Years ago, educating children was seen as necessary to the future strength of our countries. As a result, most governments provided schools to supporting the production of quality citizens and leaders.
In the process of insuring that every child received the education needed, standardized tests were created. At first blush, it was a good idea. Over time, however, passing the standardized tests became the goal, rather than teaching children to use their god given gifts by honoring their individuality and creativity.
Eventually the very things that encourage creativity, such as music and the arts, were deemed unnecessary luxuries and removed from the system.
Now we find ourselves in a unique situation. The old tried and true methods are rapidly failing us. We need innovative and creative thinkers to come up with new solutions to our rapidly mounting problems. Yet we have all been trained in standardized thinking, spoon-fed entertainment through the media rather than encouraged to create on our own.
How can we resurrect atrophied ability to be innovative and create? If we do, can solutions be found to current problems? It would appear we are well behind the power curve. Can we uncover and engage this much needed skill in time?
With us this hour to delve into the concept of innovation and creative thinking is Dr. Roger Firestien. Dr. Firestien has taught people to lead the creative process worldwide. He is senior faculty and an associate professor at the Center for Applied Imagination at SUNY Buffalo, author of “Create in A Flash: A Leader’s Recipe for Breakthrough Innovation,” and President of Innovation Resources, Inc.
