Robert Alan Black is a world explorer
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Creative Thinking Expert Interview: Robert Alan Black
Interview with Creative Thinking Expert: Robert Alan Black
Part 2
Why should business be more creative?
RAB
To complete, to maintain, to generate and develop new clients companies continuously need to be generating new products and services. The more the global market becomes reality the more this will be true.
Also people are happier and more productive when they can be creative at least part of the time. Most people are typically not allowed to be creative at work yet they spend endless hours on the own time using their creativity in many, many ways.
When do companies tend to be more creative?
RAB
Most of the time when their competition becomes a threat. Through my travels through 67 countries I have seen this to be fairly universal. The other time when people in most countries become creative is during times of crisis or chaos or simply catastrophe. In other words, people become or act more creative when "ALL HELL BREAKS LOOSE" and it become CREATE OR DIE!
Tell me about one of the creative companies that you admire.
RAB
Pixar is one I have come to admire from afar. Externally based on reading books and articles in business publications I have been impressed by their focus on much of what I have learned and totally believe is needed to produce a Cre8ng Community in a workplace. Freedom, fun, fantasy and challenge to be the best.
In my working life I have had 47 different jobs in 46 years ranging for 1/2 to a full day to 22+ years. Among the 9 architectural firms I worked for while I was developing as an architect prior to forming my own firm I worked with two that were very creative firms. What stood out in both was:
1) dedication of the architects,
2) commitment to quality and design,
3) freedom to stop work and just talk about design, literature music, etc.,
4) individual love of the field
-------------
This is part two of an interview with Robert Alan Black - creativity and creative problem solving expert.
Robert Alan Black
-------------
George Torok
Creativity Catalyst
Creative Facilitator
Motivational Speaker
Part 2
Why should business be more creative?
RAB
To complete, to maintain, to generate and develop new clients companies continuously need to be generating new products and services. The more the global market becomes reality the more this will be true.
Also people are happier and more productive when they can be creative at least part of the time. Most people are typically not allowed to be creative at work yet they spend endless hours on the own time using their creativity in many, many ways.
When do companies tend to be more creative?
RAB
Most of the time when their competition becomes a threat. Through my travels through 67 countries I have seen this to be fairly universal. The other time when people in most countries become creative is during times of crisis or chaos or simply catastrophe. In other words, people become or act more creative when "ALL HELL BREAKS LOOSE" and it become CREATE OR DIE!
Tell me about one of the creative companies that you admire.
RAB
Pixar is one I have come to admire from afar. Externally based on reading books and articles in business publications I have been impressed by their focus on much of what I have learned and totally believe is needed to produce a Cre8ng Community in a workplace. Freedom, fun, fantasy and challenge to be the best.
In my working life I have had 47 different jobs in 46 years ranging for 1/2 to a full day to 22+ years. Among the 9 architectural firms I worked for while I was developing as an architect prior to forming my own firm I worked with two that were very creative firms. What stood out in both was:
1) dedication of the architects,
2) commitment to quality and design,
3) freedom to stop work and just talk about design, literature music, etc.,
4) individual love of the field
-------------
This is part two of an interview with Robert Alan Black - creativity and creative problem solving expert.
Robert Alan Black
-------------
George Torok
Creativity Catalyst
Creative Facilitator
Motivational Speaker
Monday, January 28, 2008
Robert Alan Black - Creativity Guy
Robert Alan Black - the subject of my interview - is colorful and he gets around.
Creative Thinking Expert Interview: Robert Alan Black
Creative Thinking Expert Interview with Robert Alan Black
Robert Alan Black is one of the most creative persons I know. He teaches creativity and creative problem solving to individuals, corporations and associations around the world. I first met him years ago at the Creative Problem Solving Institute. I was impressed by what he taught me and we have stayed in touch and we continue to cross paths. Following is the first part of an interview with creativity guru, Robert Alan Black.
I think that you will enjoy his story.
----------
Who is Robert Alan Black?
RAB
Alan is an international creative thinking consultant who focuses on the S.P.R.E.A.D.ng of Cre8ng and Creative Thinking throughout entire organizations from the front or back doors to the executive floor. His passion is in expanding and enriching the natural creativity in people in their workplaces.
What makes you so creative?
RAB
Primarily my childhood environment with parents who were open to letting me experiment and explore with tremendous freedom.
