Month: June 2016

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Education expert Sir Ken Robinson is more than a New York Times bestselling author. He is a dynamic public speaker and leader in the development in creativity and innovation. Now a professor emeritus of education at the University of Warwick in the UK, he has received honorary degrees from five different universities as well as numerous awards. Over the course of his prolific career he has been a strong advocate of creativity and arts in educational systems throughout the world.

After viewing Ken Robinson's talk at the prestigious TED conference in 2006, I could not help but marvel at his astute perceptions on the educational system of yesterday, today and tomorrow. What exactly did I take away from his speech? The following five points sum up how as Robinson puts it, "our schools are killing the creativity in our children".

1. We Are All Innately Creative Beings:
The key to unlocking creativity, as Ken Robinson puts it, is to accept the fact that sometimes as thinkers and innovators, we will be wrong. Unfortunately, most adults are stifled by a fear of being wrong. This fear is instilled in us at a young age and follows us into adult life. Preschool children do not share this worry and therefore have no trouble tapping into their creativity. When asked a question, young children will eagerly volunteer a multitude of creative answers. It is not until they are repeatedly told they are wrong that they begin to be cautious about volunteering. Creative people accept failure as part of the innovative process. Thomas Edison tested his version of the electric bulb over 3000 times before getting it right, yet he did not see it as failure. When asked about it, he merely said that he did not fail 3000 times, but found 3000 "ways it did not work". This is the kind of mentality it takes to succeed in innovation – and in life, for that matter.

2. Intelligence is Diverse, Dynamic and Distinct:
We know that each individual demonstrates their intelligence in uniquely different ways. A system that focuses on merely one path, one way of doing, undervalues ​​those that do not fit the mold. In his talk, Ken Robinson brought up the story of dancer, choreographer Gillian Lynne who, as a girl, struggled in the typical school system. She just could not keep still. After discovering dance, she flourished and went on to have a fabulous career as a dancer and choreographer. Today's teachers and doctors would have assessed her with ADHD and given her medication to calm down! Her talent would never have been recognized. How sad that we stigmatize other forms of intelligence that do not measure up to the current norm. Too many talented children are falling through the cracks because their unique gifts do not fit the mold in today's education system. We need to widen the scope of how we teach our children so all of them realize their full potential!

3. We Are Educating for a Different Era:
As public education was developed to meet the needs of the industrial revolution, subjects that were the most useful for training the work force were prioritized. The majority of jobs during the industrial revolution did not require creative thinking. Still today, we have an educational system with a primary focus on math, sciences and standardized testing. Left-brain dominance is preferred. A system that tends to push creativity aside. Schools, more often than not, teach kids that there is only one answer to a question. When we are taught to believe there is only one answer, we see the world as binary – right and wrong. When we begin to see the world this way, if a teacher asks a question and students do not know the answer, they will not open their mouth. As a result, children tend to lose their willingness to try new things and come up with their own independent ideas. We should be encouraging the opposite. We need to change our education system to meet the demands of the current job market, where innovation is a prized commodity.

4. We Need to Adopt A New System If Our Children Are To Flourish:
As Ken Robinson explained, our educational system has, "mined our minds" for a commodity. We enacted this system for a purpose in the past, but it has become outmoded and needs to be revamped. The world of tomorrow with its ever-growing population, increased global instability and fragile environment, will need highly creative people. We need people who can predict emerging trends, propose solutions to new issues, and stay calm in a challenging, ever changing world. The system that is currently in place will only stifle the creativity and ingenuity of tomorrow's leaders and innovators.

5. "Academic Inflation" and Global Competition:
More people than ever are getting degrees across the globe. In 30 years time, a Bachelor's degree will be almost worthless. To have a career, you will need a masters or doctorate. Already we see college graduates returning home to live with mom and dad with no career prospects. So how do we ensure that our children stand out from the well-educated crowd? Inevitably, we have to rethink our definition of intelligence if our children are going to make it in this increasing competitive world. Only if we nurture their creativity will they stand a chance.

Transforming our educational system is not just desirable, but critical. Embracing all forms of intelligence will prepare us for an unpredictable, ever-changing future. Continuing on the same path, with an outdated system in place, will mean throwing away talent and undiscovered potential. Nurturing undiscovered potential and talent is one of my favourite things about working with young people. What a life-changing gift to give to another human being. I for one, am not prepared to let more and more kids fail in life because they do not fit the mold … Are you?

