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THE VALUE OF IMAGINATION
It was Einstein’s conviction that “imagination is more important than knowledge.” A more contemporary voice, Tom Peters’, asserts “imagination is the only source of real value in the new economy.” How do we develop in our ourselves and our co-workers the ability to see the big picture, to willingly propose new ideas, to break free from the mental restraints imposed by time-tested tradition?

THE ELEMENTS (AND THE KILLERS) OF INNOVATION
This incremental process, like all harmonious efforts, depends on a number of conditions: good listening, tact, patience, and time–time for both generating possibilities and exploring their feasibility.

How can you cultivate a climate of creativity? If you’ve decided this is an important quality for you and others to possess, you bear some responsibility for creating a climate in which new ideas can flourish. For openers, look around you for idea-toxins: those aspects of the influence process that may in fact be killing ideas still in their embryonic state. The toxins may be excessive pressure, lack of information, fear of ridicule, changing objectives, intimidation, and of course statements that stifle the creative urge.

We’ve all heard these negative comments:
– “It’ll never work.”
– “Just get the job done. We don’t pay you to think.”
– “What makes you think your idea will work when everyone else’s has failed?”
– “That’s the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard.”

HOW TO PREVENT IDEA-TOXINS FROM FLOURISHING
In building an atmosphere of receptivity, you will need to learn what is preventing ideas from being shared. Then, do everything within your power to offer assurances, to make the environment one of acceptance and respect. It will help to have ground rules that encourage the respect to be found in the best brainstorming sessions.
For example, “No personal attacks” or “No interrupting” will encourage a full sharing of innovative possibilities.

YOU ARE AN EMPLOYER, NO MATTER YOUR TITLE
Consider yourself an employer in this sense of the word: when you influence others, you are making use of their talents to accomplish objectives you have set. “Making use of” is the dictionary definition of “employ.” So, as an employer (a.k.a., an influencer), you serve as an idea-warrior.

By this stage in your career, you know the importance of rising above the labels:

– Thomas Edison was considered “too stupid to learn.”
– Bill Wilson, founder of Alcoholics Anonymous, was called a “hopeless” alcoholic.
– Winston Churchill was labeled “dull.”
– Albert Einstein was told by his headmaster, “Your mere presence offends me.”
– Walt Disney was considered to have no talent when he was in school.

And so, you are willing to take a stand if it means creativity can be nurtured. (As an anonymous sage once observed, “Every great oak was once a nut that stood its ground.”) Help those seedling ideas reach their full height.