Want To Be A More Creative Innovator? Then Do This…
There is an activity that seemingly has nothing to do with creative thinking and innovation, yet has everything to do with it. And if you start doing this, you will become a more innovative individual. And that one thing is….
Rock climbing is the perfect metaphor for problem solving and innovation. It’s safe, physically challenging, and requires creativity. A rock-climbing route is often referred to as a ‘problem’ since it can be unique and challenging.
Rock faces are fractal - irregularities, notches, hand-holds, overhangs. They can be as small as a 12-foot boulder, or as high as a 450-foot cliff. They can be free-climbed or climbed with the aid of ropes and guides. You can even find places to rock-climb INDOORS.
Since rock faces are irregular, you can’t plan a route until you see it close-up and examine for opportunities and obstacles - just like you have to do when confronting a problem in business. Often the hardest part of the climb is finding the right place to get started. And once you are into the climb, you often have to stop and make decisions on how to best keep going.
Rock-climbing is also an ideal team-building sport. While one person is climbing, others can recommend routes, foot-placements, and hand holds, since they view the problem from a different perspective. Again, the metaphor is clear - a different perspective can lead to breakthroughs in any endeavor.
To get started, find a rock-climbing guide in your area or locate an indoor rock-climbing facility. They’ll tell you everything you need for your first climb and help you pick a route suitable to your skill level and physical condition. Then, get busy. Better yet, take a group of friends or co-workers and start building your team.
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[...] do you consider impossible? For me, rock climbing was impossible until September of 2006. Up until then my fear of heights and perspective on rock [...]
[...] Want To Be A More Creative Innovator? Then Do This… Posted on August 26, 2007 by Innovation Catalyst Open Source Innovation has moved - here is the new link to Want To Be A More Creative Innovator? Then Do This… [...]