7 Habits of Highly Innovative People
ThinkSimpleNow.com has a VERY important post for people in ALL areas of life. Not just “creative teams” and such. If entire organizations begin to develop habits of innovation then their end product is that much more effective. And for my organization, that product is eternal relationships with a living God.
I have taken their seven habits and graded myself on them.
1. Persistence – “Invention is 1% inspiration, 99% perspiration.” –Thomas A. Edison
I would say that this has always been a huge struggle for me. I have ALWAYS been a Big picture guy. This is where my time at Sandals Church has had a MAJOR impact on my life. It was J-rocka, Nathan, Matt, and I for a LOOOOOOOONG time. And countless of volunteers giving their time to make ideas happen with little man power. At Sandals, ideas were more like .005% of the innovation. And without a team stronger than myself here, I fail miserably.
2. Remove Self-Limiting Inhibitions – Remember, innovation is more about psychology than intellect.
I think I am batting pretty high here. Again. Sandals. Meeting in a “borrowed space” for the last 9 years will do that for you. How can we make Matt do this…in a gym?
3. Take Risks, Make Mistakes - “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” – Thomas A. Edison
This is a hourly choice for me. Maybe even more often. When people have told you that you will not accomplish something because of A, B, or C, you have an automatic reation to try and bunt. Be semi succesful. Just make contact. I have to decide with every decision I make, to make the best decision for the person walking in on Sunday morning. And not everyone agrees with those decisions. So I can’t be afraid to take risks. Last week’s Buckhead Church service was a great example. It could have bombed. But we did it anyways.
4. Escape – Our environment can and does effect how we feel.
This I am money on. Although we have an AMAZING facility here at Buckhead Church, I find that when I am walking on the streets of Piedmont Ave. and Lenox Rd. I suddenly am surrounded by the very people I am trying to be creative for. And so I walk. I walk all the time. To Starbucks, the MARTA Station, wherever my feet take me. I’m even thinking of having a creative meeting on a MARTA train for 30 minutes just so we can be in the hustle of the world we are trying to reach.
5. Writing Things Down - Many innovators and creative people keep a journal to jot down ideas and thoughts.
Nails. Go buy one of these. Then go buy this. If someone does not write something down when we are talking about it, I can pretty much bank on it not getting done or barely getting done. And write down everything that comes to mind. If anything, it makes you more consistent.
6. Find Patterns & Create Combinations - Ideas come from other ideas.
Doing OK. The blogging world has given us a great opportunity for this. When I started the Worship Confessional idea it was with this in mind. People sharing their sets, videos, ideas, and hiccups together. Blogging is just one step in this viral communication world we are living in. Find patters and ideas that are working and rip them off. It’s ok.
7. Curiosity - Practice seeing things differently.
Horrible. I get a solid D here. Why? Because even being part of what I consider 2 of the most inovative churches in America, Sandals Church and Buckhead Church, I find myself creating nothing more than the next traditional service. If we do not question everything, then it remains the same thing. And I ALWAYS want to be part of a church that is moving forward. Not standing still. So I surround myself with curious people who don’t settle. This is essential.
I know this community is spilling over with creative people.
What areas are you exceeding in and which ones could you work on?
Los
RAIN IT DOWN
Good thoughts.
Thanks for posting this.
I am a sponge for this stuff. I always learn something from these kinds of list.
I think for me it’s patience. I am learning to watch, listen and learn before leaping. The wisdom of proverbs is so great for innovators because it tell us how to handle our God given gifts.
People at my church always ask me about my blog. I change the look of it almost weekly or more. To me it is an artistic expression as much as it is a verbal expression of me and what God is doing in me. I want to be innovative and creative but I also want to be genuine so there has to be a balance.
I have learned a lot from Two books “The Barbarian Way” by Erwin Mc Mannus and “In a Pit with a Lion of a Snowy Day” they are both a must read.
I think I need to try different things… and I need to listen to my heart and mind when they tell me that a change of environment is needed.
I could give you a list of how I think I do in these areas but it would probably more helpful me to ask those I work with to evaluate me. I’ll let you know what they say. And will probably complete one for myself to compare to. Perception is a funny thing.
Hi Carlos!
Oh my goodness do I miss you! Your friends at Buckhead church are very blessed to have you. I love this blog because I think it’sall about emptying this carcuss and letting the Lord fill it up with himself. Great ideas on some ways to help that along. Please say hi an give love to Heather and the kids. I really enjoyed worshiping the Lord tonight like I used to when you where leading. It was nice. I’m going to be sending you an e-mail some kids very close to me have moved to Atlanta and I’d realyy be blessed if you were able to make a connection with them.
All my Love. In Him,
Karen