your Thoughts?

Every artifact, every tool, everything ever designed or created by human beings for their own need, comfort, luxury, amusement or advancement began as an idea, a concept?a... Read More

Techno Witch II - Magick With Your PC

You've heard of applied science, well how about applied Magick. The personal computer is just a tool after all, so in theory you should be able to... Read More

The Hidden Superpowers Of Your Mind

The mind is an infinite wonder. It has the fantastic ability to transmute your desires into their physical counterparts. You can do anything that your mind can... Read More

What to Do When You Are Chased by a Snake

I lived for several years on the Japanese island of Okinawa. It is a tropical island setting with a wealth of beauty and lots of things to... Read More

Opportunity: Could You Be Colour-blind?

Do you consider your vision perfect? You may never have needed an eye specialist in your life, but this is no indication of perfect vision. And if... Read More

Improve Your Business Dealings with Improvisation

"Nothing is accidental ... use everything." -- Keith JohnstoneEven the best-laid plans, the proverb goes, go oft astray. And by learning how to improvise like actors or... Read More

Innovation Management ? predicting winners

Creativity can be defined as problem identification and idea generation whilst innovation can be defined as idea selection, development and commercialisation.There are distinct processes that enhance problem... Read More

What is NLP?

NLP Explained.....NLP is the study of how people organise their thinking, feeling, language and behaviour to produce the results they do. The co-creators' of NLP, John Grinder... Read More

Accelerate Your Learning

Although you may not currently be a student, learning is a life long process. Perhaps you need to learn something new for your job, or you would... Read More

Set Yourself Up for Success!

Set Yourself Up For Success!~ By Fran Briggs Here's a great way to program and set yourself up for success in... Read More

Creativity Management ? Theres Nothing New Under the Sun

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... Read More

The Pendulum Swings Right - A Major Shift is Happening Inside Our Brains

The world is now changing again, it appears. The logical and analytical skills that continue to form the basis of Western economies is slowly shifting, according to... Read More

I Just Want to be Free - I Just Want to be Me!

It was a sunny Saturday in April 2003 in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The Carolina-blue sky seemed to kiss the wavy waters as the gentle wind embraced... Read More

Howd They Do That?

"How'd they do that?" I asked myself time and time again in my youth.As a journalist and documentary filmmaker, I witnessed ordinary people performing extraordinary feats on... Read More

Creativity Management ? When To Add Talent

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... Read More

The Subtle Secret Of Transformation

Great men and women succeed moment by moment, step by step, lifted up by one small victory after another, until they reach a lofty and impressive pinnacle... Read More

Fire Evacuation Drill with a Difference

I had been given the task to organize a fire evacuation drill specifically for only a certain area in a building.As ridiculous as it may seem, there... Read More

Innovation Problems and The flow of Thought

The most progressive Think Tanks, Brain Trusts, research facilities in companies and government, etc. do their best work by allowing free thought to flow. If the United... Read More

Innovation Management ? Isolating Problems and Implementing Solutions

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... Read More

Innovation and Competitive Advantage

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... Read More

Business Innovation ? Good Thinking NOT Leadership

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... Read More

Business Innovation ? the Value of Being Obvious

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... Read More

Thousands of Failures, but Thousands of Patents

Thomas Edison failed thousands of times before he revolutionized the world by inventing and patenting the incandescent light bulb. Because of his desire to create the incandescent... Read More