Creativity in Business
Michael Ray and Rochelle Myers’ 1989 Creativity in Business: Based on the Famed Stanford Course That Revolutionized the Art of Success offers great insights into the process of creating a successful business. While many books on the subject of success focus on business strategies, Creativity in Business is focused on personal growth. While a spiritual approach to business growth may be different than what many people expect from a book on business success; this book will appeal to many professionals. While the principles of Creativity in Business will be relevant and effective for many people, creative professionals in the arts, design, or innovation will likely be especially appreciative of this fine book.
The book approaches life as art. In doing so, it encourages you to look within, to find your core “essence”. The creative essence is defined by several qualities: intuition, will, joy, strength and compassion. Each of the qualities of essence will bring about a corresponding reaction, and together, tapping into these qualities will bring personal and professional success. Creativity in Business redefines success as a creative process, and as such stresses the importance of surrendering to the process, of accepting growth and change as it comes.
The basic principles of Creativity in Business are simple, and zen-inspired. Detach, let go, and accept the process. Respect your own creativity, and allow success to flow from that. Question, inquire and allow yourself to be inspired. Business is actually a very creative form of art. It integrates creativity and imagination (business plans and ideas) people skills, organizational skills, and requires a focus and drive that many artists possess.
For me it finally all clicked together when the exercises in the book helped me realize what has always been my highest governing value. Before it was unconscious, now it is conscious and it is easier for me to make tough choices.
This book is a winner.
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Michael Ray