60 Seconds on Business
Nothing as valuable as a new idea

By Dr. Drake Beil
President, Solutions Inc.

Business operates at the speed of innovation, and for many this is a challenge full of fear. But, if you've been following the past two columns, you know that two keys to creative thinking are flexibility and fluency.

The third key to creative thinking is originality.

The most challenging aspect of originality is the capacity for designing the unexpected. Originality is a form of readiness. It's the sense to recognize when a new and perhaps useful idea is present, combined with the willingness to take the chance to explore the unknown.

Most people are poor risk-takers, but given some practice and the ability to learn from mistakes, without getting their heads chopped off, they can improve dramatically in a short period.

Look for the "difference that makes a difference" and realize there are always creative ways to resolve a situation. The question is: Can you find them?

The more complex the world of business becomes, the more challenging the role of the service provider becomes, the greater the value of thought — and especially creative thought. There is nothing more valuable than a new idea, and those employees who give you their minds as well as their bodies will become very important in the years to come.

Dr. Drake Beil can be reached at drake@60secondsonbusiness.