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Source by Lisa AE Phillips

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Once upon a time there were three little pigs that went out into the world to build homes. One built with straw. One pig used wood for his home. The last little pig used bricks that have been eco-friendly for a very long time. We all know how that little pig fable turned out after the big bad wolf showed up. Here is that tale recycled to show the moral and benefits of using eco-friendly and recycled material.

So let's begin this three pigs story with eco-friendly changes from the original version. To start with, you should notice the three little pigs book your mother read from was likely not printed with recycled paper or tree free paper so even the presentation was not eco-friendly. Our story here is digital and no trees were cut down to present it to you now. There are no printed copies. There are not even copies on recycled paper or tree free paper either.

One not so long ago, there lived three little pigs. They thought of going in separate ways to build some homes but quickly realized that a small pig condo project would be an eco-friendly way to live and share outdoor space. However, these pigs decided each would take on a different aspect of the project and lend specific expertise.

The first little pig wanted to use straw. This pig knew that his long ago predecessor had tried using straw as a primary building material and that had not worked out so well. He would've been better off with wattle and daub walls made of straw mixed with mud and used the sheaf's of straw only to thatch the roof. Our present-day pig decides on a modern version of the wattle and daub concept. He ops to buy an eco-friendly oriented strand product made by heat pressing straw and glue into sheathing boards.

The second little pig's thoughts are of using wood but instead of utilizing lumber from tree that takes decades to reach maturity, he opts for fast growing bamboo trees. The pigs will use bamboo as structural support for the pressed straw sheathing boards.

The third pig is still thinking about the eco-friendly and time-honored bricks that saved them from the wolf in the long-distant past. They can be used again. In fact this little pig finds the same bricks he bought before and recycles them. The bricks are old but still strong and the little pig's condo will use them for the footings and a central chimney.

The little pigs work together on drawing up the blueprints and the even go above and beyond by using recycled paper that is actually recycled tree free paper.

The result is a cozy and ecologically responsibly dwelling that still protects them from the wolves. Pressed straw boards have a natural insulating quality that even keeps the wolf utilities company at bay. And the three little live happily ever after.

This has just been a rehash of the three pigs fable where the three young boars are not living up to their hog stereotype by hogging up the world's precious resources. They leave it to the human pigs to do that.

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Source by Russell Twyce

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The history of tri-cone drill bit development stretches back over 100 years. It may seem strange to think that such a precision piece of equipment from the present has roots dating back to 1908, but the road to the level of innovation in modern tri-cone bits is a long one.

Howard Hughes and the beginning of a business empire

Before there was the tri-cone drill with its 3 interlocking rollers Howard R. Hughes Sr. invented a dual-cone rotary drill which revolutionized the oil drilling rigs of the time. When he founded the Hughes Tool Company in 1908 (then the Sharp-Hughes tool company until 1912) he had a patent for the first roller cutter drill ever made and had founded of one of America's most notable corporate dynasties. When he died in 1924, ownership of the company passed to his famous son, Howard Hughes jr. who had himself declared legally an adult so he could fend off relatives squabbling over his father's will and take full control of the company that would soon create the tri-cone drill bit.

The young Mr. Hughes and his powered stranglehold on the drilling industry take off!

In addition to a high-flying life of Hollywood glamour, gorgeous actresses, death defying aviation, and producing the original 1932 film "Scarface" (50 years before Al Pacino made it famous in the better known remake) Howard Hughes Jr. was also a business magnet who saw the tri-cone drill bit invented by a Hughes Tool Company researcher, and reinvented the oil drilling industry a second time. Five years before the invention of this bit, Cemented Carbide, an early Tungsten Carbide alloy was developed and brought over to America. Although not always combined at first, the Hughes company patent along with the new synthetic metals allowed the Hughes Tool Company to become the only way for Western drilling companies to use tri-cone drill bits. The speed and competitive advantage of these early bits was massive compared to the technology previously available, and every serious drilling company had no choice but to use Hughes brand bits … or move to Russia for Soviet knock-offs.

The patent expires and drill bit race is on

In 1951 the Hughes company patent on the tri-cone drill bit ran out, and competitors around the world began to start manufacturing drill bits with the superior design. Although the Hughes company initially maintained a huge market share thanks to the initial patent, the number of competitors reduced this dramatically over time. As of 2000 they no longer had market dominance, and as of 2011 the company was acquired by a conglomerate.

