Free the Idea Monkey... to focus on what matters most!

by G. Michael Maddock, Raphael Louis Viton

In business you should Free the Idea Monkey to focus on what matters most. This book shows (in an extremely entertaining way) how the most innovative leaders and organizations work and play to find this balance. Walt Disney partnered with Roy Disney (Walt handled the Imagineering; Roy made sure they made money at it.) Orville Wright partnered with his brother Wilbur. Steve Jobs partnered with Steve Wozniak. Great leaders and great organizations have found the balance between the enthusiastic and inspiring Idea Monkeys and the focused and empowering leaders, the people who turned their ideas into a reality. Written by the leaders of the globally recognized Innovation Agency, this book contains entertaining stories, fun illustrations and practical tips to inspire and empower both Idea Monkeys--and the (Ring) Leaders who must somehow focus those creative people's energy and ideas.

Genres: Business

232 pages, Hardcover

First published February 3, 2012

Reviews

[Stephanie Marcinkowski · Rating 3 out of 5]

A former business advisor once commented that my industry was "old school." At first, I was a bit taken aback by his comment; however, having had time to think more about it, I took it more like a rally cry. This book was meant to help in my quest to disrupt the "old school" and continue to be relevant during rapidly changing landscapes.

I took a lot more time to read this book than expected because it was packed with information that prompted some deep thinking. For the idea monkey, that creates an opportunity to mull ideas over in between chapters.

I liked the layout of the book which provides opportunities for notes and brainstorming. The end of chapter "to do" lists are great recaps.

[Anisha · Rating 3 out of 5]

My favorite chapter was "discovering a yin to your yang". If you feel you are better at brainstorming ideas then team up with a person who is great at shipping the product. This way each person gets to be brilliant at what they do best. I found this idea profound! This book does have some really good ideas and stories - the only catch is you have to patiently sort through the pages to find it.

[Eliot · Rating 3 out of 5]

Large company focused book.

To innovate have lots of idea people in your company -some divergent/creative and some convergent/ring leaders who focus on what matters most.

The art of strategy is sacrifice - know what to stop doing, so you can focus on the things you are good at.

You can't read the label when you are sitting inside the jar.

[Andrea Hill · Rating 4 out of 5]

G. Michael Maddock has penned this enjoyable, easy read to introduce the two types of people essential for innovation success: Idea Monkeys and (Ring) Leaders. He offers guidance in how to encourage Idea Monkeys to be creative, and balance that with research and execution. Helped me reflect on my interactions with coworkers and how I can best help bring new ideas forth.

[Yang Zheng · Rating 3 out of 5]

Worth a skim but probably not a read. A Cliff Notes version could have sufficed. Although there were some insights related to the idea of needing an Idea Monkey AND a Ring Leader for innovation, most of the book is just repetition of basic high level business/innovation concepts. If you get a free copy (as I did) worth flipping through, but don’t buy.