Tea with McNair

• where do good ideas come from?

The best way

to have a good idea

is to have lots

of ideas. 

~ Linus Pauling

In the early stages of re-designing the World of Motion pavilion at EPCOT Center, Disney Imagineers went to Detroit to meet with General Motors, the attraction's sponsor. First there was the obligatory exhaustive tour and way too much yada yada about how new cars are designed and developed—federal safety standards + focus groups with car owners + "this year's colors" = the 2011 Chevy Mediocrity! (Right, the GM-MIT "Stackable" car.)

In a side conversation it seem increasingly amazing to the visiting Imagineers that any auto company ever created even one interesting car. There seemed to be too much over thinking.

Best Sellers. One Imagineer finally asked their GM hosts, "What are the two or three best selling cars GM has currently?"

Funnily enough, they were told, that GM's top two cars (at that time) were designed by two independent design teams.

"What was the secret to their success? What did they do different?"

The two teams were created from young designers. Both teams worked unaware of the other team. Both teams were told to simply "design a car you'd like to drive."

In other words, in their initial design phase they were allowed to ignore federal safety laws and they were never shown ANY focus group findings. The members of each team became their own focus group.

After each team had a car prototype, they added in/on the basic federal safety devices that had to be there to make their cars available to the public. And that's how GM's two best selling cars were developed.

Your Turn. Build it, design it, write it, draw it, plan it...your way. Trying to guess, imagine, predict, or divine what will work, sell, or be the next big ting is all a torturous and uncreative exercise in careful creativity.

No such thing. 

Creativity is messy, mysterious, chaotic, obstreperous, disruptive, playful, foggy, illuminating.... creativity is active not merely cerebral. Too much planning, is TOO MUCH.

"Managing" Creativity. If you have not yet watch the Ed Catmull video—twice—follow the "Tea Link" to the post from last Thursday (29 AP '20) and get a little light from the President of one of the most actively creative companies now, or ever. These guys really know their "Cars." TEA LINK

• I was going to write this last month

"Small Steps. The Only way to achieve any goal, no matter how large or small, is step by step. As the old saying goes, 'Life by the yard is very hard; life by the inch is a cinch.' A behavioral goal can be broken down into small, observable steps and, likewise, each of these steps should be observable and specific."

In their new edition of PROCRASTINATION (linked in the book list, left column), authors Jane Burka and Lenora Yuen, tell that so much new research and study has developed that they felt compelled to update their 1988 book. (New edition published in 2008.)

They also share, quite candidly, that they are both experienced (even expert) procrastinators. Both are Ph.D.'s and tell of the endless "all-nighters...struggling with doctoral dissertations." They even confess to making "up elaborate stories to excuse our delays." (Been there. Done that. Got the souvenir baseball cap...and matching t-shirt— Mc.)

A True Story. When this highly-readable book was first recommended to me I thought about it for a month or two; went to the book store and found a copy (even thumbed through it and read a bit); replaced in on the shelf of the store; returned four months later and purchased my very own copy. I finally started reading it, two months after buying it. (About seven months plus from first recommendation to starting my reading of Procrastination.)

As they write in their Introduction: "Our aim is not to do away with procrastination...turn our readers into efficiency experts...There are plenty of times when it is in your best interest to put something aside and not attend to it. Rather, we hope that this book will help give you some freedom of choice about procrastinating, so that you will worry less and feel more in control of your life."

Who doesn't want that?

One of the most helpful sections for me was an early chapter that dealt with the twin fears of Fear of Failure and Fear of Success. (I have experience and expetise in both.) One of the best services offered is their myth busting that there is not always a right answer; trying to get it perfect never happens; living as though life is a competition; going it alone (DON'T), and many more practical insights.

The new edition is 100 pages longer with rich index, recommended additional reading, and all the same practical advice. This is one of those books that you can virtually open at any point, find a header, start reading, and get value...NOW.

A quicky to whet your appetite.

The authors recommend starting a 2-week program using many techniques. Among their recommendations:

- Make goals that are observable.
- Be specific.
- Take small steps.
- Reward yourself!
- Avoid Perfectionism

[ Typically I write a post, edit it, post it, go back and re-read it a half dozen times in the first 48 hours, and do re-writes on almost every reread—often long after many of you have read and commented.

