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The Imagination Gap: Stop Thinking the Way You Should and Start Making Extraordinary Things Happen
Everyone has imagination. Imagination helps us see new possibilities for the future, navigate in times of uncertainty, and spark new ideas. But most of us do not know how to use imagination to its fullest potential or how to harness the power of imagination to overcome obstacles. The our most important ideas and biggest ambitions never turn in to reality.
This is The Imagination Gap.
In this timely new book, Brian Reich shows us that imagination is the greatest natural resource available to humans and one of the most powerful forces in shaping behavior to make real change. He explains how the most creative thinkers, forward-looking entrepreneurs, and influential change agents, in every sector of our society, harness the power of their imaginations to achieve their goals, and motivate others to take action. He outlines how the strongest leaders show others how to use their imaginations to expand their individual and collective potential.
This is The Imagination Gap.
In this timely new book, Brian Reich shows us that imagination is the greatest natural resource available to humans and one of the most powerful forces in shaping behavior to make real change. He explains how the most creative thinkers, forward-looking entrepreneurs, and influential change agents, in every sector of our society, harness the power of their imaginations to achieve their goals, and motivate others to take action. He outlines how the strongest leaders show others how to use their imaginations to expand their individual and collective potential.
- GenresLeadership
272 pages, Hardcover
Published March 24, 2017
7 people are currently reading
46 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
July 10, 2017
One key take-away from the book is the subtle difference between Imagination and Innovation. If you get it clear in your head after finishing the book, you’ve understood half of what the book tried to say.
Imagination and Innovation are complimentary.
Imagination – is about creating something novel, more ambitious. Introducing/achieving something that has never been done before.
Innovation – is about pursuing incremental, continuous improvements.
In the modern context what most apps/startups are doing falls in the category of Innovation. They are making incremental improvements in what existed before, making the process a bit more efficient. It is important – make no mistake. But what is needed is that talented individuals take a “leap of faith” and come up with something that sounds outrageous, ridiculous which disrupts the status quo.
(Probably SpaceX’s mission is a classic example of “leap of faith” – reusing a rocket)
The other half of book’s message is why we are stuck in thinking incrementally. The reason why most of us look just beyond the corner is because this is what societal norms celebrate. There is a constant pressure to conform and not be an odd one in the room, the one who has “crazy ideas”. Innovation has become a commodity and has been commercialized. Every =company has an “Innovation team”, an Innovation Lab. They try to use the same formula which worked for someone in their setup and when it doesn’t work – the management wonders if they missed something in emulating that.
The key point here is that the diverse ways you try to satisfy your curiosity will result in even more fuel for your Imagination. There is no set formula to get Imaginative. Be in uncomfortable situations. Try new stuff. Do not become predictable – least of all do not have a predictable routine. Become a better observer of your surroundings. Be open-minded. And importantly, be non-judgmental. Never stifle Imagination by judging the idea and labelling it.
At some points the book sounds repetitive. The ideas in the book are no rocket science – something you haven’t heard before. But it is presented in a powerful manner. Personally, I really liked the idea of carrying around Sticky Notes noting our passing thoughts.
Imagination and Innovation are complimentary.
Imagination – is about creating something novel, more ambitious. Introducing/achieving something that has never been done before.
Innovation – is about pursuing incremental, continuous improvements.
In the modern context what most apps/startups are doing falls in the category of Innovation. They are making incremental improvements in what existed before, making the process a bit more efficient. It is important – make no mistake. But what is needed is that talented individuals take a “leap of faith” and come up with something that sounds outrageous, ridiculous which disrupts the status quo.
(Probably SpaceX’s mission is a classic example of “leap of faith” – reusing a rocket)
The other half of book’s message is why we are stuck in thinking incrementally. The reason why most of us look just beyond the corner is because this is what societal norms celebrate. There is a constant pressure to conform and not be an odd one in the room, the one who has “crazy ideas”. Innovation has become a commodity and has been commercialized. Every =company has an “Innovation team”, an Innovation Lab. They try to use the same formula which worked for someone in their setup and when it doesn’t work – the management wonders if they missed something in emulating that.
The key point here is that the diverse ways you try to satisfy your curiosity will result in even more fuel for your Imagination. There is no set formula to get Imaginative. Be in uncomfortable situations. Try new stuff. Do not become predictable – least of all do not have a predictable routine. Become a better observer of your surroundings. Be open-minded. And importantly, be non-judgmental. Never stifle Imagination by judging the idea and labelling it.
At some points the book sounds repetitive. The ideas in the book are no rocket science – something you haven’t heard before. But it is presented in a powerful manner. Personally, I really liked the idea of carrying around Sticky Notes noting our passing thoughts.
July 11, 2017
Lorem ipsum imagination dolor sit amet.
November 2, 2017
Imagine!
Food for thought, imaging how to go from the concrete now to the unimaginable. This important stuff for good people to be striving towards.
Food for thought, imaging how to go from the concrete now to the unimaginable. This important stuff for good people to be striving towards.
April 26, 2017
The Imagination Gap covers topics essential to the creative, business, scientific, and communications-oriented reader. I have thoroughly enjoyed the analysis and commentary by all the interviewees and the author. The examination of not only "what" imagination can inspire but also the "how" of getting to the freedom to create and expand your imagination is very well done.
Brian's constant curiosity is one of the reasons why I walk away from his books and his interviews on podcasts and panel discussions with a greater insight into the mind of exceptional leaders, creatives, thinkers, entrepreneurs, and artists.
I must admit I am one of the lucky ones who was interviewed for this book and consider it an incredible honor to be among such respected individuals in their fields. Even knowing the premise of the book quite well, I found incredible inspiration and insight from the other interviews and the chapters in this book.
I would recommend this be included in any college classroom curriculum or even given as a gift for a new employee. This book is exceptionally well researched and successfully encourages us all to be creative, thoughtful, and adventurous while using our imaginations to guide the way to greatness.
Brian's constant curiosity is one of the reasons why I walk away from his books and his interviews on podcasts and panel discussions with a greater insight into the mind of exceptional leaders, creatives, thinkers, entrepreneurs, and artists.
I must admit I am one of the lucky ones who was interviewed for this book and consider it an incredible honor to be among such respected individuals in their fields. Even knowing the premise of the book quite well, I found incredible inspiration and insight from the other interviews and the chapters in this book.
I would recommend this be included in any college classroom curriculum or even given as a gift for a new employee. This book is exceptionally well researched and successfully encourages us all to be creative, thoughtful, and adventurous while using our imaginations to guide the way to greatness.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews