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Tag Archives: Creativity
The Road Not Taken
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I– I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference. Wonderful advice and so poignant. But actually, if you read the whole poem, what we take from the … Continue reading
Posted in Creativity, Psychology
Tagged coaching, Creativity, Psychology, quote, theory of knowledge, thinking, travel
1 Comment
The Value of Professional Conferences. Also Why Has There Been So Little Innovation?
In the most recent ASQ Influential Voices post, Julia McIntosh takes a look at the costs and benefits of professionals attending conferences. I still remember being in high school and George Box talking about the primary value of conferences was … Continue reading
Children are Amazingly Creative At Solving Problems
This story at NPR reminded my of Russell Ackoff talking about the creativity kids show in solving problems* – and how school often stifles that creativity. Preschoolers Outsmart College Students In Figuring Out Gadgets Children try a variety of novel … Continue reading
Posted in Creativity
Tagged Ackoff, Creativity, learning, problem solving, Psychology, thinking
2 Comments
Deming and Software Development
I am sometimes asked about how use Deming’s ideas on management in a software development context. My belief is Deming’s ideas work extremely well in a software development context. The main issue is often unlearning some assumptions that people might … Continue reading
Taking Risks Based on Evidence
My opinion has long been that football teams are too scared to take an action that is smart but opens the coach to criticism. So instead of attempting to make it on 4th down (if you don’t understand American football, … Continue reading
Posted in Competition, Creativity, Data, Innovation, Management, Psychology
Tagged Creativity, evidence based management, experiments, fear, Innovation, leadership, Psychology, risk, sports
3 Comments
What is the Explanation Going to be if This Attempt Fails?
Occasionally during my career I have been surprised by new insights. One of the things I found remarkable was how quickly I thought up a new explanation for what could have caused a problem when the previously expressed explanation was … Continue reading
Posted in Creativity, Innovation, Management, Process improvement, quote, Software Development, Systems thinking
Tagged Creativity, curiouscat, experiments, John Hunter, problem solving, Psychology, Software Development, tips
Comments Off on What is the Explanation Going to be if This Attempt Fails?
Quality Processes in Unexpected Places
This month Paul Borawski asked ASQ’s Influential Voices to explore the use of quality tools in unexpected places. The most surprising example of this practice that I recall is the Madison, Wisconsin police department surveying those they arrested to get … Continue reading
Posted in Creativity, Customer focus, Data, Innovation, Management, Process improvement, Public Sector, Respect
Tagged ASQ Influential Voices, Creativity, Customer focus, customer service, leadership, Lean thinking, Madison, Process improvement, Public Sector, respect for people, Systems thinking
5 Comments
The Components of Genius
Wonderful poster, by Grant Snider, on the question: what is genius. Related: Comic About Programers – You Have to Find What You Love To Do – Marissa Mayer Webcast on Google Innovation – Interruptions Can Severely Damage Performance
Using Incentives to Guide Social System Improvements
When confronted with the challenge of managing a social system (or market) I like to find ways to use a few simple rules that will guide the system to find improvements. I favor allowing participants in complex social system to … Continue reading
Posted in Creativity, Economics, Public Sector, Systems thinking
Tagged Creativity, Economics, leadership, Systems thinking
2 Comments
The Aim Should be the Best Life – Not Work v. Life Balance
My father had the most job satisfaction of anyone I have known. He had no separation between work and life. We toured factories on vacation. I visited Davidson College in North Carolina because he was consulting with a client in … Continue reading →