Lessons on Sparking Creativity through Collaboration

CreativeMix 2011 in Vancouver BC was an inspiring place to be on November 3^rd.  Eight speakers, including a costume designer, photographer, artist, video game producer, ad agency creative director, actor/writer, architect, and social psychologist shared their thoughts and techniques for sparking creativity. 

My take-away was that creative techniques that work in design and artistic circles can be readily applied to drive innovation and change in business, government, and non-profit organizations.   And that people can have fun in the process.

The focus of the conference organizers was the creative collaborator who stands apart from the crowd:  “By leaving your skills at the door and focusing on expanding your creative workflow, your idea-generating processes, and your professional network, you’ll gain inspiration and connections you need to thrive as a creative in Vancouver.”

Collaboration was a common theme. However, a prescription for creativity that calls for more collaboration doesn’t convey any information about how or why it works.  “Collaboration” without context is quite meaningless.  Fortunately, the speakers rose to the challenge and were both insightful and generous in sharing their experiences with the collaborative process.  

Especially helpful to me were the different ways in which the speakers framed collaboration. They helped me to better appreciate the power of natural laws that drive creative output by teams.  Here, for example, are three helpful ways of thinking about collaboration with a link to the speaker who inspired me:

Connection- Humans are social animals and we are wired to relate to others.  Working in isolation limits creative potential. We are more likely to thrive when connected. Mara Gottler:  “Put a group of people around a table, acknowledge that everyone has value, and expect them to contribute.  Problem solve together.”

Choreography– The act of creation by groups can be likened to an improvisational dance.  Partner dances have a lead and a follow. One person produces a “cause” that leads to an “effect” by another. Each interaction triggers a new creative output.  Bruce Haden: “Collaboration is choreography.”

Play– Creativity emerges during play.  It is important to overcome inertia and not to over think things - just do something.  The point is exploration and ad hoc collaboration without expecting a certain outcome. Dave Delnea:  “Moments of brilliance come through the act of doing.”

None of the speakers was an advocate of the “lone inventor” route.  They all spoke about the potential of people “playing and dancing” together.  Play may feel childish or be considered a waste of time but, in fact, play has been shown to drive creativity and innovation.