Add to that a group of elementary school teachers who encouraged directly or gave me tremendous freedom. My greatest and clearest memories from elementary school were that I spend very little time in my actual classrooms. I was in the library on my own simply reading. Off to Wayne State University often for speech lessons and hearing tests.
I was born with a very serious cleft palette and cleft/hare lip. One of the family stories and jokes was that I had spent so much time at WSU that I had graduated from college before I turned 6.
Add to these factors my elementary school, 1st thru 8th grade, art teacher, Mrs. Johnson who let me work on many projects of my own choosing while all the other children were doing the daily exercises. I did hallway art. I did art for the gymnasium, the auditorium, etc. She also had architectural renderings done by her brother hanging in our art room that first got me interested in becoming an architect.
By the 6th grade I was designing elevations and floor plans of homes at night much of the time when I wasn't making up television quiz shows and questions or writing Alfred Hitchcock/O'Henry style mystery stories
Robert Alan Black
-------------------
George Torok
Creativity Catalyst
Creative Facilitator
Robert Alan Black is one of the most creative persons I know. He teaches creativity and creative problem solving to individuals, corporations and associations around the world. I first met him years ago at the Creative Problem Solving Institute. I was impressed by what he taught me and we have stayed in touch and we continue to cross paths. Following is the first part of an interview with creativity guru, Robert Alan Black.
I think that you will enjoy his story.
----------
Who is Robert Alan Black?
RAB
Alan is an international creative thinking consultant who focuses on the S.P.R.E.A.D.ng of Cre8ng and Creative Thinking throughout entire organizations from the front or back doors to the executive floor. His passion is in expanding and enriching the natural creativity in people in their workplaces.
What makes you so creative?
RAB
Primarily my childhood environment with parents who were open to letting me experiment and explore with tremendous freedom.
Add to that a group of elementary school teachers who encouraged directly or gave me tremendous freedom. My greatest and clearest memories from elementary school were that I spend very little time in my actual classrooms. I was in the library on my own simply reading. Off to Wayne State University often for speech lessons and hearing tests.
I was born with a very serious cleft palette and cleft/hare lip. One of the family stories and jokes was that I had spent so much time at WSU that I had graduated from college before I turned 6.
Add to these factors my elementary school, 1st thru 8th grade, art teacher, Mrs. Johnson who let me work on many projects of my own choosing while all the other children were doing the daily exercises. I did hallway art. I did art for the gymnasium, the auditorium, etc. She also had architectural renderings done by her brother hanging in our art room that first got me interested in becoming an architect.
By the 6th grade I was designing elevations and floor plans of homes at night much of the time when I wasn't making up television quiz shows and questions or writing Alfred Hitchcock/O'Henry style mystery stories
Robert Alan Black
-------------------
George Torok
Creativity Catalyst
Creative Facilitator
Friday, January 18, 2008
True North - book review
True North
Discover your Authentic Leadership
Enjoy this book review by Ian Cook
------------------------
True North
Reviewed by Ian Cook
In my letter that introduced the last book I reviewed, A Leader's Legacy, I said that defining "leadership" is like trying to define "art." We just can't agree on what it is.
Bill George, the author of True North, says this is because leaders are very complex individuals who are shaped, above all, by their "stories" (in life). This is a remarkable book that places superior leadership in the context of having a defining purpose, a "true north," that both focuses you and enrolls those around you in the goal.
The more I work with senior leaders and follow the related research, the more convinced I become that the key to their success is their authenticity and the clarity of their purpose.
True North invites you to ask yourself, as a manager, "What do I stand for in my work that is beyond my self-interest?" The author has some ideas to help you move from being just another manager to being the best boss your staff has ever had.
Read the True North book review.
----------------
George Torok
Host of Business in Motion
Business Writer
Discover your Authentic Leadership
Enjoy this book review by Ian Cook
------------------------
True North
Reviewed by Ian Cook
In my letter that introduced the last book I reviewed, A Leader's Legacy, I said that defining "leadership" is like trying to define "art." We just can't agree on what it is.
Bill George, the author of True North, says this is because leaders are very complex individuals who are shaped, above all, by their "stories" (in life). This is a remarkable book that places superior leadership in the context of having a defining purpose, a "true north," that both focuses you and enrolls those around you in the goal.