Contemporary tri-cone drill bits

Luckily, Tri-Cone drill bit innovations did not stop with the expiry of the Hughes patent. Additional improvements in manufacturing allowed TCI (Tungsten Carbide Insert) drill bits to become much more commonly used. Tungsten carbide inserts allow bits to have remarkable hardness, endurance, and strength, while making the shaft out of more conventional alloys means the drilling rig does not have to worry about the material's brittleness under extreme pressures. Tri-cone bits have also seen significant innovation the design of the drill bits themselves: Open roller bearings are the conventional standard, but sealed roller bearings improve the life span of the bit dramatically. Sealed roller bears can also incorporate journal bearings for excellent durability and resistance to wear and tear. Innovation is a constant process and further refinement continues to improve drilling capacity around the world.

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Source by LR Lindsay

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In this issue, I will share my experience acquired from the conglomerate and its operating companies. For the purpose of this article, I will articulate the Valuing Employees and Partners which is one of the eleven core values ​​and concepts used in Malcolm Baldrige Criteria. As before, I will use case studies to show how some of the companies implement them.

To recap, below are the Eleven Core Values ​​and Concepts of Baldrige Criteria: –

Visionary Leadership | Customer-Driven Excellence | Organizational and Personal Learning | Valuing Employees and Partners | Agility | Focus on the Future | Managing for Innovation | Management by Fact | Public Responsibility and Citizenship | Focus on Results and Creating Value | Systems Perspective

In this issue, I will share my experience acquired from the conglomerate and its operating companies. For the purpose of this article, I will articulate the Valuing Employees and Partners which is one of the eleven core values ​​and concepts used in Malcolm Baldrige Criteria. As before, I will use case studies to show how some of the companies implement them.

To recap, below are the Eleven Core Values ​​and Concepts of Baldrige Criteria: –

Visionary Leadership | Customer-Driven Excellence | Organizational and Personal Learning | Valuing Employees and Partners | Agility | Focus on the Future | Managing for Innovation | Management by Fact | Public Responsibility and Citizenship | Focus on Results and Creating Value | Systems Perspective

Articulated Valuing Employees and Partners A diverse background , knowledge, skills, creativity and motivation of all its employees and partners are seemingly contribute to an organization's success. An organization should commit to the satisfaction, development and well-being of the employee. However, the challenges in valuing employees include the followings: –

1. Commit to employee's success
2. Have a systematic reward and reorganization beyond normal compensation system
3. Plan for development and progression within the organization
4. Create an environment and policy that advocate risk taking and innovation
5. Create an environment to support diverse workforce
6. Advocate Internal partnerships close labor-management cooperation.
7. Create an atmosphere that encourages high performance work team. Knowledge sharing

Organization should considered external partnerships with customers, suppliers, Strategic partnerships or alliances for business advancement. All terms and condition for such partnership should be clearly stated to reduced unneeded conflicts of interests. Case Study on Valuing Employees and Partners Traditionally, most companies I worked with understanding the concept of Valuing Employees and Partners. Organization has policies that reinforce employees reward and recognitions, performance compensation schemes etc. However, these are merely the norm due to market employment forces.

Employee training and development has been considered selectively depends on the job positions. Many of the companies faced the problems with big performance gap between senior managers and next level of staffs. While recognize the need of a successor, there is not concrete plan to plan for succession. Perhaps, there may meant additional headcounts in the employee headcounts. Partnership with external parties such as vendors, strategic partners etc are done very selectively. Perhaps it may due to some sensitive issue when dealing with vendors. On the part of Strategic Partners, it is done quite selective due to the fact that company has to disclose several pertinent information which are confidential.

Issues with Valuing Employees and Partners Companies are not able to keep good employee for too long in the employee as most of them are good in performance and most wanted by employment agencies. Employee felt that companies is not compensate them fairy according to the market changes. Obviously, we can not expect companies to make adjustment too often for the sack to keep up with the external employment market. External partners remain low priority in the management strategies unless are force by example material shortage etc.

Opportunity for Improvement This is one of the eleven Values ​​and Concepts in Malcolm Baldrige that most of the companies I work lacking. Considering the management thinking and culture, it is not like an easy task to motivate leaders to benchmark their counterparts in Baldige winners. No doubt leaders in these companies tried to fulfill employee reorganization with clearer performance expectations; there is no written policy to document such practices. This is an areas with will not be changes unless perhaps the employment market forces companies to do so.

Increasing partnership with external parties remain an issue so long as the leaders do not see it as one of the strategic objectives.

In summary, having understood the Organizational and Personal Learning in Values ​​and Concepts of Malcolm Baldrige, leaders might benchmark their CEO of Baldrige Winners on their TQM successes in this value. My next article will articulate the next Core Values ​​and Concepts in Agility

for Malcolm Baldrige source criteria: Http://www.quality.nist.gov/Criteria.htm

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Source by Dr LM Foong

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A product engineer is a person that can design, develop, and manage new product ideas for corporations or individual inventors. Being an engineer is not always required, but the person must be familiar with all phases of the Product Development Cycle, and keep up with the latest technologies. Also, the designer has to combine technical knowledge, human factors, and creativity in order to make a product successful in the marketplace.

