Creativity can be defined as problem identification and idea generation whilst innovation can be defined as idea selection, development and commercialisation.

There are other useful definitions in this field, for example, creativity can be defined as consisting of a number of ideas, a number of diverse ideas and a number of novel ideas.

There are distinct processes that enhance problem identification and idea generation and, similarly, distinct processes that enhance idea selection, development and commercialisation. Whilst there is no sure fire route to commercial success, these processes improve the probability that good ideas will be generated and selected and that investment in developing and commercialising those ideas will not be wasted.

Real Self versus the Trained Self

Personalities can be said to be psychotic in many ways and one of those is the idea, readily accepted, that we have at least two selves: the real self and that self which we present to the world.

The size and quality of the idea pool is enhanced when individuals are allowed to generate ideas as their real selves as opposed to their trained self.

» Read more: Business Innovation – Real Self versus the Trained Self