Made Moon Blog

Can we codify creativity? Within these few words are a number of principles that must be identified and resolved before we can really answer the question.

The first question is, what is creativity? What are we trying to codify?

One useful definition of creativity is that it is problem identification and idea generation. Another is the production of a number of diverse and novel ideas. Yet another is the engagement in a number of diverse and novel behaviours.

The second question is, can we measure creativity?

This is necessary, as any codifying must result in measurable change. From the above, we can see that creativity can be measured on a number of levels such as: a) we can measure the number of ideas produced and their diversity and novelty, b) the frequency of idea production over periods, c) the frequency of divergent and novel behaviours engaged in over periods or d) we can ask people to rate themselves as being creative before and after training.

The third question is, what do we mean by codify?

It means to code or organise into a systematic process. From the above, it becomes clear that codifying creativity is possible if we produce systematic processes that produce measurable change in the ways mentioned above.

Now onto the real question then. Can we codify creativity?

Well, yes. If we just set out a number of processes that produce measurable improvement in the ways described above.

What processes?

There are an infinite number and each produces it’s own set of results. By combining, mixing and rearranging, different results occur.

Simple psychological games, such as role-play, can be used. In the Journal of Psychology, businessmen were asked to rate themselves on creativity and they ranked themselves very low. Then, after asking them to pretend they were happy-go-lucky hippies, they re-rated themselves much higher.

Lateral thinking techniques can be used, where the point is to generate ideas without purpose, for the sake of generating ideas, follow seemingly nonsensical pathways and so forth. This simply maximises the quality and quantity of the idea pool.

Linking techniques can be used. Where everyday, novel and diverse objects are used to create connections with the endeavour.

What I have just done is codify creativity. Ask any group to come up with ideas related to a particular problem and they will produce a set quantity. Use the above three (each contains an infinite number of possibilities) and the group will produce more creative output.

Using and extrapolating the above principles (and using more precise techniques), I can, for example, codify processes and structures that make it possible to complete a screenplay very quickly.

The above is an incredibly general example, but you get the idea. And this small case begins to demonstrate how creativity can be made measurable, useable and tangible.

This topic is 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.

Kal Bishop, MBA

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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

In this article, I write about the various types of stuttering therapies that are available. My background, I started stuttering at the age of four, it continued until I was twenty-two, basically ruining the eighteen years in between. I then fought very hard and eventually overcame the stutter.

According to latest figures, around one percent of people in the UK have a stutter. Most of these people will have seeked help at some stage of their life, and will have looked into stuttering treatments and the different forms of stuttering therapy. This is what they may have found:

Traditional speech therapy

Speech therapy is where the majority of people who stutter will start when trying to improve their speech. I myself, attended speech therapy from the age of five, I continued attending until the age of eighteen. Thirteen years and I still had the stutter, that was successful!

The advice I had been given at speech therapy was basically:

speak slowly

take a deep breath before you speak

accept your stutter

I am sorry but that advice is just not good enough.

Group stuttering speech courses

There are now a number of private speech courses that are run on a group basis. In my opinion these are of more value than traditional speech therapy as at least the aim of the course is to eradicate the stutter. Speech therapy is more of controlling and accepting the stutter.

One to one speech courses

There are also one to one speech courses available. I personally believe that this is the best form of stuttering therapy as each person will have their own individual stutter and needs.

Stuttering self help dvd and ebook

For people who would prefer a self help form of stuttering therapy, there are now stuttering dvds and ebooks available.

Stephen Hill has a number of websites including:

stuttering
therapy

alternative health treatments

lasik surgery

I know what you’re thinking…
“Here I am, completely stressed out and overworked, and here’s Barbara telling me
that I can change the world by having a conversation! Really…the heat must have
fried her brain…”

You’re absolutely right. (About the world-changing conversations, not about the
fried brain.) I’m not talking about changing the big world; I’m talking about
changing your world. Here are some examples:

During a group discussion on motivation, one woman learns a new way of
celebrating everyday accomplishments. She easily integrates this into her daily life,
and is soon achieving goals she thought were months and years away.

A coach suggests to a client, “Why don’t you turn your pager off during your train
ride home?” Lo and behold, the client finds that she’s arriving home much less
stressed and much more ready to spend quality time with her family.

An entrepreneur joins a group of other entrepreneurs in the same industry. After a
few weekly meetings, she learns that she is much further along in her business
planning and growth than many of her colleagues. She stops beating herself up for
what she hasn’t yet accomplished, and appreciates herself for what she has.
Focusing on the positive allows her to attract even more new business and
opportunities.

The premise is simple: the right conversation can kick-start the next greatest
phase of your life.

I don’t mean meaningless, “talk to anyone you meet about anything” conversations.
I’m talking about meaningful conversations about subjects that have value to you. A
small group of folks discussing an issue that is important to all of them. Meaningful
conversations bring many benefits…

If you’ve been working on something by yourself for a long time, you might really
benefit from the insights and experiences of others who have been where you are.

If you’ve been trying to make progress on an issue, or create a larger change in the
world, and are frustrated by a lack of movement, seeking input and sharing ideas
with others can help spread the word faster.

If you are feeling isolated and alone, it can help just to know there are others out
there in the same situation. Regardless of how you do it, I encourage you to start
engaging in meaningful conversation today.

You can certainly change your world…and who knows what will happen from there?

(c)2005 Barbara Bellissimo.

Barbara Bellissimo is a women’s life transformation coach, and author of the book,
“Become Your Own Great and Powerful: A Woman’s Guide to Leading Your Real, Big
Life.”

Visit http://www.seasonsofsuccess.com to get her no-cost special
report–”Turn On Your Power and Lead Your Self to Greatness”–and her easy-to-
use tools and ideas for leading the real, big life you want–right now!