I posted recently on creativity conferences, (Creativity Conferences, Valuable or Boondoggle?) and somewhat controversially. I appreciate the feedback I’ve gotten, and thank everyone for their thoughts both online and offline.
My basic critique is that most creativity conferences, including CPSI, are more about personal development than professional results. CPSI is the annual Creative Problem Solving Institute, it’s the longest running creativity conference in the world.
This post is part of a blog tour/party leading up to the CPSI conference (June 21-25 in Buffalo, NY). At the bottom of this post visit the other very interesting and cool bloggers who will share insight on how to make CPSI effective. And read Jon Vehar’s blog as well, for the smart ass point of view (just kidding!)
One great question that came out of the after-post-dialog from my semi-controversial piece, is how to make creativity conferences, like CPSI, or CREA, more relevant professionally? And how does a participant make the connection between creative tools and techniques and rubber-meets-the-road innovation? I consider leading change to be part and parcel of innovation.
I think there is a way to make that connection more real, and results more likely. That is to attend these types of conferences with a specific real world innovation challenge you want to solve. You need to be a person with a specific mission in mind. You need to have already planned specific action steps to take when you return to your job. At the very least a “report back” to the powers that be, with ideas you’ve had, and action suggestions. Even better would be the creation of an on-going innovation process (if you don’t have one already) complete with training. Do not wait until you return to decide what to do. You might adjust a plan, but have a plan!
Going to a conference with a mission gives you focus. The conference becomes an extended innovation excursion — and you will have insights. Creativity conferences like CPSI, CREA, ACA and others are often inspirational. The key to results is what happens after the conference. When returning to your job after a creativity conference, many people feel very let down and deflated. The reason — in the real world people don’t normally practice deferral of judgment. The glow of creative acceptance wears off quickly and can descend to non-action, resignation, and even depression. The antidote is immediate action upon return, and integration with existing, or the start of, an on-going innovation process.
It makes sense to work closely with CPSI (or CREA, ACA, etc.) leaders while at the conference to think up ways to use what you are learning. Take advantage! These are some of the best practitioners in the world and you can get very good advice for the price of the conference registration.
So, if you have an innovation mission with challenges out the ying-yang — you should go to CPSI!
Follow this hipster bloggers trail for more about CPSI, creativity, innovation, change, and other points of interest:
Jonathan Vehar, http://innovationblogsite.typepad.com/
Amy Basic, http://segami2.blogspot.com/
Cynthia Rolfe, http://Seven-wheels.blogspot.com
Maggie Dugan http://maternal-dementia.com
Pablo Munoz, http://blog.latercera.com/blog/pmunoz/entry/d%C3%B3nde_entrenar_la_creatividad (In Spanish)
Whitney Faire, http://www.Creativelyfit.com/?cat=1
5 responses to “How CPSI Can Help You Create, Innovate, and Lead Change”
Gregg, both this post and the previous one you refer to are excellent. These questions must be asked by people in the community, because they’ve been raised by people outside the community for years and the answers are necessary for conscious growth. Thank you!
Thanks for saying so Renee.
I worked for many years in the hard-nosed arena of software marketing and sales. When I told people about CPSI they mostly laughed in my face, For many years the only reason I was able to go was because I went on vacation time and paid for it myself. If they want to appeal to a broader group they really have to sell the results, and, they can’t sell that credibly if they can’t deliver it. If CPSI or CREA were smart they would package a pre-conference or post consultation for organizations, on the “how” to create results from the insights.
Hi Gregg,
I brought back the CPS model to the University of Central Oklahoma. We have used it for strategic planning sessions, leadership retreats, and even for training all levels of staff and faculty in better meeting facilitation (and trust me – – universities luuuvv their meetings!)
I have also used the CPS process with my clients who are looking for break through ideas – – getting out of the proverbial box.
So, I guess what I am saying is I agree. If you have a specific objective when attending CPSI, or any other conference, you will be much happier with the results.
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