Simplicity Reigns Supreme

Out-of-the-Box Thinking I must admit that I sometimes go overboard in sharing the latest example of innovation as part of our creativity seminars, keynote presentations, and even in this particular portion of our blog. I know this to be a fact simply by listening to the feedback I get during program discussions.

Since we highlight underwater cities, the conversion of 747s into limos, $15,000 dinner parties hanging above the city, and other extraordinary examples, many people assume that creative ideas must be costly and can only be produced within a Think Tank or by a Research and Development team consisting of technical experts.

Let me assure you that this is not the case. There are numerous innovations revealed almost daily in the media that would prove to be not only very simplistic but extremely cost effective. We just don’t seem to pay attention to that category. Let me give you an example. We’re approaching the end of the summer and our last big picnic opportunity as we celebrate Labor Day. Among other traditions, we’ll be doing our thing over a campfire with marshmallows and hot dogs. To do so, we must find a good stick, get close enough to the heat source to perfect our treats without scorching our bodies, and bump into everyone else with the same goal in mind.

Out-of-the-Box Thinking Well, some creative soul has solved all of those problems for us by simply browsing through the tool shed with an open mind and a creative spirit. Wah-La! … Ye olde steel spring-tine garden rake. What a concept!

The long handle allows you to keep your distance from the flames.
The steel tines won’t burn as a stick will certainly do.
One person can grill 12-14 hot dogs rather than elbowing a dozen friends out of the way to find a suitable spot near the flames.

I’m not certain I’d personally settle for the rake in my tool shed as I’ve used that one for just about everything. I’d rather buy a brand new rake to be used only for this new tradition.

Think about it … low cost, saves times, offers convenience, reduces work force, and renders uniform performance. What more could you ask for? At this point, you may very well be laughing on the outside, but I’ll bet you just made a note on your to-do list to check out the tool shed or stop by the lawn and garden department of your local hardware store in preparation for Labor Day, right?

Bottom line: you can be creative in any arena. Enjoy your holiday!

Harry K. Jones is a motivational speaker and consultant for AchieveMax®, Inc., a company of motivational speakers who provide custom-designed seminars, keynote presentations, and consulting services.