The responsibility of a Product Design Engineer is to take an idea and develop it so that it can be produced and sold. He or she must select the materials, type of prototyping, tooling, and manufacturing methods that are cost effective and meet the Product Definition. This person should also be able to generate drawings and 3D models that will be used for tooling, Prototyping, patents, marketing, and manufacturing. Some engineers even help with branding, packaging and testing as needed.

A unique set of conditions comes with each Product Idea. These include, but are not limited to finances, time lines, and goals. Product Designers consider these to be normal, and deal with them routinely. A design engineer is often a person who is curious about how things are made, and how they function. By nature, they are creative, artistic, and have vivid imaginations. These attributes, as well as others, provide them an advantage in designing products that appeal to consumers.

If you're reading this because you are an inventor, you are basically a product engineer. You have a new idea, or believe that you can make an improvement to an existing product, right?

Now you can be the product engineer by taking control of your invention and going through The Product Development Cycle. You may choose to skip phases when possible, spending time and money on areas that are practical for your invention. If you have already paid for a Patent and you believe people are wasting your money on marketing, regain control of your idea. You can develop it yourself, or hire someone else to do it.

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Source by Fred Heys

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So you use workwear? Maybe you're the person responsible for the firm's new purchases of workwear stock? So what do you look for from the garments and the brands available? First off, we need to identify the main components that you, the user and you, the buyer must consider. We have to look at; durability, safety, warmth, comfort, innovations and price. In this article we will look at 3 major brands, Snickers, Dickies and Mascot Workwear.

1. Durability:

Many brands claim to have excellent durability or performance and it's not until used or indeed tested, in the field that one finds the extent of these oft used claims. Snickers have a reputation built upon multinational success on excellence in their garments, derived from a desire to innovate. Their products are durable as you would expect, they use new technologies in fabrics and outer covers but there is a cost, which we will cover in the price section. Dickies have built a reputation since 1922 from all fields that use workwear. They have crossed boundaries in different fields to bring new innovations and designs that meet all the standards. Dickies are both durable and reliable. Mascot pride themselves not only with the slogan "tested to work" but because it is actually true. Mascot have rigorously tested all their products to meet and exceed ISO 9001-2008 standards. Meaning you get what you pay for; Real performance.

You can find boots and trouser from other brands that are cheaper but fail at the first hurdle. Which means at least more replacements (increased costs) if not more incidents at the workplace (law suits and compensation claims) .This should be a major consideration for all businesses and end users.

2. Safety:

All Garments that are classed as workwear should adhere to all the regulations set forward by the governing body of your territory so, for the UK ISO 9001-2008 Standard is used. Snickers Dickies and Mascot all meet these standards with all their garments. The important factor in safety is the marriage between safety and performance. There is nothing worse than having heavy-duty safety wear that affects the workers ability to perform their tasks that some brands insist upon, as though there is no other way. (Assuming you are not attempting to smelt iron in a T-shirt). All three brands perform well in this area but I do have to make one notable opinion known here, Mascot workwear excels in their ability to be both compliant and not restrict the performance of their workwear at the cost of safety.

There are other brands and competitors that insist on stringent rules that they themselves implement not because the regulations mandate it but because they do not have the technical variety and expertise to create solutions to everyday concerns. One major consideration is that, the safety is met but that productivity is not affected.

3. Warmth:

Now we all have been there, in civilian life as well as work, when what we are wearing has not been fit for the task ahead. Snickers have met this challenge head on with an impressive range of winter and weatherproof garments, that meet all expectations however again there is a cost. The garments are very expensive and if you were buying hundreds for your staff that would definitely hit the bottom line. As one off's they are excellent performers. In my opinion there are other brands that do the job just as well but have a more economically viable pricing structure. Dickies have a decent selection but I find that while the jackets in particular perform well there is room for improvement. This may seem like a criticism, I just feel if I was working outside, I would like more innovations in the materials used in Dickies jackets. They use natural fibres and have used synthetics well but in my opinion they have some way to go to match Snickers and Mascot in terms of multi layers and insulation. Mascot workwear has for years been known as "the one with the bear" which represents strength and warmth. The new materials as well as traditional ones have been used by Mascot to great effect to create weatherproof and water proof garments that stand up to the wonderful European climate and further afield.

