Creativity in Business (Paperback)

~ Michael Ray (Author), Rochelle Myers (Author) "For most people, the word creativity is more easily applicable to art than to business..." (more)
Key Phrases: Paul Hwoschinsky, Ted Nierenberg, Nolan Bushnell (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

This liberating book refutes the myth that creativity is a gift limited to a select few. Ray and Myers provide simple guidelines for unlocking the creative essence in all of us. 25 drawings.

From the Publisher

This exploration of innovative thinking in companies of all kinds "shows us how creativity in business can enrich us, and those who work with us." -- Spencer Johnson, co-author, The One Minute Manager

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Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Main Street Books (December 24, 1988)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0385248512
• ISBN-13: 978-0385248518
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.8 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #233,962 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Zen of Creativity, June 26, 2000

By	"mkuller" (Northern CA United States) - See all my reviews

When I picked up this book, I expected something more structured and similar to many of the other business books I've read. To my surprise, the authors have approached their subject by integrating Eastern philosophy into Western business. In my 25 years in business, I have experienced many of the concepts they mention, so it's reaffirming to understand some of the scientific explanations and similar experiences other successful business people have had. Business creativity requires this type of "out of the box" thinking. This is a terrific, mind-opening book - highly recommended.

21 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Giving Yourself the Space to Create Leads to Success, March 17, 1999

By	Myrna Vance ([e-mail]) (VP of Investor Relations at EDS) - See all my reviews

I was surprised at how much was captured in CREATIVITY IN BUSINESS. In my position I am constantly trying to be creative, both to share information and perspectives internally and to explain our strategy to the outside world. I have read other books on creativity and found new ideas here. I like the mix of stress reduction with common sense suggestions, such as "sense and see what is around you" and "ask dumb questions" which I still feel I can only do the first time I meet someone. The exercises are also helpful. The Stated-Goal Exercise reminds me of the "stalls" described in THE 2,000 PERCENT SOLUTION by Mitchell, Coles, and Metz. "Stalls" hinder creativity. Here's how. The Communications Stall means we are working with unclear messages and incorrect interpretations. The Disbelief Stall suggests that many do not believe they can be creative. The Tradition Stall says that we just keep doing things the same way. The Bureaucratic Stall tells us that we must still spend time doing unproductive activities like filling out forms. The Misconception Stall says that we are operating under poor assumptions, and The Unattractiveness Stall means that if something looks unpleasant, we do not want to look any further. As a meditator and someone who believes you do best what you are passionate about, giving yourself the space to create always leads to success. These stories and ideas helped me create the space. In addition to CREATIVITY IN BUSINESS and THE 2,000 PERCENT SOLUTION, which I highly recommend, Mr. Ray and Ms. Meyers also suggest other books to read in this area. Go ahead, read and create!

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great book. I wished I had followed it ten years ago., December 27, 1997

By	[e-mail] "[e-mail]" (New Hope, Pennsylvania) - See all my reviews

Heuristics such as "Ask dumb questions", do what is only "easy, effortless, and enjoyable" might sound simplistic and trite, but this book has lots of substance and interesting annecdotes by a list of very credible individuals. It is many cuts above "Do What You Want and The Money Will Follow". Based on the Stanford University course on the art of success that started in the 80's," Creativity in Business" is much more than new age thinking. No rah, rah's here, just a personal glimpse at the reflections of some very successful and interesting people. I have read this book several times, and unfortunately, didn't have the courage or conviction at a younger age to realize how important it is to total well being to enjoy one's work. It is never too late. Read this book. If you don't make great changes in your own life, at least you will enjoy reading about a group of successful innovative and creative thinkers. Much emphasis is put on intuition and instinct, the value of being naive, and forging onward without a definitive game plan. Passion and an instinctual trust in one's own abilitity to succeed, is a recurrent character trait of most of those interviewed.