The complete guide to identifying, measuring, promoting and applying creativity! Thriving in today's fast-changing world requires unprecedented creativity--in business, and in every facet of life. This book makes the reader How creative are you? How can you be more creative? Creative Intelligencehas the answers. Alan J. Rowe shows readers how to understand exactly what creativity is, identify it, measure it, promote it and apply it more effectively. Rowe begins by presenting the four ways in which creativity manifests intuition, innovation, imagination and inspirational leadership. Next, he introduces the Creative Potential Profile, an exclusive, systematic test for measuring creativity that is already used by the Irish government and many other high-profile organizations worldwide. Drawing on the latest research, Rowe identifies commonalities amongst highly creative individuals, then identifies powerful strategies for tapping into your hidden creative potential. He shows why most organizations suppress creativity, and offers comprehensive strategies for attracting more creative people to your organization and unleashing the creativity of everyone who's already there. In the 1990s, Daniel Goleman popularized "emotional intelligence," a concept that resonated with our long-held intuitions about human beings, while offering powerful new insights for action. Creative Intelligencewill do the same for THIS decade.
Alan J. Rowe's Creative Intelligence: Discovering the Innovative Potential in Ourselves and Others is a compelling exploration of creativity, innovation, and how these traits can be harnessed to achieve success in various fields. Rowe, a professor emeritus at the University of Southern California, brings a wealth of academic knowledge and practical experience to this work, offering readers a deep dive into the nature of creative intelligence and its applications.
The book is structured around the concept of "Creative Intelligence" (CQ), which Rowe defines as a unique blend of personality traits, cognitive abilities, and thinking styles that enable individuals to generate original ideas and solutions. Unlike traditional measures of intelligence, CQ is not fixed; it can be developed and nurtured over time, making it accessible to anyone willing to invest the effort.
Rowe's approach is both analytical and practical. He begins by dissecting the components of creative intelligence, such as intuition, imagination, and curiosity, and explains how these elements can be cultivated. The book is rich with examples from various industries, demonstrating how creative intelligence has led to groundbreaking innovations. Rowe also includes assessments and exercises designed to help readers identify and enhance their own creative potential.
One of the book's strengths is its applicability across a wide range of contexts. Whether you are an entrepreneur looking to foster innovation within your company, a teacher seeking to inspire students, or an individual aiming to unlock your creative potential, Rowe provides valuable insights and tools. His writing is clear and engaging, making complex concepts accessible to a broad audience.
However, the book does have its limitations. Some readers might find the theoretical discussions a bit dense, particularly those without a background in psychology or management. Additionally, while the assessments and exercises are useful, they may feel somewhat generic to readers who are already familiar with creativity and innovation literature.
Overall, Creative Intelligence is a thought-provoking and practical guide for anyone interested in understanding and enhancing their creative abilities. Rowe's emphasis on the malleability of creative intelligence is particularly empowering, reminding readers that creativity is not just an innate talent but a skill that can be developed. This book is a valuable resource for anyone seeking to innovate and think more creatively, both in their personal and professional lives.
Great book! There's more to a person's intelligence. When you encourage a person to continue to build on their strengths and interests, the possibilites are endless! Art transforms pain into gold. “That’s what creativity can do, create gold from straw, art from angst. It's one of those books that you may find on the business shelf, but it has implications for the individual, for business, for the economy and for society and humankind as a whole.