I am going to try and not "fix" this post once I click "publish." (Unless there's a typo or "creatively spelled" word.) I will apply my Inner Perfectionist to another project today. Maybe.]

• what's important?

Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world.

    ~ Albert Einstein

Illustration :: McNair

• rest

Can you rest today?

No email, texting, surfing, searching, calling—no calls except emergencies.

Turn off your smart/i/berry/flip.

No shopping.

Do not enter any place with a "free wifi" sign on the door.

You may write, scribble, paint, read, dream, bike, walk, make music . . .

. . . or swing, take a banjo lesson, spend too much time in a toy store, find a place to grab a bite where you can sit at the counter and maybe, they DO NOT have a cappuccino machine—it's simply coffee, a variety teas or something with ice. (How 'bout some juice?)

Remember, this is the day to keep holy, not busy. That means this day is different, set apart. And though everyday could use a spark of the Eternal, this is the day filled with the Gracefulness that none of us deserve and we all need.

Grab some grace and rest in it—today and . . .

                        there will be more grace tomorrow.

{ Panting, above: Noon: Rest From Work (After Millet) by Vincent van Gogh 1889-90; Musée d'Orsay, Paris}

• prevention: bad

“The notion that you’re trying to control the (creative) process and prevent error screws things up. We all know the saying it’s better to ask for forgiveness than permission. And everyone knows that, but I think there is a corollary: if everyone is trying to prevent error, it screws things up. It’s better to fix problems than to prevent them. And the natural tendency for managers is to try and prevent error and over plan things.”

Watch interview—linked in yesterday's post, below ( • how to screw up the creative process)— with Ed Catmull (WHO?!), President of Pixar Studios. He discusses the lessons they've learned and management style they've used to be a steamroller of creative output.

When teaching my 7 Agreements of Brainstorming process to corporate teams (at conventions and in-house consultancies) I emphasize a Creative Thinking process that is free of critical responses and over analysis (trying to anticipate why an idea will not work.) It is impossible to accurately even guess the do-ability of an idea when it is first proposed. The free flow of ideas—any ideas, ALL ideas (especially the little ideas, silly ideas, and "I-can't-believe-I'm-saying-this-but" ideas)—is vitally important to the creative process.

Advice to managers (and other leaders): Don't criticize, contribute.

Need assistance in developing the creative power of your team?

Call me...email me here. (Meanwhile, watch the video linked in the post, below.)

• how to screw up the creative process

Here's a great interview with someone you have probably NEVER heard of, ever. He has won five Academy Awards (Oscars) for his work in animation. You have heard of, seen, and loved his films. He is the president of one of the most creative companies that has ever existed. Ed Catmull is President of Pixar Studios. (He is also President of Walt Disney Animation.) Ed is the technical "left brain" to John Lasseter's creative "right brain" at Pixar in Emeryville, CA. (Photo, right: Lasseter and Catmull)

Sandwiched betwixt Oakland and Berkeley, at the eastern terminus of the Bay Bridge, is this postage stamp-sized town of lofts, corporate headquarters, and machine shops.

[ Above, Pixar Studios Main Bldg. & Amphitheater + Master plan, Phase two now under construction ]

At a recent event, hosted by The Economist, Martin Giles interviewed Catmull on creativity, leadership, and how to manage the creative process. (See link to video in next paragraph >>> below.) Because you are a Tea blog reader you will love this. The trick will be getting "others" to watch it—especially those who really need to watch and learn from Ed's wisdom. (That would be anyone who is in a leadership position of the creative process.) Catmull has a keen understanding of managing folks who are "ACC" born of his years of co-founding and running what may be thee most ACC company in the Milky Way.

>>> The embed code for the VIDEO, on the website, did not work.USE THE LINK HERE. If the link proves inept, Google "ScottBerkun.com" (it's a blog) - find his "Inside Pixar's Leadership" post on 19 April 2010.

