Fast Company article #3 By Susan Jarosak "Report From the Future: What's the Big Idea?" by Curtis Sittenfeld

The article, "Report From the Future: What's the Big Idea?" provides a glimpse into the world of Creative Solutions Network, a business that "sells" the opportunity for people to think creatively. The company charges fees to companies who want to send their employees to use the "Thinkubator," a room loaded with just the right stimuli to help groups think and talk. The space contains a rec room, music, artwork, and is filled with fun "gizmos and gadgets," eclectic furniture and even special scents. The owner believes that "if you want people to be more creative, you have to put them in an environment that lets their imagination soar." Groups that use the Thinkubator, (usually 8 to 14 people) use the space for brainstorming, questioning, and, according to the article, "rediscover their gifts."

Gerald Haman, the founder of this business, believes we all have a degree of creativity, but we lose it as we grow older. He says schools and workplaces do not promote using our imagination and his company's niche is helping others "rediscover their gifts." Success stories from Thinkubator alumni are plentiful. According to the article, brainstorming sessions have produced countless new ideas for products and services.

I agree with Haman's philosophy about the need to get away from the workplace to think. Retreating to a relaxed and comfortable place usually helps clear my head. We try to do this in Extension, but there are oftentimes hindrances to the process. Group dynamics, i.e. negative relationships within the group, hidden agendas, etc. can destroy both participation and commitment to the process. I have, however, participated in several retreats that were exceptional experiences -- rejuvenating and fun -- and very productive.

The question that this article raises for me is why do we need to leave our workplace to think and be creative? Why does there need to be a separation? While I understand most workplaces are not conducive to thinking and reflecting, aren't we supporting the idea that they must be separate by constantly tromping off to retreat sites to get inspired? The subject of being creative is of interest to me and this article reminded me of the book, "Creating," by Robert Fritz. His book gives insights into how to develop your own creative process. Fritz says the creative process is a form, not a formula and that, like the form in blues music, each musician approaches their work in a different way. Creating is a process for us to bring creations into the world. In the art world, a creation could be a painting or sculptor. In the business world, a creation could be new ideas for processes, or products. Here's my favorite quote from Robert Fritz:

"Creating is not designed to heal you, fix you, or satisfy you, but a way in which you can bring your talents, energies, actions, imagination, reason, intuition, and yes, even love to the creation you desire." (see reference below). One could dismiss the idea of the Thinkubator as just a clever scheme to make money by getting employees to talk to one another and produce ideas, but this business's concept is unique because they not only provide a space, but a process as well. They also utilize technology, in the form of a web page, in which participants can access as they return to their jobs. I think this is good as it pushes participants to reflect on the ideas generated by their group to review and revise.

According to the article, participating in the Thinkubator has prompted companies to create spaces in their own workplaces to retreat to for reflection and idea generation. I think every organization should create a Thinkubator space.

Reference: Robert Fritz (1991) "Creating" p. 20.

-- Anonymous, April 27, 1999