If you do a quick search against competitors you will find alternatives as previously discussed but what is the cost to you in the purchasing dept? No one wants to restock and no one wants disgruntled workers. The major consideration is performance again as well as price, which means in my opinion Mascot wins this round.

4. Comfort:

As many of you would know that walking let alone working in, let's face it crap boots and garments is a pain in whatever body part you care to nominate. Snickers have long since shown innovation of their garments, from the very beginning with founder, Matti Viio wanting more from his workwear than what was being offered. He designed his own garments for the everyday worker and that methodology has been carried forward ever since. Comfort and functionality is a key strength of Snickers.

Dickies have made improvements throughout their ranges to make them more comfortable, whether it is using more natural fibres for skin to fabric contact or the additional fabrics added to garments to make movement easier and their garments more flexible. Mascot have also listened to the end users with regards to various demands and varying needs of the Mascot boots and Workwear. There is continuous testing and innovations in the way the boots and workwear hold up to the different tasks and needs of many different job roles. So, in very real terms the shoe does fit.

Comfort is very important to maintaining a strong productive workforce and should not be undervalued when choosing your workwear range. All three brands meet the usual expectations with comfort. This area really goes to the heart of personal choice and taste.

5. Innovations:

What makes a great workwear garment? This is expansive and subjective, but a very simple quality is always prevalent, innovation. How can you make a heavy-duty jacket light enough for anyone to wear without compromising on safety? New technologies, investment in new fabric and testing these are key points to building a workwear brands success.

Snickers have innovated from the very beginning, its origins begin in Sweden in 1975. Snickers brand was born out of frustration which lead to innovation. The founder Matti Viio was unimpressed with the largely unchanged workwear range from the 19th century and decided one day, to design and make his own workwear. Thus Snickers was initiated, they have not looked back since. Their range is very impressive in both styles and quality but again I am drawn to the prices. Even with bulk orders the price could be a barrier for a lot of companies. The ranges are priced in hundreds of Euros for weather proof garments. I believe the same quality can be found without having to pay what I consider a premium for a name.

Dickies since 1922 have created a wide range of products that have actually crossed markets into leisure wear. During the early 1990's the American youth grabbed hold of Dickies garments and used them for day to day wear and fashion statements. Adoption by many bands and performers have propelled the brand into a new revenue stream. This has meant a very wide range of garments available for selection for use at work or at play.

Mascot has a laboratory dedicated to blending unique styles with cutting edge materials that add additional value to all their workwear. Innovation is at the forefront of all new ranges because Mascot pride themselves in listening to people like you, the workers and everyday users of the mascot workwear garments.Again you get what you pay for and the real value is the no compromise in quality, the great reputation and the guarantee that all garments have been tested to work.

All three brands score high marks for innovation however the technologies that Mascot have pioneered come out on top in my opinion. The fact that Mascot Workwear has blended man-made fibres with polymers to create stronger, harder wearing garments that are both light weight and warm, stands head and shoulders above most brands you would care to compare them to.

6. Price:

The crunch time section, no matter how well garments perform it all boils down to cost. As workwear experts it is our responsibility to match performance to expectations. This means that some brands are more viable than others. Snickers perform well, even beyond expectations in the above areas but as I have stated there is a cost, which just happens to be the price of the workwear garments. Very, very good products but if you were buying dozens or hundreds then you better have deep pockets. I would recommend them for one off's unless you find a great deal elsewhere. Dickies have excellent ranges and are priced reasonably well within the market place. The I still feel View there is room for improvement with some of hwy winter or weatherproof garments they 're are On priced well for the : ranges available Mascot Workwear has a great range and Excels in all the the above Areas and the if the I was comparing of pound for of pound Mascot by just about walk away with the prize.

Always, always consider the true price of workwear purchasing. One off's can be all about the price but repetitive purchases are always about the reliability and performance and over any given time line, will not only save money but increase productivity. It all counts towards the bottom line.

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Source by Grant D Martin

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As an ergonomic recliner, the Brigger Ultra Recliner is the ultimate in comfort as well as one of the best models you can purchase. No matter what you want to do in this chair you can very easily and comfortably recline in the zero gravity position, or find the perfect angle for reading or watching TV. You will fall in love with this model and everything it allows you do in it.

You will find that when you choose to use the recline position, this model places you in the same zero gravity position that astronauts use during liftoff. This position has been found relieves back discomfort while at the same time providing maximum therapeutic support for your bodies aches and pains. Plus your torso is also superbly and properly aligned to your thighs, as well as your lower legs are positioned above your heart for what we all know provides much better circulation.

