Nebraska's businesses search for the key to actionable creativity

What if I lifted a heavy brick and set it in front of you....then asked, "What is the value of a brick?"

• By Lynn Hinderaker, Founder, NEWbraska

A mere brick can be a symbol of narrow thinking.

You would likely say, "To build a house or a wall."

That response is accurate, but unimaginative.

"Keep thinking."

"What if I picked it up and used it to break into a car?"

Much more creative. Keep going.

"I could break it into smithereens and use the dust to create a type of woman's facial makeup."

Home run!

Lesson: Over-focusing on the obvious is not helpful. Thinking broadly and holistically will help you to find a new strategy or new way to create value for new clients.

Bottom line: In this economy, innovation is absolutely key. Most businesspeople over-focus and push themselves through the challenge. They over-emphasize the "tree" and completely forget about the "forest."

This pattern also leads to negative emotions, even depression.

Ask NEWbraska's staff to set up a training workshop to expand your possibilities.