In this provocative collection of essays, an interdisciplinary group of eminent thinkers and writers offer their thoughts on how embracing creativity - tapping into the originality of everyday life - can lead to improved physical and mental health, to new ways of thinking, of experiencing the world and ourselves. They show how creativity can refine our views of human nature at an individual and societal level and, ultimately, change our paradigms for survival - and for flourishing - in a world fraught with urgent challenges.
In the story of every great company and career, there is one defining moment when luck and skill collide. This book is about making that moment happen. According to Frans Johansson’s research, successful people and organizations show a common theme. A lucky moment occurs and they take advantage of it to change their fate. Consider how Diane von Furstenberg saw Julie Nixon Eisenhower on TV wearing a matching skirt and top, and created the timeless, elegant wrap-dress. That was a “click moment” of unexpected opportunity. Johansson uses stories from throughout history to illustrate the specific actions we can take to create more click moments, place lots of high-potential bets, open ourselves up to chance encounters, and harness the complex forces of success that follow.
“This book completely changed the way I think about creative innovation. . . . A must read” (Cal Newport, bestselling author of Deep Work). Business leaders say they want creativity and need real innovation in order to thrive. But according to startling research from management professor Jennifer Mueller, these same leaders chronically reject creative solutions, even as they profess commitment to innovation. Mueller’s research reveals that it’s not just CEOs but educators, parents, and other social trendsetters who struggle to accept new and creative ideas. Mueller parses the tough questions these findings raise. Do we all have an inherent prejudice against creative ideas? Can we learn to outsmart this bias? Creative Change combines analysis of the latest research with practical guidance on how to shift your mindset, and offers a wealth of counterintuitive recommendations to help you embrace the creative ideas you want. “If we all crave creativity so much, why do we reject new ideas so often? Jen Mueller’s smart new book unravels this puzzle.” —Daniel H. Pink, New York Times–bestselling author of When and Drive “Mueller, an accomplished scholar in the management field, has developed a well-formulated argument for creativity. Her ideas and research need to be available to academics, business practitioners, and, really, everyone.” —Library Journal
The guiding idea of this book concerns the nature of teacher education in the future, viewing the understanding of the history of teacher education in different context as the basis for future development. Special emphasis is given to matters of race and gender as well as on the special status and roles of teacher education in a globalized, uncertain, and anxiety-ridden world. Viewing teacher education as drama provides lenses and insights for the construction of teacher education. The book is divided into two parts. Part I is entitled Teacher education in the service of change. This part presents cases of the role of teacher education in reform movements in different cultures, and the impact of social changes across time on teacher education. Part II, A look into the future: societal issues in teacher education, focuses on several critical societal issues such as racism, feminism and environmental sustainability.
An insightful and inspiring book on using "both/and" thinking to make more creative, flexible, and impactful decisions in a world of competing demands. Life is full of paradoxes. How can we each express our individuality while also being a team player? How do we balance work and life? How can we improve diversity while promoting opportunities for all? How can we manage the core business while innovating for the future? For many of us, these competing and interwoven demands are a source of conflict. Since our brains love to make either-or choices, we choose one option over the other. We deal with the uncertainty by asserting certainty. There's a better way. In Both/And Thinking, Wendy Smith and Marianne Lewis help readers cope with multiple, knotted tensions at the same time. Drawing from more than twenty years of pioneering research, they provide tools and lessons for transforming these tensions into opportunities for innovation and personal growth. Filled with practical advice and fascinating stories—including firsthand tales from IBM, LEGO, and Unilever, as well as from startups, nonprofits, and even an inn at one of the four corners of the world—Both/And Thinking will change the way you approach your most vexing problems.
This national bestseller from celebrated novelist and memoirist Dani Shapiro is an intimate and eloquent companion to living a creative life. Through a blend of memoir, meditation on the artistic process, and advice on craft, Shapiro offers her gift to writers everywhere: a guide of hard-won wisdom and advice for staying the course. In the ten years since the first edition, Still Writing has become a mainstay of creative writing classes as well as a lodestar for writers just starting out, and above all, an indispensable almanac for modern writers.