The more I work with senior leaders and follow the related research, the more convinced I become that the key to their success is their authenticity and the clarity of their purpose.
True North invites you to ask yourself, as a manager, "What do I stand for in my work that is beyond my self-interest?" The author has some ideas to help you move from being just another manager to being the best boss your staff has ever had.
Read the True North book review.
----------------
George Torok
Host of Business in Motion
Business Writer
Sunday, January 06, 2008
MBAs without Borders
MBAs without Borders
Business schools are traditionally competitive and MBA students even more so, as they compete with each other in academics and to get a foothold into the world of business. The site Online MBA Programs does a nice job of showing some of the common career paths for MBA's. Often lost in all this competition is a focus on social good. That's why a new organization that connects MBA grads with international regions that lack business infrastructure or knowledge is causing quite a stir.
What an enlightening weekend I had at the MGA Games. I learned about an exciting organization that is changing the world - MBAs without Borders.
If you are familiar with Doctors without Borders then you might guess what they do. The two organizations are not related but share common themes; helping people in developing countries.
MBAs without Borders helps people in developing countries develop business. MWB works with NPOs and medium sized businesses to move forward, to get to the next level – to become sustainable and make a significant difference.
The Premise (my interpretation)
The basic needs can be met with the ability to earn income.
If people can work and generate income they can feed, cloth and shelter themselves and their family. They can contribute to education, health care and social justice of their community. In additional they can feel empowered about their future.
OriginMBAs without Borders was launched in 2004 by two Canadians - Tal Dehtiar and Michael Brown. In their first year they ran one project – last year they ran 23. Next year they plan to run over 50.
What they do
MWB places MBA grads in developing countries to help with the development of business projects. The projects they select from include activities in agriculture, health care, environment and handicrafts. They choose from these activities because these are the fundamental economics of developing countries.
Tal Degtiar (co-founder of MWB)
I had the pleasure of both talking with and listening to this 27-year espouse his vision and accomplishments. In a strange twist of fate, he told me that he was a student of mine years ago in a class on presentation skills that I delivered to MBA students at MG DeGroote School of Business.
I’ve met lots of people who claim that they want to chance the world. It’s not often that you get the opportunity to meet the real thing - a person who is making a real difference in the world. Imagine if you met a young Mother/Sister Theresa, Nelson Mandela, Martin Luther King or Terry Fox.
George Torok
Host of Business in Motion
Read more about MBAs without Borders
Business schools are traditionally competitive and MBA students even more so, as they compete with each other in academics and to get a foothold into the world of business. The site Online MBA Programs does a nice job of showing some of the common career paths for MBA's. Often lost in all this competition is a focus on social good. That's why a new organization that connects MBA grads with international regions that lack business infrastructure or knowledge is causing quite a stir.
What an enlightening weekend I had at the MGA Games. I learned about an exciting organization that is changing the world - MBAs without Borders.
If you are familiar with Doctors without Borders then you might guess what they do. The two organizations are not related but share common themes; helping people in developing countries.
MBAs without Borders helps people in developing countries develop business. MWB works with NPOs and medium sized businesses to move forward, to get to the next level – to become sustainable and make a significant difference.
The Premise (my interpretation)
The basic needs can be met with the ability to earn income.
If people can work and generate income they can feed, cloth and shelter themselves and their family. They can contribute to education, health care and social justice of their community. In additional they can feel empowered about their future.
OriginMBAs without Borders was launched in 2004 by two Canadians - Tal Dehtiar and Michael Brown. In their first year they ran one project – last year they ran 23. Next year they plan to run over 50.
What they do
MWB places MBA grads in developing countries to help with the development of business projects. The projects they select from include activities in agriculture, health care, environment and handicrafts. They choose from these activities because these are the fundamental economics of developing countries.
Tal Degtiar (co-founder of MWB)
I had the pleasure of both talking with and listening to this 27-year espouse his vision and accomplishments. In a strange twist of fate, he told me that he was a student of mine years ago in a class on presentation skills that I delivered to MBA students at MG DeGroote School of Business.
I’ve met lots of people who claim that they want to chance the world. It’s not often that you get the opportunity to meet the real thing - a person who is making a real difference in the world. Imagine if you met a young Mother/Sister Theresa, Nelson Mandela, Martin Luther King or Terry Fox.
