There are people out there whose job it is to make us say, “Wow,” on a daily basis. They are the “creative types” among us – the ad men and women, entertainers, writers, artists and just about everybody working at Apple.

It’s not easy making us say, “Wow.” Sure, sometimes it’s fun. But often it’s just plain, old hard work. Some days we are in the mood to say, “Wow.” But many days, we’re just like, “Yeah, so what?” That’s when it’s a grind.

The funny thing is, those people don’t really do what they do because of us. They do it because they don’t know how to do anything else. Making us say, “Wow” is just who they are.

There’s something to be learned from these people. Not necessarily about being creative (although there is that, too) – but about “being” your work, rather than just “doing” it.

“Work,” here, may not be the thing you do to earn money. The work we’re talking about here is what you do with passion, the thing you love. The work that, on good days, doesn’t seem like work.

You may not be a writer or actor or artist or Steve Jobs. You may not have a blog or a business or a platform. But you do have a masterpiece in your head. Everybody does.

Just bring yours to life and share it with the world. And then watch us say, “Wow!”

Back when I worked in advertising, it took me years to understand that some of my clients simply weren’t able to “see,” in their minds, the things I “saw”’ when I presented them with new ideas. What it would look like, the sounds, the mood, the tone.

Many of them were just too literal. They had to actually see it with their eyes to understand it. They weren’t trying to be difficult when they rejected an idea. They just didn’t really understand what the idea actually was. In some ways, it required a much greater leap of faith on the parts of those who actually did approve the work.

Can you see what’s not there? Can you hear the words no one has spoken? Can you complete the sentence, “What if…” with confidence and clarity?

If you can’t, learn to. It is a critical component of innovative thinking, and therefore, success in today’s world of continuous reinvention.

And then, get really good at painting the picture for others. Help them “see” your vision. Because whether your work lives or dies almost always depends on a thumbs-up from someone else.

Being a creative genius isn’t enough. You must be a brilliant painter, storyteller and tour guide, too!

Do people generate ideas more effectively in groups, or flying solo?

You probably have an opinion. Most people who regularly engage in idea generation do.

Those who consider themselves naturally “creative,” and more talented thinkers than their peers, tend to believe they work better when unencumbered by others’ limitations. Those who value the unique perspectives and abilities of their teammates tend to favor brainstorming.

In fact, the comparison is somewhat unfair. Gifted and highly skilled creative problem solvers will almost always shine when compared to teams that are untrained, unpracticed, clumsy and poorly led.

But what about a team that’s on top of its game?

A recent study conducted by researchers at North Carolina State University revealed that when utilizing several proven, effective group ideation techniques (at least 10 or 11 of over 20 identified), brainstorming was extremely effective. Conversely, when such best practices were not employed, the sessions failed.

In order for any team to succeed, it needs talent, skill, experience, practice, a proven play book… and most of all, a dynamic coach and leader.

Will a team like that outperform a single, solitary superstar on the field?

Why not build one and find out for yourself?

Not so long ago, all you had to do was show up, do your job (a.k.a. “the minimum expected of you”), try not to make waves—and you could live a pretty good, hassle-free life. And if you did that long enough you could eventually get paid for doing nothing at all.

Being a small thinker offered big rewards. But oh, how times have changed.

Today, the people (and companies) that sail through life and recessions are those that show up early and stay late; that continually reinvent and ramp up their “jobs” (a.k.a. “the value they deliver to others”); that, rather than avoiding waves, joyfully stir things up on a daily basis.

Big thinkers. Like artists. And athletes. And Apple. And anyone who desperately wants to succeed.

Small thinking leads inevitably to greater challenges, increased frustration and, eventually, non-relevance. Big thinking is, well…it’s the easy way out.

Are you a small thinker? Why on earth would anyone want to work that hard?

Originally featured at Yanko Design, November 18, 2010

Designer Thanva Tivawong has come up with an innovative traffic light design that not only tells drivers whether to stop or go (or speed up before the yellow light changes!), but provides an indication of how much time they have to do any of those things.

Called “The Sand Glass,” the concept incorporates LED lights in the shape of a familiar countdown hourglass. Traditional colors remain, but in Tivawong’s version they would gradually fill the shape before transitioning to the next in the sequence.

While some obvious questions come up concerning those with color blindness (that’s why traditional lights are always in the same red-yellow-green order) and safety (even MORE people racing to beat that yellow or jumping the gun as the red lights near completion), the design would provide us with an alternate traffic light activity to checking email and thumbing texts.

Too much information? Maybe not. Why shouldn’t we be just as frustrated while waiting at a traffic light as we are while waiting for something to load on our computers?

Designer: Thanva Tivawong