We’re drawn to the image of the lone genius whose mystical moment of insight changes the world.
But the lone genius is a myth; instead, it’s group genius that generates breakthrough innovation.’
Professor Keith Sawyer, The Creative Power of Collaboration, 2007, page 7.
I too have come to this realisation.
Many years ago I studied how organisations could become more creative in my doctoral research.
My first case study was the 4 Corners program at the ABC.
4 Corners is the second longest current affair program in the world.
They have uncovered a remarkable array of stories that have brought down governments and shifted agenda’s.
Perhaps the most interesting aspect of the program was their use of teams.
A team would come together for 6-8 weeks for a specific story.
Then they would reform and start again.
No team stayed the same for any length of time.
Each team was small with a great deal of diversity e.g. reporter, producer, researcher, editor and camera man.
There was a single-minded focus on meeting the story deadline and a usually a bubbling over of emotions as deadline drew near.
The reporter had a large say in what story was pursued (in conjunction with the executive producer), there was a fixed budget and deadline.
In other-words there was freedom but within limits.
Within this freedom new ideas and approached emerged form all members of the team.
What I observed as an interesting but left-field approach to creating new content is now mainstream.
Small, flexible, passionate, diverse teams are are the new drivers of innovation today.
And since most work today is done in groups or teams this should be the focus of your attention.
Is your team or group creative and productive?
If the answer is no you might want to consider our new Blitz tool which can be used by individuals and groups.
It can help you to brainstorm new ideas, solve problems, hep one another and ensure that everyone contributes in any group situation.