Posted on: Monday, May 21, 2001

60 Seconds on Business
Creative thinking requires open mind

By Dr. Drake Beil
President, Solutions Inc.

How can you think more creatively on the job?

The Torrence Test for Creativity offers some suggestions.

First, there's flexibility — the ability to see things in more than one way. It's the skill of rearranging the facts, staying fluid in your perceptions, and looking for more, other and different types.

For example, if you look at a product, how many different markets can you see? For the common square, white refrigerator, do you just see the home-consumer market, or do you also see schools, hospitals, doctors' and dentists' offices, new condominium developers, car sales offices, construction portables, and downtown offices? Each may merit a separate marketing plan and resources; each may have specific paybacks.

Are there new ways to work with your suppliers to ensure just-in-time deliveries?

Is there a new way to work with your banker to ensure a revolving credit that meets your needs?

Is there a new way to motivate employees?

Some people go out of their way to deny new ideas. They seem so scared of change that they freeze old beliefs into their minds and refuse to let in new ideas and approaches. This is a dangerous way to run a business, especially at a time when change occurs at ever-accelerating speeds.

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