Hal and Sidra Stone are the creators of "Voice Dialogue" process, a therapy that transforms the inner critic from crippling adversary to productive ally. The inner critic. It whispers, whines, and needles us into place. It checks our thoughts, controls our behavior, and inhibits action. It thinks it is protecting us from being disliked, hurt, or abandoned. Instead, the critical inner voice causes shame, anxiety, depression, exhaustion, and low-self-esteem. It acts as a powerful saboteur of our intimate relationships and is a major contributor to drug and alcohol abuse. Through examples and exercises, the Stones show us how to recognize the critic, how to avoid or minimize "critic attacks," and, most important, how the inner critic can become asn intelligent, perceptive, and supportive partner in life.
This volume bridges the gap between practicing organizational communication consultants, organizational communication courses, and the student. Combining theory with actual applied communication practices, the text is based on the integration of perspectives, principles, and pragmatics rather than case studies and insights. In-depth examination is provided for verbal and nonverbal communication, channels, networks, listening, symbolic behavior, interpersonal and small group communication, leadership, conflict management, motivation, and new communication technologies. The coverage is current, incorporating vital organizational issues such as empowering, self-directed work units, and human-computer interfaces. Applied Organizational Communicationprovides a thorough analysis of the forces and influences in organizational communication. This text: *explains the impact of critical environmental influences on all levels; *provides extensive discussion of teams, leadership, technology, listening, and interpersonal communication; *offers current analysis, utilizing a broad base of information and research; and *Establishes links between organizational communication and perceptions, theory, networks, and symbolic behavior. Building on the successful foundation of the first volume, this second edition has been thoroughly revised, reflecting the current state of organizational communication theory and research. Highlights of this edition include: *extensive topical coverage; *integrated discussion of change, diversity, and digital age issues in all chapters; *updated analysis of major issues and influences in organizational communication; and *real-world examples. As an accessible and practical examination of organizational communication, this textbook is an excellent course text and serves as a valuable resource. It is intended for use in organizational communication, leadership, organizational development, and organizational intervention courses at the advanced undergraduate and graduate levels.
Do you yearn to live a life infused with creativity? Living with Spark is your guide to igniting the inner flame of imagination and weaving its vibrant threads into the very fabric of your daily life. More than just a book about art and music, Living with Spark is a manifesto for a creative revolution. It will teach you how to: Unleash your inner spark: Reconnect with your inherent curiosity and rediscover the joy of playful exploration. Nurture a spark-friendly environment: Craft a space that inspires, stimulates, and fuels your creative fire. Navigate the Spark Cycle: Master the iterative process of taking your ideas from conception to vibrant creation. Integrate creativity into your daily life: Transform routines like cooking, exercise, and problem-solving into opportunities for artistic expression. Overcome creative roadblocks: Silence the inner critic, conquer self-doubt, and keep your spark ablaze even in the face of challenges. Living with Spark is not just about self-expression; it's about creating a life of meaning and impact. Through inspirational stories of individuals who have transformed their lives with creativity, you'll discover how embracing your artistic spirit can: Enhance your well-being and personal growth. Deepen your connections with others. Leave a positive mark on the world. Living with Spark is your invitation to embark on a lifelong journey of creative exploration. It's a call to ignite your passions, embrace the joy of making, and illuminate the world with your unique artistic flame. Are you ready to live with spark? This book is for you if: You long to live a more vibrant and fulfilling life. You feel disconnected from your creative side. You struggle to overcome creative roadblocks. You want to integrate creativity into your daily routines. You believe in the transformative power of self-expression. Take the first step towards igniting your spark. Get your copy of Living with Spark today!
An investigation into the societal impact of intelligent, high-achieving women who are honing traditional homemaking skills traces emerging trends in sophisticated crafting, cooking and farming that are reshaping the roles of women.