I will be eager and curious to learn your reactions in the Comments section below. I hope, too, that you will post a link with your thoughts on this post and the interview on your blog/Facebook/MySpace/Twitter/everywhere!

 

• where were you three months ago today?

On your way to school...

...and then the earth moved.

Read yesterday's post below:

volcano vs. earthquake

• volcano vs. earthquake

Air travel in Europe was schedule to resume on a limited basis today (Tuesday, 20 April 2010) after being at a total stand still for days. Departure time schedule boards across the continent had all flights CANCELED like a scene from a Tom Clancy novel.

The Prime Minister of Norway (see photo, right) was seen in an airport VIP lounge running his government from his new iPad. (Actually there aren’t any old iPads, yet.)

Then, late yesterday, the volcano in Iceland at the Eyjafjlljokull glacier erupted with a new smoke and ash cloud—and it's headed for the United Kingdom. Latest reports say this will further delay reopening many airports and further stranding thousands of passengers in terminals.

Scientists say that it is still too early to assess and “score” the eruption on the Volcanic Explosivity Index— a scale of 1 to 8 (who knew.) So far, there are no deaths associated with the Iceland volcano. Experts say that this was a minor eruption compared with Mt. St. Helen’s, 1980, or Krakatoa (Indonesia), 1883. The Krakatoa blast killed over 40,000 people and was felt around the world.



Meanwhile, it has been three months since a devastating 7.0 earthquake rocked Haiti—the poorest country in the Western hemisphere. The death toll there may never be known but 150, 000 deaths are confirmed and the latest estimate suggests it ma actually be as high as 300,000.

Still millions are without housing and adequate shelter. Regular food and water supply is still difficult—most of it being brought in from outside.

My friends at Compassion International have been working in Haiti for more than forty years, since 1968. Compassion has over 200 child development centers in Haiti, each one in partnership with a local church. There, more than 60,00 sponsored children attend school, receive  daily meals, education, vocational training in a practical skills, and spiritual nourishment. 

Currently Compassion has more than ONE M1LLION M fully-sponsored children in twenty-five countries receiving this same assistance. The average child in Compassion lives in a family that is subsisting on approximately $1.20 a day—for the entire family.

I spent all of 2009 on staff at Compassion and can recommend them without reservation. They have been rated by Charity Navigator, for the last eight years, as one in the top ONE PERCENT among 4,500 charities surveyed on an ongoing basis.

The children and families of Haiti need our assistance today and for many years to come. Take a look at the Compassion Haiti update page, HERE. Even ten dollars through Compassion can provide food and other basic aid to Haiti. Watch the videos on the Compassion Haiti page with family and neighbors, church group, and coworkers.

Please link this post on your blog, Facebook, MySpace, and other websites.

All photos here of Haitian children were shot by my long-time, good friend, MaxPaul Franklin (right) and are used here with his permission. He was in Haiti a few days after the initial earthquake. MaxPaul is an award winning cinematographer who has made films in more than 50 countries. More of MaxPaul's Haiti photos HERE.

The opposite of poverty

is not wealth,

it's enough.

 ~ Wess Stafford, Pres. Compassion Int'l

• happy holidays

Happy NSQD ~ Today is National Stupid Questions Day.

Scott Adams, creator of the irrepressible Dilbert, king of the cubicle, the cartoon strip that "celebrates" life in the office, notes:

~    ~    ~

If there are no stupid questions, then what kind of questions do stupid people ask?

Do they get smart just in time to ask questions?

To celebrate ask a few stupid questions today.

• to beard, or not to beard

What shape is your follicle array in these days? There seems to be more varieties of beard, mustache, and beard & mustache design than ever before. A new study (who needs facts and beliefs, we have a study! ) suggests that certain facial hair configurations (on men) are more trustworthy than others.

My current shape (4/18/10, 1:23 PM, MST)  has been fairly constant for some time now (See photo, right.)

A chart from the study gives a graphic indication of whom to trust and whom to avoid. You may want (need) to make some adjustment to your current growth.

If you lie what you have, consider NOT showing this to friends and relations—if you fall in the danger zone. (Click on link, HERE, to access readable chart. Then click to enlarge.) Happy trimming!