Innovation At the Speed of Laughter: 8 Secrets to World Class Idea Generation (Paperback) [Paperback]

John Sweeney (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 1, 2007

Innovation at the Speed of Laughter explores the unexpected ways in which the tools of improvisational comedy can improve business performance. Combining his insights as a successful businessman with his expertise as a performer, John Sweeney reveals eight secrets to jump-starting workplace creativity and corporate ideation developed from the quirky, spontaneous art form of improvisation. The secrets include 'Accepting All Ideas,' 'Deferring Judgment,' and 'Creating a Statusless Environment.'

Sweeney and the Brave New Workshop have used these secrets to help companies like General Mills, 3M Corporation, Hewllett-Packard, and Disney develop wonderfully uncommon ideas. Innovation at the Speed of Laughter will similarly help businesses, leaders, and individuals tap into their innovative potential--for creative expression as well as profitability.

Editorial Reviews

Review

The appeal of Innovation is...in its recognition that artistic endeavors and enlightened business practices are so similar. -- Executive Traveler, August 2005

The book succeeds primarily because of...a mix of humour and straight talk, case studies and examples of BNW applications. -- Management Magazine, May 2005

The path to innovation is a long, patient, inward journey. This book gets us moving at the speed of laughter. --Harvey McKay, author of New York Times bestseller, Swim With the Sharks Without Being Eaten Alive --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

From the Author

According to Sweeney, "Perhaps the most beneficial part of our process is the practical application portion, in which the idea gets fleshed out and prepared for implementation. The only way an idea can become profitable is by taking it from the individual mind and the brainstorming session to the company conference room and the factory floor. Our process explains how and when to implement constraints into idea generation in order to bring true gems into fruition." --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 164 pages
• Publisher: Aerialist Press (December 1, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0976218437
• ISBN-13: 978-0976218432
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,451,030 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Stands out from the crowd, March 29, 2005

By 

M Jacobson (Chicago, IL) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Innovation at the Speed of Laughter: 8 Secrets to World Class Idea Generation (Hardcover) (Hardcover)

The thing I really liked about this book is that it is very different from your typical business book.
For one thing, it's actually interesting.
While it's a fun and entertaining read, it's at the same time both applicable and thought provoking as well.

A second reason I greatly admire this book is that rather than just stating theories about the ideal work environment, John Sweeney goes on to actually give cold, hard facts and examples, as well as tangible and implementable ways as to how one can get from point A to point B in actually achieving the ideas which are presented. After completing the book one has realistic ideas and suggestions for how to improve a company work environment, hence increase innovation, hence productivity, and hence bottom line. And if you're like me, you also finish with a whole notepad full of other ideas you can't wait to get started on.

"Innovation at the Speed of Laughter" is a very smart book. It makes a point and makes it well, and John Sweeney gets straight to the heart of the matter without mincing words or space or hence readers' time.
The book is set aside from other books in the field because somehow John Sweeney is able to do all of the above while not patronizing his readers, being completely honest, and then making you both think and laugh all in the same book.
Highly recommend as both a usable tool and as a great read as well.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Brave New Believer!, March 25, 2005

By 

TC Reader (Minneapolis, MN, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Innovation at the Speed of Laughter: 8 Secrets to World Class Idea Generation (Hardcover) (Hardcover)

I bought a copy of Innovation at the Speed of Laughter after seeing John Sweeney present at a meeting for my company. He is a FABULOUS speaker and the book is a nice companion piece to his very positive, entertaining message. Believe it or not, John's 8 Secrets have some depth to them...not what I expected from the owner of a comedy theater. The book is both insightful and entertaining and he makes some good arguments for why people should consider implementing his 8 Secrets. Particularly as it relates to improving openmindedness in the workplace.

On the back jacket is a tongue and cheek reference to Who Moved My Cheese and FISH. I found John's book to be equally beneficial, if not more so as far as a frame work for improving workplace culture. I highly recommend it for HR and creative types.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Way more than just a business book, June 30, 2006

By 

Ginger "Ginger" (Seattle, WA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Innovation at the Speed of Laughter: 8 Secrets to World Class Idea Generation (Hardcover) (Hardcover)

This book is awesome and John Sweeney is also a fantastic speaker! I saw him speak at an event on the west coast and he was incredibly passionate, motivating, and hilarious. That's a rare combo and my group gave him a well deserved standing ovation. The book itself is humorous and offers sage advice for how to build a core culture that is innovative and improvisational. I have also found the 8 secrets of the Brave New Workshop to be helpful in my personal life. This is not a "fluffy" book like so many other professional growth/development books out there--this one packs a punch.