You will love how every joint and muscle is aligned for maximum relaxation and comfort. The end result of utilizing this chair is that you will feel calm, relaxed and totally stress free no matter what you end up doing while sitting in this chair.

By fabulous this ergonomic anti-gravity recliner Also comes with all the ergonomic That type of features you can possibly want and expect from the brand of furniture with its long history of comfort and versatility like Brigger furniture. Not only will you get their adjustable Lumbar support for your lower back, but you will also get one of the very best ergonomically designed cushions that not only support your back but also support your body exactly where you need it the very most.

Plus this recliner features the Ultra footrest that is easily made to be extended even further than other chairs of this type for those of us who have longer legs, and when you do not need it just keep underneath the seat. In addition, this great type of footrest tilts for added comfort.

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Source by William B. Beacham

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An open mind is good thing – most of the time. New ideas, new experience, increased knowledge, personal and professional growth, better relationships and an overall positive approach to life are just a few of the benefits of having an open mind. However, there are some pitfalls. Like an open window or an open door in which bugs can enter the home, an open mind is susceptible to litter, junk, lies and deceptions, false information and misdirection. The open mind, like an open window, needs a screen to keep the bugs out. The mental screen is called "discrimination." It is an attribute everyone has. Discrimination is the capacity to see differences. Like any tool, discrimination can be used wisely or foolishly, for good or for bad. Unless we want our open mind filled with all kinds of non-sense, we must learn to differentiate between what is of genuine value and what is junk. You might say that our discriminative capacity is like an email spam filter. We can set the parameters to filter out the junk and let in the useful information. Generally, what is important to us is considered useful and gets through. What is important to you? An open mind, with a screen to prevent the bugs from entering, or a spam filter to block the junk, is a wonderful thing.

The open mind is also susceptible to a lack of conviction. Too many conflicting ideas can enter an open mind and cause indecision. It is necessary now and then to close the mind, disallow any more input, make a decision and act. Perhaps more important than having an open mind is having a mind that is capable of being open – or closed. We need a mind with hinges – well lubricated and in good working order. The hinges of our mind is our ability to decide. We can decide to accept or reject information. We can decide to consider a point of view or not. We can decide to open or close the window. A home would become cold and drafty if the doors and windows could not be closed now and then. But, it would be awfully stuffy if they could not be opened. We simply decide to open or close the window – or the mind. But, our decision must be made from intelligence and reason, not emotional reactions. An emotionally reactive person would likely open the doors and windows during a blizzard – or close the mind to beneficial information.It's the mind that remains closed that prevents creative growth.

It's the closed mind that stated in the late 1870's that the telephone had too many shortcomings to be seriously considered as a communication device or in the early 1970's that no one would ever want a computer in their home. Charles Duell, the Commissioner of the US Office of Patents in 1899 said "Everything that can be invented has been invented." In 1981, Bill Gates, founder of Microsoft, said "640K ought to be enough for anybody." Even the most visionary person may close their mind to possibilities. Perhaps there is a bit more effort in keeping the mind open, just as smiling requires a little more muscle movement. But, the results of a smile are so often rewarding – and the fruits of an open mind can be very enriching. Despite the predictions of "experts" quoted above, it appears the mind will strive to be open and will move forward into new experiences hitherto thought unavailable or unreachable.

Ultimately, the cons of an open mind can be dealt with and the pros of an open mind are too important to neglect. As Charles Kettering, the American engineer and inventor said, "Where there is an open mind, there will be a frontier." Living as we do on the verge of global catastrophes, we need a frontier. We need a vision of a better future, and a path towards that future. For that, we will need an open mind.

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Source by Ken Fields

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Creative thinking techniques help us learn to proliferate ideas. When we learn to proliferate ideas we become better at divergent thinking – one of the most powerful tools in a problem solver's toolbelt.

When someone asks you to come up with ideas to solve a problem, how many do you typically produce? One? Two? Five?

The following example illustrates how we can use a few simple creative thinking techniques to generate tons of useful ideas.

The problem: How many different ways can we use a brick?

Our goal is forty ideas.

Step One – Empty Your Mind

Rapidly list all the ways you can think of, off the top of your head, to use a brick.

1. Build a wall
2. Build a mailbox
3. Side a house
4. Use it for a desk paperweight
5. Use it as a melee weapon (whack someone on the head)
6. Use it as a projectile weapon (throw it at someone)
7. Use it to pave a sidewalk or patio
8. Build a deck

Eight, total. Not many.

