The significance of creativity is not up for debate; it is quite simply the most powerful force of change and progress for the human race. It would therefore seem obvious that creativity should be nurtured, cultivated, embraced, and celebrated. We talk about changing the world, or making it a better place, yet they only remain words to some people. If you are serious about making an impact on the world around you or your respective industry or field of expertise, then thinking outside the box and seeking creativity in all its forms is essential. In my years of experience as a business consultant, I witnessed a number of strange behaviors from companies. Many would be desperate for growth, to increase their efficiency, or to stand out from their competitors, but they failed to see the value of creativity and the exploration of new ideas. The risk was too great, perhaps, so I had to explain the fundamental nature of being creative, and convince many people that there is no such thing as progress without the invigorating risk of a creative venture.
Some businesses listened to my advice; others did not. Looking back, those companies that chose a creative, innovative path found themselves heading towards success and industrial prominence, while those who refused to take a leap of creative faith have faded into the background of obsolescence. Now, to be clear, many companies can survive for years, even decades, without implementing creative policies to stimulate change and evolution. Some eras of a specific industry or discipline can last for a decade or two without any major shifts, so this lack of daring goes unnoticed, or at least unpunished by the dynamic market. However, the reason I chose to write this book now is that the world is speeding up every year. Change is happening faster, society is shifting at breakneck speeds, and there is no longer a grace period where people, cultures, industries, or fields of expertise can simply lounge about without keeping an eye on the future. There is no denying that we are in the midst of one of the most dynamic and revolutionary periods of human history. We see it all over the world and in every aspect of life from music, film, and architecture to politics, business, and the environment. This is the time to grab onto the reins of creativity and ride towards the future, whether you are a scientist, philosopher, poet, or marketing genius.
All of my years spent advising others on how to improve their personal lives or companies have led me to this book. Instead of doling out my advice one person at a time, I wanted to compile not only the insights of my experience, but also the undeniable evidence of modern creativity in the world around us. My efforts as a business educator has also put me in contact with normal, non-business people who are eager to find update their perspectives or become more in tune with the modern world. Those experiences, combined with my observations of creativity in every aspect of life, motivated me to put this guidebook for creativity together. I have already released a number of books that specifically catered to business professionals, MBA 2.0, Cool Boss, Happy Company, but I know that creativity is a subject that is relevant to far more people. My goals have shifted from expanding business knowledge to widening the breadth and accessibility of knowledge for everyone. In my opinion, the wider the audience, the greater the chance of stimulating change and inspiring new perspectives. Creativity is one of the most important and unifying aspects of the human condition, but it can also be an intimidating and risky road to embark on. My hope is that the fascinating and enlightening examples within Go Nuts: The Art of Creativity and Innovation will inspire a new mindset of creativity for everyone who reads it, and de-bunk some of the most common misconceptions about the creative process. There are no rules or boundaries for creativity; we have all seen that first-hand in society’s monumental leaps forward that have occurred even in our lifetime. There is no telling how far we can go, but one thing is for certain – the spark of creativity is essential to light the fires of change.
