Creative Popping — Brainstorming for Imaginative People
By Lise Richards
Last weekend I hosted a group of women for a Creative Popping
session. Creative Popping is my term for the next level in brainstorming.
It seems to happen best in a group, where ideas are allowed to
bubble up, join forces and explode into new ventures that change
the world. Really. It works. On the simplest level it is just
pure popping and bubbling energy, buoyed by excitement, anticipation
and dedication to the projects at hand. I like to use this technique
when I’m collaborating with other businesses, expanding my services
or joint ventures and working with my clients. There are so many
benefits, but for me, the best part is that each session provides
me with ongoing inspiration and motivation.
This whole idea of the Creative Pop started at one of my gallery
openings. This particular evening, we set up a group art project
where many people painted together on one large canvas. Each artist’s
work seemed to feed the needs of the next. And so it went until
the canvas was full of bold color, unique words and thoughtful
expressions, and palpable excitement. The picture of Creative
Pop; and a direct contrast to the brainstorming sessions held
in any of my corporate settings. Corporate brainstorming to me
is far too safe for many reasons. Ideas this safe may not make
a big splash in the world.
Can you Pop alone? Of course, we do it all the time. I believe
the entire world plucks ideas from a place high in the creative
ether. No idea is intrinsically new, but any idea that is filtered
by unique life experiences and viewpoints is magically reborn.
I love this perspective, because we can sometimes miss the point
of our greatness and succumb to doubts and second thoughts. But
Creative Popping in a group gives you those audacious results,
and the support we all need to stay inspired.
Can you spot the Creative Pop? Sure! Just look for these signs:
- You’re thinking about a creative project or a creative solution
to a boring problem;
- You’re having fun;
- You’re not judging;
- You hear people say – “WOW – that is a great idea!” over
and
over again;
- You feel energized, motivated and enthusiastic about the future;
- You walk away with really sound, practical ideas;
- You implement these ideas and they work really well.
When you’re ready to get popping, remember these guidelines:
- Get a group of people together – Ideally people with whom
you want to work, solve problems, study issues, or just get to know;
- Serve
good food and maybe some equally good wine – Alternatively,
you may want to cook and talk and eat at the same time – We did,
and had the best time.
- Loosen up and trust the process;
- Remind everyone that there is no such thing as a bad idea and
expand upon any ideas that are offered;
- Discourage criticism and banish practical thinking – Be BOLD.
- The best way to strengthen the discussion is to bolster individual
ideas and give credit to the person making the suggestion;
- Take good notes and put it into action.
There you have it, my recipe for the Pop. Try it out on your
family, friends, clients and business partners.
Remember, it doesn’t have to be all about business either. You
can use this technique when you plan your class reunion or family
gathering, decorate your house, or plant a new garden bed. Use
it anytime you want to think outside the box.
I am always on the lookout for anyone who wants to join me in
my next Creative Popping session. Imagine the possibilities!
Be Creative! •
© Lise Richards 2004
 About the Author | More by Lise Richards
As a lifestyle & creative arts designer, Lise Richards' mission is to help people live more creatively in artistically designed spaces. Are you ready for a creative change to your environment? Then join Lise for a workshop or teleclass. Visit www.artisticlifestyling.com, www.artisticlifestyling.blogspot.com and www.liserichards.com for
more information.
07/22/06
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