Step Two – Group the items into common themes

Several of my ideas fell into the category of 'building material.' So focusing on that, what other things can be built out of bricks?

1. Flowerpots
2. Landscaping
3. Mailboxes
4. Barbecues
5. Smokehouses
6. Outhouses
7. Shelving
8. Outdoor bar

Eight more right there. My running total: 16.

Also, a few of the ideas fell into the category of 'small, hard, relatively heavy objects.' What other uses are there for that?

1. Doorstop
2. Bug whacker
3. Ballast
4. Hold down sheets of cloth, plastic etc.

There's four more. My running total: 20

Step Three – Consider the common attributes

What are the attributes of bricks?

• Hard
• Durable
• Rectangular
• Smallish
• Holds heat well / insulates
• Compact
• Come in several earth-tone colors
• Cheap

"Holds heat well" inspires a new focus for ideas.

1. Kiln
2. Lining for a metal grill
3. Something to protect a vulnerable surface from a hot pot or pan
4. Mount a metal grill / smoker on a wood deck
5. Mount a hot water heater on a wood / tile / linoleum floor

Also bricks are "hard." Do some uses require extra strength or durability?

1. High explosives / hazardous materials storage buildings
2. High explosives / hazardous materials handling facilities
3. Backstop for a shooting range
4. Firing position
5. Vault

Ten more there. Running total: 30. We are three quarters of our way to the target, and we've kept things pretty basic.

The creative thinking techniques I've used so far are fairly linear. To come up with really new and different ideas, we need to get more abstract in our thinking.

The next tool takes us into the abstract arena. It falls under the category of 'forced connections' – determining the relationship between two things that are seemingly unrelated.

Step Four: Force Connections

'Random words' is a basic tool for forcing connections. I pull out a random words list, close my eyes and point a finger at:

• nut
• pet
• Mass
• hospital
• trophy

How could these words possibly help me come up with more uses for a brick?

Simply list the things you associate with each word, and 'force' a connection with bricks.

Here are the words and phrases that I associate with each:

• nut – small, tasty, almond, walnut, squirrel, fiber, pecan, pie, cookie, peanut, sold in bags, baseball games, sold alone or mixed
• pet – dog, cat, hamster, gerbil, snake, lizard, sold in specialty stores, cute, pet food, fish tank
• Mass – Catholic, church, service, Eucharist, sanctuary, baptism, wafer, wine, Pope, priest, nun, prayer, forgiveness, collection
• hospital – emergency, rooms, beds, patients, doctors, nurses, operations, x-ray, MRI, expensive, health care, ambulance, surgery, healing
• trophy – prize, engraving, given to the winner, valuable, prestige, mantle piece, display case, pride

Forcing connections with the words and phrases I get these ideas:

1. Pet – dog – Build a doghouse
2. Nut – squirrel – Build a squirrel / bird feeder
3. Mass – service – Build a memorial
4. Mass – service – Build an outdoor altar
5. Hospital – x-ray – Line an X-ray or radiology room
6. Mass – baptism – Build a baptismal font
7. Trophy – mantle piece – Build a fireplace
8. Trophy – display case – Build a trophy case
9. Pet – fish tank – Build an aquarium stand or case
10. Trophy – engraving – Create engraved pavers for fund raising

That's ten more, bringing my total up to 40. Goal achieved!

To be honest, this was too easy. I could have kept generating idea after idea by using other creative thinking tools.

And just think of what a GROUP of thinkers could come up with – in an innovation workshop, for a group of five I would have set the goal at 100-150 ideas.

"Forty uses for a brick" might have sounded daunting at first, based on the ideas at the top of our heads.

But as I have shown it does not take a lot of thinking to proliferate ideas, as long as you do it systematically, using proven tools and techniques.

Idea generation is the foundation of divergent thinking, which drives business creativity. Learn to proliferate ideas in this manner and you'll become a better innovator for it.

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Source by Sandy Cormack

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Watch out! There's stuff going on out there that can make or break your business. It's a rapidly changing world and the changes taking place are outside our direct control – changes in technology, economics and regulations for example. Such changes in the external environment can have dramatic effects on businesses and organisations, indeed on whole industries.

Mobile phones have altered the way we communicate in the last few years, the Internet has opened up global markets. European Union regulations affect a growing number of national governments and every citizen living inside its expanding borders. Change is constant.

