Creativity is Just Connecting Things

The title of this article is a quote by Apple CEO Steve Jobs.

Is it a valid statement?

Here’s a personal example that will help you to decide for yourself.

First Start with Awareness

Too often we think of creativity as a complicated process that only works when the stars align – when everything is just right.  The truth is you can make them align if you develop a habit of intentionally noticing more than you do now – and connecting things.

Yesterday was Fathers Day, so I made it a point to have a focused conversation with my dad.  We talked about all kinds of things, including what we would do if we could turn back time and try a few things over again. Naturally, that created a few moments of laughter and interesting insights too.

Immediately after our conversation, I was struck by how much wisdom my father had shared – and wondering why I wasn’t tapping into it more frequently. Ironically, he mentioned during our talk that I ask good questions.

While I was having these thoughts, the Steve Jobs quote evidently bumped up against them in my mind.

Connect What is Similar But Different

What are some other sources of wisdom I wondered?  Not long ago I blogged about the wisdom of customers. Then there is what Facebook refers to as the wisdom of friends.  What happens if you connect all three – the wisdom of fathers, friends, and customers?

You get a powerful combination of experience, trust, and loyalty.  The three are different, which is precisely why we can learn completely different lessons from them that will help to make our lives and businesses run more smoothly.

So, how are they similar?

Ask Good Questions

Like me, you are surrounded by the solutions to your most pressing challenges.  The only challenge is recognizing the sources, engaging with them with full awareness, and then asking good questions to draw out that wisdom.

Here’s a question.  What else do the members of this trio have in common?  Well, there is a Fathers Day.  And one could argue that weekends are typically dedicated to family and friends.

What about customers, when is their day?  It stands to reason that you should choose specific days of the week to focus 100% on customers.  Your customers may be internal or external, but you still need to dedicate your full attention to them at regular times and intervals.

Of course, the same thinking applies to learning from the experiences of your father (or grandfather) or other wise family members that have only your best interest in mind. Maybe they deserve more than just one day a year.

Start connecting things to see what you get.  You may be surprised where it leads you.

Leave a comment below or share this with your social community on Facebook or Twitter.  You may also wish to try the Google+1 button in the red bar at the bottom of your browser.

Until tomorrow,  Jeff

Photo Credit: twicepix
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