The response many organizations have to the current economic environment is one based on fear — fear of annihilation. And it’s not an unreasonable view. Just look around.

However, history and nature teach us that fear in the face of adversity is weakness, a severe disadvantage that eventually takes one down its own path of destruction.

To anyone able to maintain a clear perspective in the current maelstrom, it’s glaringly obvious that cutting staff, resources, capabilities, training, services — vision — can only result in cutting something else that is crucially important. Present and future success.

Obviously when revenue is diminished, something has to give. But the only rationale response to our present situation is to operate from a perspective of opportunity. Not “How can I stick it out and survive?” but rather, “How, given current conditions, can I innovatively capitalize on my circumstances, healthily sustain and prepare for future opportunities?”

It’s a matter of perspective.

Operate from fear, and perish. Innovate , and thrive.

Michelangelo said that every piece of stone held within it a great work if art. The artist’s job is simply removing the excess stone to reveal it.

Is creativity a constructive process, putting pieces together until something new and innovative appears? Or is it more a matter of uncovering that which already exists?

True innovation is probably some combination of the two. Adding what’s lacking – and removing whatever stands in the way.

I look forward to any comments you might have. If they get in the way, we’ll remove them.

We’re really excited about launching our blog.

Innovative thinking is what this blog is all about. And in particular, how to do it more effectively, more efficiently and more enjoyably. We’re going to be sharing regular insights, experience and tips and techniques to help you and your organization generate more, better ideas then ever before.

In today’s challenging environment, businesses need a constant supply of fresh, innovative ideas. We call this the “Innovation Imperative,” and we’ll refer to it often on these pages.

Workforces are overtaxed and frustrated due to constant pressure to think “outside the box,” to work more efficiently, to raise performance levels and to maximize productivity-often under the stress of tight deadlines and limited resources.

One of the most widely-used tools for generating new ideas is traditional brainstorming. However, brainstorming is a severely inadequate and fundamentally flawed process.

SmartStorming is a totally new approach to brainstorming. You can learn all about it at www.SmartStorming.com.

But for now, we’d like to start with a poll, to find out just what you think about brainstorming as it’s currently practiced in your organization. We’ll report back on the results when they’re in.

Thanks again and we’ll be back to you soon.

Mitchell & Keith

[polldaddy poll=1469263]