Unlocking Creativity

Outline

Unlocking Creativity (2019) challenges common assumptions about where good ideas come from and explains how certain mental habits can restrict creative thinking. Michael Roberto examines experimentation, collaboration, observation, analogy, questioning, and the productive use of constraints. Through research and organisational examples, the book shows leaders how to identify barriers to innovation and create conditions in which people can explore alternatives, learn from mistakes, and develop better solutions.

• Common assumptions about where good ideas come from are often wrong, and they quietly shape how organisations approach creative work.
• Certain mental habits restrict creative thinking, so spotting and replacing them is the first step toward better ideas.
• Experimentation, collaboration, observation, analogy and questioning are practical ways to generate and test new ideas.
• Constraints can be used productively, because limits sometimes push people toward more inventive solutions.
• Leaders can identify barriers to innovation and build conditions where people explore alternatives and learn from mistakes.

Michael Roberto is an American professor, author, and researcher specialising in leadership, decision making, strategy, and innovation. He teaches at Bryant University and has studied how leaders and teams solve problems, manage disagreement, and avoid flawed decisions. His books translate research and business cases into practical lessons for managers, entrepreneurs, and organisations.