Creativity at Work [Hardcover]

Jeff DeGraff (Author), Katherine A. Lawrence (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 15, 2002 | Series: J-B-UMBS Series (Book 15)

Although many leaders acknowledge and invest in creativity, we seldom see it hold a credible place in the business development process. Creativity at Work takes a practical approach to creativity, showing how to select practices to produce results and add value. The authors explain how to:

• Understand the creative preferences of organizations, departments, work groups, and individuals
• Identify and compare the different creativity profiles that describe specific purposes, practices, and people
• Produce the desired results by developing the right practices
• Blend creativity practices to meet the complex needs that characterize most work situations to develop required creative abilities in a team and in oneself

Editorial Reviews

Review

“…the well presented ideas are relevant to us all…”(Professional Manager, January 2003)

Review

"Jeff DeGraff is among the most creative thinkers on business today. The great benefit of Creativity at Work is that it actually sets out a framework and process for achieving innovation and applying it in real business contexts. This is great news for the rest of us who have an acute need to foster innovation in our enterprises."
— Tom Glocer, CEO, Reuters Group

"Creativity at Work challenges the assumption that creativity is a random act of inspiration. The practices, profiles and tools provide insight for individuals and organizations alike to chart their own course to a more creative future."
— Mark E. Jones, director, Leadership and Workforce Development, Pfizer Global Research and Development

"Here, at last, is a legible roadmap for the innovation journey. This is the book that can lead managers and executives to the spot marked, 'You are here,' as well as provide solid tools and practical advice for moving forward."
— Michael Thompson, chair, Department of Organizational Leadership and Strategy, Marriott School, Brigham Young University

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 226 pages
• Publisher: Jossey-Bass; 1 edition (August 15, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0787957259
• ISBN-13: 978-0787957254
• Product Dimensions: 6.5 x 0.8 x 9.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,319,838 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Theory Made Practical, November 22, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Creativity at Work (Hardcover)

Books on creativity are often interesting to read but almost impossible to translate into practice. Not so with this book.

This book broadened my personal definition of creativity; it challenged me to consider creativity as a core competency in more than just innovation. Distinguishing it from other books that I have read, it focuses more on the specific outcomes of creativity instead of the sometimes mysterious process of creativity. It makes the often implicit skills involved in creativity much more explicit.

On a practical note, it serves as a toolkit with an array of different assessment tools, exercises, and suggestions for generative work that can be tailored to different organizational needs at different times. We're currently using these tools in a healthcare setting, but I think they could be equally well applied to a myriad of other settings.

This book has been a great addition to my business bookshelf - accessible, easy to read, and full of useful suggestions - I think of it as a user's guide to fostering and tailoring creativity in the work place.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Getting a Handle on Creativity, October 27, 2002

By 

Samuel (Baltimore, Maryland) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Creativity at Work (Hardcover)

If you thought creativity was an elusive and muse-driven quality ascribed to only artistic types of people, this book will set you straight. Here is a tangible approach to making creativity work for you and your organization. It will help you assess your needs, select the most effective practices for your situation and identify the people you need for successful implementation. The straightforward format and accessible language makes this a practical handbook for any level of manager or consultant in organizations large and small.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Creative Work vs. Just a Job, October 9, 2002

By 

Robin (Denver, CO United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Creativity at Work (Hardcover)

Creativity at Work is a must read for anybody who wants their job to be more than just work. It surveys all of the elements of an organization and then clearly supports the reader on his/her professional journey with the necessary tools to attain results. It's well-written, easy to read and tells all of the stories one needs to stimulate their creativity and own ideas. It is the only book that I have read and finished believing that I could now add value to the folks I work with in innovative and concrete ways.