The problem beneath the surface

©SusannaOPhotography

I just happened to be in the area on Saturday when the protest march in Montreal was underway. Thousands of people, young and old, were out walking to show their solidarity and opposition to the proposed Charter of Quebec Values.

I came across a gentleman who seemed to have identified the problem or what was not the problem. In that brief split second we understood each other. If only this was the case between all people in our society.

So often the problems we see are on the surface, are what is most obvious. It’s what irritates us the most. Yet isn’t it common wisdom that says when we encounter people that rub us the wrong way it is because we see something of ourselves in them, something we don’t particularly like. I’ve certainly seen this principle in action myself and been humbled by it. Perhaps accepting differences is a good thing and something to learn from. Maybe it’s the differences in this world that make it interesting, diverse and always changing. Who would want to experience only one colour when the full spectrum of the rainbow is more glorious.

When faced with a challenge, a difference, or something new, take a split second to look at it from all angles and all depths to find that unique point of view, that gem that perhaps others have overlooked. By doing so you too will be able to see what is the problem and what it really is not.

A creative mindset and spirit is not so much about talent or genius as it is about observing, being curious and presenting what is already there but that others cannot see.

_______________________________________________________________________________ How I can help you:

Whether you are looking for a new perspective or tackling a challenge, as a Certified Coach Practitioner coming from decades of consulting as a CPA, I combine my knowledge of business processes, leadership and creativity with my unique creative problem solving framework to help you be creative, grow, transform and succeed. I’d love to chat with you today.

Related articles

• Charter a fake solution to Quebec’s non-problem (theglobeandmail.com)

Looking for the Q?

Photos by www.susannaOphotography.smugmug.com

The thing about creativity is that it really is a state of mind. One of the simplest ways to engage with your creativity is to get out there and observe. Observation may seem so innocuous but it is the cornerstone of how we might get that innovative spark. What others miss or overlook we can see. What genius. So simple a concept, so powerful, yet many people are completely blind to it.

I took this challenge to go out and look for the Q. Today I went out without a particular place to go. All I had in mind was to keep my eyes open and to find letters in my surroundings. I thought about where I could find objects or things that resembled this unique letter. My first thought was “What could possibly look like a Q?” My mind wasn’t tuned in yet and I drew a blank. But as I mulled it over in my mind, exercising that creative muscle, what I thought was going to be difficult, in fact wasn’t so hard when you think about what a Q really is. It’s just a circle with a stick. That could be anything. So off I went.

The first thing I saw was a those plastic pull tags that seal around the cap of a milk jug or juice bottle. It looked just like a Q. It was right there in front of my eyes. Everywhere I looked I started seeing all kinds of letters– in tree branches, in railings, in floor tiles, and benches.

The secret to being more creative is first to look and see. How observant are you? Are you missing out on opportunities because you are too wrapped up in your own mind. Get out there and start looking for found letters. Make a project of it and do the whole alphabet. It will really get you seeing what is already in front of your eyes.

Related articles

• 6 ways to become more creative (makeyourideasart.com)
• What Is Creativity? Cultural Icons on What Ideation Is and How It Works (brainpickings.org)

Slowing the work treadmill

See on Scoop.it – Society, Life and Creativity

Harvard Business School Professor Teresa Amabile compares much of work life to running on a treadmill.

susanna oreskovic‘s insight:

If you’ve been working for a while you may feel like you are on a treadmill, and one that will not stop for say about 30 years. Eek, this was my realization as I proudly walked into my new big office job. What I’ve learned along the way is that being the best at your job or having the best team working with you is more about having that mental space than it is about pushing yourself or your team to do more and more, faster and faster. Having a common purpose, buying into the task, having meaningfulness, with time for reflection or incubation of ideas will spare you from becoming frazzled and burnt out and guarantee you your people will not be just punching the clock putting in face time.

Read the whole article on news.harvard.edu

Tweet your experience at #worklife

See on news.harvard.edu

______________________________________________________________________________ How I can help you:

You are not alone. Whether you are looking for a new perspective or tackling a challenge, I offer coaching or mentorship. As a Certified Coach Practitioner coming from decades of consulting, I combine my knowledge of business processes, leadership and creativity with my unique creative problem solving framework to help you be creative, grow, transform and succeed.  I’d love to chat with you today.

Related articles

• Business People Would Be Better Off If They Did Less And Thought More (businessinsider.com)
• Six ways to tame your stressed out brain (the Globe and Mail)
• Will the internet of things make our lives any easier (Paleofuture)