Tag: creative

Jamming Again

I’m going to help pull together another jam session soon. This time I think we’ll call it Development Jam, with the emphasis on ideas, propositions, that kind of thing. The format is simple. You rock up with your idea, agree a few ground rules for the day then share it, pitch it or maybe just develop it further with the help of your fellow jammers. I don’t know much more about Development Jam right now other than:

  • It’s likely to be on a Friday
  • It’s likely to be in London

These sessions are quite intimate gatherings. It’s a fine balance between having enough people to get a good mix of diversity, and not too many so that everyone gets their fair share of time. Your financial investment is limited to venue cost, a few basic materials and lunch. Budget for up to £150 and that should leave room for a beer afterwards. I have a few people interested already, a few more would be nice. 

Watch this space.

 

Creative Leadership – A Tipping Point

For the last couple of years or so I’ve been experimenting with art. Partly as a tool to enable others to make work better, and partly for the sheer hell of it. One of the best things about making paintings and sketches, is the opportunity to send them to other people. I’ve come to love my regular trips to the Post Office where I wave goodbye to these little works of art. My work has ended up in many places across the UK, and in several States in America. I am grateful for the opportunity to share, and for the feedback I receive.

Tipping Point

Yesterday I arrived home after a long day of work and fun. I was greeted by an original piece of artwork by Alison Chisnell. Even though I knew it was on the way, the arrival of this wonderful little sky scene stopped me in my tracks. This is the first time that I can recall a piece of art coming back in the other direction, to me instead of from me, and I am uplifted and delighted to be the recipient of such a kind gift. The picture reminds me of my very recent walk in Cornwall with Flora, and the fact that it arrived with me just as Creative Leadership is launching, is surely a good omen.

Small is the New Significant

When he was interviewed about the Principles of Creative Leadership over at Fast Company, Sir Ken Robinson said, “Creativity is not some exotic, optional extra. It’s a strategic issue.” I agree with him, and I also think it should occupy some of the smaller, day to day space in our lives too. It’s as much about looking for the next small thing, as the next big thing. As my friend David Zinger so eloquently puts it, “Small is the new significant”. Amen to that.

 

Creative Leadership – T Minus 24

I was going to head this post ‘Creative Leadership – The Final Countdown’ but I was worried that might leave a certain long haired rock band impression in your mind, and that wouldn’t do, would it?

Exploring pathways to creativity and collaboration with clients is a key part of why I love what I do. This exploration is woven into many of the projects I’ve been privileged to engage with over the last few years. In recent months I’ve been contemplating pulling some of these threads together to make a stronger rope, and as part of my New Year Evolution – in January I committed to the launch of Creative Leadership.

February 28th 2013 is go live day. I am very excited and of course, a little nervous. How will it go? Will people notice? Will people like the idea enough to book onto a workshop and come and play? Who knows. What I do know is, if I don’t make this commitment to creativity and collaboration, then I may as well pack up and go home. As an idea in my head, it is next to useless. As of tomorrow, it is real. Back in 2011, Ken Robinson, author of ‘Out of Our Minds’, said, “Creativity is not some exotic, optional extra. It’s a strategic issue.” I think he is right, how about you?