Creativity Tips: Say It Once

The best creative environments accommodate different opinions. And I received an early lesson on the best way to do that.

Some 30 years ago, before she became my mother-in-law, Betty Harness thought I was going to do something wrong. Flat-out wrong. And she wasn't going to let that silently go by.

Here's what she did -- and we can all use this approach:

1. She made sure we were alone for the conversation.
2. She assured me it wasn't me she disapproved of -- it was my decision she didn't like.
3. She told me it was important that I understood how she felt, and that she'd never mention it again.
4. She never mentioned it again.

Betty Harness would have been 95 today. As the saying goes, "In love we are remembered, and in memories we live."

Creativity Tips: You Own the Day

OK, who had a less-than-stellar week last week? I see one hand, no two, nope ... a few of you are joining the club.

Here's the deal: Doesn't matter. That was last week. This is a new week. Start off with a grin, and a happy Monday attitude. (No, that's not a contradiction in terms.)

And, if it helps any, start off with the assurance that I have a serious feeling that this is going to be an excellent week!

Friday Fun: Play with Ted

How long is your attention span? Mine is about, oh, 30 seconds. On a focused day. So, ordinarily, I wouldn't suggest anyone watch a longish video.

But, now and then, it's good to sit back, relax and learn. This weekend, check out the TED video on creativity with Tim Brown, the CEO of Ideo. (The CEO of Ideo. Now, there's a title with a ring to it.)

If you're not in the mood for the video, use the link as a jumping off point, and explore TED. Lots of fascinating clips. Enjoy!

Creative Inspiration: Success

This quote is generally attributed to Ralph Waldo Emerson -- research indicates that may be a mistake. No matter who said it, I like it. When I'm feeling like far less than a success, this definition makes me breathe easier:

To laugh often and much;
To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children;
To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends;
To appreciate beauty, to find the best in others;
To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition;
To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived.
This is to have succeeded.

Creativity Tips: The Buck Starts Here

I recently met my mentor, Duana, for lunch on the Plaza. She reminded me to tuck a few dollar bills into my coat pocket, so I'd be ready to give whenever we walked past a Salvation Army bell ringer.

Isn't that a wonderful idea? Be ready to give. Whether it's a dollar to charity, a kind word to a co-worker, or a smile to a stranger.

You may give more than you realize.

Creativity Tips: Stick with the Classics

I had a friend who forbid her young son to play with guns. She wouldn't buy toy guns, wouldn't let other little boys bring them in the house, etc. Then, one day, she went outside to see what the kids were doing, and they were happily "shooting" each other. With sticks.

I was reminded of that story when the Strong National Museum of Play® recently inducted the stick into the National Toy Hall of Fame®.

"It's very open-ended, all-natural, the perfect price -- there aren't any rules or instructions for its use," said Christopher Bensch, the museum's curator of collections. "It can be a Wild West horse, a medieval knight's sword, a boat on a stream or a slingshot with a rubber band."

Imagine that: No rules. No instructions. Now there's a creative approach worth trying -- at work and at home. No rules. No instructions. Just go!

Creativity Tips: It's Never Too Late to Listen

Listen up, people! I blew it. Last Friday was America's first National Day of Listening, sponsored by StoryCorps, and I missed it.

But that's no reason for you to miss out on this great holiday idea. As StoryCorps suggests:

This holiday season, ask the people around you about their lives — it could be your grandmother, a teacher, or someone from the neighborhood. By listening to their stories, you will be telling them that they matter and they won’t ever be forgotten. It may be the most meaningful time you spend this year.

Not a natural interviewer? No problem. StoryCorps has a Do-It-Yourself Guide to download. And if you're just looking to break the ice at a holiday party, check out this list of questions! (For example, "How would you describe a perfect day when you were young?")