“With so many great ideas out there, I know we will find the right one!”
I’m sure that many of you when doing a “braining storming” session have said this phrase to your colleagues in a desperate plea to find that truly innovative idea that will be the financial answer to all your company’s problems? However, in most occasions, I suspect you would have been disappointed with the result.
This got me thinking. What if we were to view “ideas”, rather than as a non-descript and transient thought, but as an idea with it’s own personal objectives and desires? Yes, I’m referring to “ideas that think”! Now this changes the game plan completely!
Let’s explore this concept further.
Firstly, let’s define these “ideas that think” which I will name “Idea-inks” for want of a better name.
Let’s assume that “Idea-inks” have their own unique and complex personality and they, like people, want to achieve self-actualization, just like in Maslow’s Needs Hierarchy. But they will also have basic survival desires to ensure their long-term ability to procreate. To do this, I can visualise “Idea-inks” wofting between corporate organizations trying to find the right environment that accommodates their requirements for psychological, safety, a sense of belonging, self esteem and that all important opportunity for innovation and creativity.
But what if your corporate culture is rather dull, boring and lacking the required inspiration for an “Idea-ink” to embed, establish roots and grow? If this sounds like your organization, then it’s not surprising that your brainstorming sessions lead to little, if any, new ideas being developed, after all, why should an “Idea-ink” want to live there, nor put the time into your company with little opportunity for potential long term self actualization prospects?
Corporate organizations need to “woo” the “Idea-inks” into your business. You need to make them feel welcome. But “Idea-inks” are not gullible, but rather insightful and quickly appreciate whether they are being sold something under false pretences.
If your business wants the most innovative ideas, then you want to target the most creative “Idea-inks”. Like all business transactions, if your corporate culture is poor, you will get the dud “Idea-inks”, if your work environment is continually dynamic and vibrant, you will be bombarded by a plethora of the most talented and inspiring “Idea-inks” fighting to maintain a presence in your office.
So the answer to getting a continual flow of the right business ideas into your corporate office is your culture and environment. Make sure you target the right “Idea-inks” for your company, and your creativity will be guaranteed!
Thoughts that might just be useful in the future 
Donna Goddard
/ September 20, 2014I can see that the particular Idea-ink that made its home in your mind this week was a very lively and bright one! Good one to keep around – keep wooing it.
Steven Cramer
/ September 20, 2014It takes continual wooing!!
Sholto Bowen
/ September 20, 2014I love this idea. An organisation that has fertile ground, has well aerated soil and uses good compost, will naturally allow idea-inks to take root. Those that are compacted and dry will reject idea-inks even when the blessed things do arrive.
We must keep turning over the soil.
Thanks for this great idea-ink!
Liz
/ September 29, 2014exactly why smaller companies can be more creative 🙂 But I like how you challenge the big guys to step up, too.
Steven Cramer
/ September 29, 2014Thanks Liz! Yep…all companies regardless of their size should step up to the plate! Cheers, Steve