[READ PART ONE HERE]
Today's business world demands us to think more artistically. In the business world, art is called “innovation.” In Part One, I described how people like Carlos Santana innovated by learning to mix musical styles and eras in a way far outside of his mental "box." Business is no different, requiring us to intertwine disciplines such as marketing, art, sociology, psychology and theatrics.
I think much of this new artistic zeal is for noble reasons, but I get the sense that much of it has to do with survival. I’ve noticed the people trying to get us out of boxes always follow up with some sort of scary consequence for inaction. Bankruptcy. Extinction. Layoffs. No raises. Divorce. Career suicide. Printing is going away. I guess that’s part of what motivated Santana.
Innovation /definition/
The art of inventing something new or merging ideas in a new way.
In the business world innovation has become a science. Companies that don’t innovate often don’t survive. Conversely, companies that innovate too fast don’t survive either— a sort of creative paradox. Business writers like Seth Godin, Malcolm Gladwell, and Ken Roberts fascinate me with their observations of how creativity, business, and psychology merge. Social thinkers like Peter Senge, Ken Wilber, and Clayton Christensen explore cultural trends and how innovative learning can lead to personal and business success.
I’m fascinated by the marketplace's artistic explosion. Businessmen, poets, scientists, marketers, researchers, artists, architects, and other disciplines mixing experience and perspective to create dynamic new partnerships and products. We must do the same in our efforts to market and sell to our customers.
to be continued...
[PART THREE : Imagination vs Knowledge]