George Torok
Host of Business in Motion
Read more about MBAs without Borders
Thursday, January 03, 2008
MBA Games 2008 McMaster University
MBA Games 2008 McMaster University
Students who earn an accredited MBA online sometimes miss out on the activities associated with a traditional school. The MBA Games is an annual competition of MBA students from university based business schools in Canada. The MBA Games was started by Queens University in Kingston, Ontario about 20 years ago. Hence the grand prize is called “The Queen’s Cup”.
The 2008 MBA Games will be hosted by The DeGroote School of Business, McMaster University, in Hamilton Ontario on January 3 through 5. Up to 500 MBA competitors from businesses schools across Canada are expected to compete in the 2008 MBA Games.
Over these three days in January 2008 the MBA students who represent the future for Canadian business will compete in three areas: academic, athletic and spirit.
I find it both curious and encouraging that MBA students are encouraged to compete in these three areas. Academic is a no-brainer – you expect that of a university business school. Athletic – I am pleased to see that, because a healthy business leader is a better business leader. As a marathon runner I know how important it is for my clarity to run and think. I was amused to find “dodge ball” listed as one of the athletic events. But I give them points for creative acceptance.
Spirit – now that is interesting. I know that spirit is a huge part of success and happiness. For example, Terry Fox could easily be Canada’s icon of spirit. But how does a MBA business school measure spirit? You know that academic institutions are big on measuring things. Spirit is important. I am a big believer in the power of your spirit and gut feeling. Read my blog on motivation. I just wonder how they will measure it.
Personal Note
As a McMaster University graduate I am pleased to be a judge for the Marketing Case of the academic competition. I look forward to learning from these bright young MBA minds. I was so pleased to participate that I am donating my book, “Secrets of Power Marketing”, to all of the participants in the Marketing Case competition.
In addition I will speak to the MBA Games participants during the closing reception on Saturday evening. They will be both tired and eager to move on so it will be a short presentation titled, “Secrets of Success”. This will be a condensed version of the presentation that I recently delivered to entrepreneurs at the SOHO conference in Vancouver, BC. For those who are taking notes, they will hear some critical principles of success.
Let the games begin.
George Torok
Marketing Expert & Author
Motivational Speaker
Students who earn an accredited MBA online sometimes miss out on the activities associated with a traditional school. The MBA Games is an annual competition of MBA students from university based business schools in Canada. The MBA Games was started by Queens University in Kingston, Ontario about 20 years ago. Hence the grand prize is called “The Queen’s Cup”.
The 2008 MBA Games will be hosted by The DeGroote School of Business, McMaster University, in Hamilton Ontario on January 3 through 5. Up to 500 MBA competitors from businesses schools across Canada are expected to compete in the 2008 MBA Games.
Over these three days in January 2008 the MBA students who represent the future for Canadian business will compete in three areas: academic, athletic and spirit.
I find it both curious and encouraging that MBA students are encouraged to compete in these three areas. Academic is a no-brainer – you expect that of a university business school. Athletic – I am pleased to see that, because a healthy business leader is a better business leader. As a marathon runner I know how important it is for my clarity to run and think. I was amused to find “dodge ball” listed as one of the athletic events. But I give them points for creative acceptance.
Spirit – now that is interesting. I know that spirit is a huge part of success and happiness. For example, Terry Fox could easily be Canada’s icon of spirit. But how does a MBA business school measure spirit? You know that academic institutions are big on measuring things. Spirit is important. I am a big believer in the power of your spirit and gut feeling. Read my blog on motivation. I just wonder how they will measure it.
Personal Note
As a McMaster University graduate I am pleased to be a judge for the Marketing Case of the academic competition. I look forward to learning from these bright young MBA minds. I was so pleased to participate that I am donating my book, “Secrets of Power Marketing”, to all of the participants in the Marketing Case competition.
In addition I will speak to the MBA Games participants during the closing reception on Saturday evening. They will be both tired and eager to move on so it will be a short presentation titled, “Secrets of Success”. This will be a condensed version of the presentation that I recently delivered to entrepreneurs at the SOHO conference in Vancouver, BC. For those who are taking notes, they will hear some critical principles of success.
Let the games begin.
George Torok
Marketing Expert & Author
Motivational Speaker
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