Leadership Memo 2024-2
Happy Year of the Dragon! I always like this season, because when things are getting back to the routine, and the holidays are becoming a distant memory, the Lunar New Year reminds me of the lessons learned from last year and gives me a boost on the goals for this year.
So, do you still remember what the holidays teach us in how to reignite our creativity?
You know you need to be creative to solve complex problems, to fuel innovation and to get ahead. Creativity arises when we put unlike things together, when previously disconnected ideas are combined. That’s why a solution may come from the person who just joined the project and doesn’t have the constraints of those already deeply embedded in it. It also explains why those with the most diverse networks often bring forth unexpected ideas that help solve a problem in a new way.
We’ve all had those “ah ha” moments that come in a flash of insight. In reality, they are seeds (ideas) planted in our brains over time and the power of our neuro-pathways to connect thoughts in new and surprising ways. We need experiences and time that allow for the connection of ideas. Creativity can’t be rushed, planned, or managed.
So, aside from taking long breaks and vacations, we need to know how to spark our creativity in our everyday lives.
Last month, we looked at 4 things:
1. Sleep: Rest well to think well. Resting is critical to the creative process
2. Connecting with people unlike yourself: Be intentional about connecting with people who are less like you in your everyday life.
3. Unexpected experiences & different destinations: Seeking experiences out of your norm and finding places that stimulate you will help you be more creative.
4. Unplug: Resist the urge to be “on” all the time and allow for in-between times to give your brain time to reflect.
There is one more thing we can do:
5. Be creative outside of work.
It can be tough to call on your creativity at work if you rarely tap into your innovative spirit in other parts of your life. According to a study in the Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, different expressions of creativity can build your creative muscle and make your brain more efficient. So, it’s smart to express yourself through non-work pursuits. Whether you’re developing a photo book of your vacation pictures, learning a new musical instrument, or taking a dance class, these kinds of activities can keep your creativity fresh for outlets at work.
Ultimately, a hurry-up, all-on, all-the-time focus on efficiency will undermine creativity.
So, have you made time to reflect and connect with people outside your usual circle last month? Did you seek unexpected experiences and places? I hope at least you’ve ensured you have enough rest.
Latest happenings:
Do you sometimes wish that you had someone by your side as your sounding board? An advisor? A brainstorming partner? Now your wish can come true! I launched a new service offering late last year on an invitational basis, the Focused Action Results (F.A.R.) Unlimited Laser Coaching Program. Initially, I wasn’t sure how the unlimited aspect would work, and if I could even coach people in 15 minutes. After a few months, I not only got the hang of it, but my clients love it! So, I’m happy to let you know that I’ll be opening up this program again in March. Curious? Click here to learn more and join the waiting list.
In a few days, Christian Idiodi, a seasoned product leader with over 15 years of experience, will be coming to SFBABAM (San Francisco Bay Area Business Agility Meetup) to talk to us about “Navigating to The Product Operating Model”. In his talk, Christian will unravel the transformative journey of transitioning to the Product Operating Model. Beyond building, this shift impacts problem-solving, decision-making, and prioritization. Come gain insights into key concepts and Christian’s firsthand experience leading successful transformations, including shaping products for industry giants like Microsoft and Starbucks. RSVP now!
When: 13 Feb 5:30pm PST, 8:30pm EST | 14 Feb 01.30 GMT, 12:30pm AEDT, 2:30pm NZDT
I’m excited to share the latest episode of “Our Agile Tales” podcast series, “Scaling Agile Cross Companies”. In this installment, we dive deep into the world of agile contracts. Join us as we chat with Mirko Kleiner, a renowned thought leader in Lean-Agile Procurement, about how agile contracts differ from traditional ones. Listen now to discover the secrets behind fostering a co-creation environment between buyers and suppliers, dismantling the ‘us-versus-them’ mentality. This is a game-changer for enhancing business agility!
Click here to listen or you can go to Spotify, Apple, Amazon, Google, and Stitcher.