Using 'Radar'

To stay ahead of the game we need to anticipate changes, not just react to them. This requires constant 'scanning' of the external environment and I liken this to a ship's radar, constantly looking out for both hazards and help, picking up on its radar screens approaching ships and impending storms in good time. Naturally, we are in touch with the world we live in and we constantly learn about new developments from TV, friends, publications and a host of other sources. But to have an effective 360 ​​º Business Radar, it pays to be more systematic in scanning for opportunities – and threats. This scanning can be called an External Audit (or Environmental Analysis). A PEST Analysis simply invites us to look in four directions: political, economic, social and technological for threats and opportunities. A more thorough approach is to look in eight directions using the ICEDRIPS checklist overleaf, an acronym I invented which I have used with many organisations to help them identify opportunities and threats to their businesses or social enterprises.

The ICEDRIPS checklist

Innovations. Include computer technology and the Internet (of course) but other developments in the biosciences and transportation.

Competition. Not only from rivals but threats from other Forces of Competition such as new entrants and substitute products.

Economics. Includes factors such as inflation, exchange rates, downturns in the industry, public spending etc.

Demographics. Include the ageing of the population , migration, trends in employment, social class etc.

Regulations. Such as new laws, protocols , agreements, conventions and industry regulations eg Ofcom regulations and school inspections via Ofsted.

Infrastructure. Such as telecommunications networks, transport , public services and utilities.

Partners. Strategic alliances with other companies or organisations. (See also Coopetition).

Social trends. Including acceptance of technology, use of leisure time, fashions and changing beliefs.

The factors above are not in order of importance, the checklist merely provides an easy to remember acronym.

The best way to use the checklist is to produce a long list of 100 or so things going on in the world – and things likely to happen. (Imagine all the things you would have to tell a colleague who'd been in outer space for ten years!)

This will produce a generic list, useful for all organisations. The Competition and Partners elements will apply more specifically to the business or organisation in question.

Then add any special external factors relevant to your sector. This might include technical developments, government initiatives or industry matters for example.

Write all of them down and then sift carefully through them for the factors that could represent opportunities and threats for your business.

For example, lowcost international flights (infrastructure) and downloadable music files (innovation) provide opportunities for some enterprises, whilst on the other hand the increasing possibility of litigation (regulations) and new entrants to the market from new European states (competition) represent threats for other businesses.

Depending on your position, changes can produce progress or disaster; changes can be forces for good or bad depending on how they affect you; changes can present either opportunities or threats, depending on how you deal with them. For example, the Disability Discrimination Act in the UK affects architects, web designers, advertisers and other creative businesses. Whilst some will see it as a problem for their businesses, those who are 'ahead of the game' will adapt to new requirements quickly and gain competitive advantage.

Remember that there are other Forces of Competition as well as your immediate rivals, including the relative power of buyers and suppliers as well as new entrants and substitute products, that can present either opportunities or threats, depending on how you manoeuvre in the changing competitive environment .

On the other hand, apparent competitors can become cooperators in certain circumstances, transforming rivals into partners and threats into opportunities, using the idea of ​​Coopetition.

Timothy Chan, Chairman of Shanghai based computer games manufacturer Shanda Entertainment, operates in a culture where pirating software is rife. Software pirating was a threat but he turned it into an opportunity when Shanda changed their business model so that clients have to pay to play games online. So the distribution of pirate copies of the software actually encourages more people to log on and become paying customers.

Online Originals took advantage of changes in the external environment (especially Innovation) to launch the very first Internet only ebook publishing venture.

Having used the checklist to identify as many positive and negative factors, the next step is to identify the important few of each, using the 95: 5 Rule. It may be just 5% of external opportunities that lead to 95% of your future success. Just one major threat could be twenty times more significant than several other threats identified.

As for threats, anticipate the worst possibilities – then decide how to deal with them or avoid them.

The counterpart of Risk Analysis is Opportunity Analysis. Using similar principles as Risk Analysis, Opportunity Analysis is the technique of assessing which opportunities are most likely to present business benefits, and the possible positive impact of each of them, in order to prioritise the most significant opportunities.

In conclusion, the ICEDRIPS checklist enables you to devise your Business Radar as an early warning system to avoid or defend against threats whilst identifying emerging opportunities before your competitors do.

Key Points

• External forces beyond our control can affect our businesses positively or negatively.
• We need to anticipate changes, not just react to them.
• Use the ICEDRIPS checklist as a 'business radar' to scan the external environment for forces that could affect your enterprise.
• Sift the external environment for the one or two special opportunities – and for potential threats.
• Threats can be turned into opportunities.
• Remember the 95: 5 Rule and separate the important few from the trivial many.
• Anticipate the worst possibilities – then decide how to deal with them or avoid them.
• Constantly keep a lookout.

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Source by Zainol R Burhan