First, a few words on what this workshop is not. There are realms of research and literature on different types of innovation, the importance of creating the right organisational culture and incentives for creativity to flourish,  innovation management models, etc. The broad thrust of these is that while creativity has an important place, innovation is essentially a process to be managed; more science than art.  There is also an emphasis on creativity and innovation as a team/ social process (and it most certainly is), with a variety of tools and techniques to match. All of these issues are of central importance to organisations. However, they are not the focus of this workshop.

Whereas innovation and creativity are often portrayed as closely related but separate (‘innovation = creativity + work’), here the terms are used much more interchangeably and fluidly, as a clear distinction between the ‘ideation’ and the ‘execution’ phase of innovation is often artificial. Indeed, a wonderful irony is that one of the most prolific inventors of all-time – Thomas Edison – is widely recognised as being the first to ‘industrialise’ the research and development process. And yet, despite his often cited quote that “genius is 1% inspiration, 99% perspiration”, he also took naps every afternoon for years where he specifically cultivated lucid, day-dreaming like states to let his brain find new solutions to the design challenges he was working on. He was far from the only well-known inventor to regularly use such techniques. Thus, creativity and innovation are not only processes and stages; they are also a mindset and attitude to be cultivated,  as there is always the possibility to do something in a new, better and more rewarding way, even in the most routine and mundane tasks.

The workshop aims to enhance the cognitive flexibility of participants. To recognise and embrace the innate abilities we have to change our perceptions. To be able to switch quickly between more rational, deliberate thinking and more generative, alternate states. To shift from distracted multi-tasking to productive focus. To explore the new and different, rather than merely repeat the old and habitual. In big ways and in small ways. To use all of the vast cognitive toolkit that is available to us to help us thrive in the face of change.

The workshop combines our modern understanding of the functioning of the brain (particularly drawing on neuroscience, but with elements of other cognitive sciences) with a diverse range of visualisation, awareness shifting, state change and auto suggestion tools and techniques. Many of the tools and techniques will probably be new to participants and surprising in their power and simplicity. Even more exciting, however, is when participants recognise that they actually already use some variation on the technique, but were largely unaware that they did so. By identifying this, people are then able to cultivate and exploit this innate skill more deliberately and consistently.

With one or two exceptions (especially related to sleep), the tools can be used ‘on the go’ (anytime/ anyplace) and easily become a normal part of the everyday cognitive toolkit. Although they are simple (really anyone can use them), as with everything else in life, they are only effective if they are practiced and used. But, the greatest benefit comes to people who understand the underlying principles, take the tools and techniques, modify them and shape them to their own goals, priorities and needs. To innovate.

While the workshop is aimed at organisations and for professional development, participants inevitably recognise the transferability of the skills to other aspects of their lives, as the emphasis is on new ways of thinking, rather than on what to think about.

First, a few words on what this workshop is not. There are realms of research and literature on different types of innovation, the importance of creating the right organisational culture and incentives for creativity to flourish,  innovation management models, etc. The broad thrust of these is that while creativity has an important place, innovation is essentially a process to be managed; more science than art.  There is also an emphasis on creativity and innovation as a team/ social process (and it most certainly is), with a variety of tools and techniques to match. All of these issues are of central importance to organisations. However, they are not the focus of this workshop.

Whereas innovation and creativity are often portrayed as closely related but separate (‘innovation = creativity + work’), here the terms are used much more interchangeably and fluidly, as a clear distinction between the ‘ideation’ and the ‘execution’ phase of innovation is often artificial. Indeed, a wonderful irony is that one of the most prolific inventors of all-time – Thomas Edison – is widely recognised as being the first to ‘industrialise’ the research and development process. And yet, despite his often cited quote that “innovation is 1% inspiration, 99% perspiration”, he also took naps every afternoon for years where he specifically cultivated lucid, day-dreaming like states to let his brain find new solutions to the design challenges he was working on. He was far from the only well-known inventor to regularly use such techniques. Thus, creativity and innovation are not only processes and stages; they are also a mindset and attitude to be cultivated,  as there is always the possibility to do something in a new, better and more rewarding way, even in the most routine and mundane tasks.

The workshop aims to enhance the cognitive flexibility of participants. To recognise and embrace the innate abilities we have to change our perceptions. To be able to switch quickly between more rational, deliberate thinking and more generative, alternate states. To shift from distracted multi-tasking to productive focus. To explore the new and different, rather than merely repeat the old and habitual. In big ways and in small ways. To use all of the vast cognitive toolkit that is available to us to help us thrive in the face of change.

The workshop combines our modern understanding of the functioning of the brain (particularly drawing on neuroscience, but with elements of other cognitive sciences) with a diverse range of visualisation, awareness shifting, state change and auto suggestion tools and techniques. Many of the tools and techniques will probably be new to participants and surprising in their power and simplicity. Even more exciting, however, is when participants recognise that they actually already use some variation on the technique, but were largely unaware that they did so. By identifying this, people are then able to cultivate and exploit this innate skill more deliberately and consistently.

With one or two exceptions (especially related to sleep), the tools can be used ‘on the go’ (anytime/ anyplace) and easily become a normal part of the everyday cognitive toolkit. Although they are simple (really anyone can use them), as with everything else in life, they are only effective if they are practiced and used. But, the greatest benefit comes to people who understand the underlying principles, take the tools and techniques, modify them and shape them to their own goals, priorities and needs. To innovate.

While the workshop is aimed at organisations and for professional development, participants inevitably recognise the transferability of the skills to other aspects of their lives, as the emphasis is on new ways of thinking, rather than on what to think about.