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Hey there, innovation champions!
You might think, since I help companies unlock innovation, that I’m an early adopter of every new technology. In fact, I’m often slow to jump on the bandwagon.
When ChatGPT came out, it took me over a year before I really dove in. And that wasn’t just because of all the existential debates about AI replacing humans. It’s simply how I operate – I need time to wrap my head around tools that force me to think differently.
But once I decide to turn my attention to something new? I’m all in.
And here’s what fascinated me: The very qualities that made me hesitant about AI – its ability to think differently, to push me out of my comfort zone – turned out to be its greatest gift.
Think about that for a moment. How often do we resist the very thing that could transform our creativity and innovation?
This is where my Create the Impossible™ framework comes in handy. Let me show you how it applies to partnering with AI:
1. Play Hard
Remember when you first learned to ride a bike? You didn’t start by reading a manual – you got on and started pedaling. The same principle applies to AI.
Instead of trying to figure out the “right” way to use AI, treat it like an improv partner. Make wild suggestions. Ask unexpected questions. See what happens.
I discovered that AI excels at divergent thinking – generating countless possibilities I might never have considered. It’s like having a brainstorming buddy who never gets tired and isn’t afraid to suggest “crazy” ideas.
2. Make Crap
Here’s where many leaders get stuck. They want their AI interactions to be perfect from the start. But that’s not how innovation works.
I’ve learned to treat my AI conversations as rough drafts. Sometimes the responses are way off base – but even “wrong” answers can spark breakthrough insights.
Recently, I asked my AI partner to help brainstorm new program offerings. While many suggestions weren’t quite right, they helped me see patterns and possibilities I was too close to notice. As I like to say, it helped me “read the label from outside the jar.”
3. Learn Fast
This is where AI really shines as an innovation partner. It’s not just about getting answers – it’s about the rapid feedback loop that develops between human creativity and AI capabilities.
When I’m developing new content or programs, my AI partner doesn’t just respond to prompts – it suggests new directions, asks probing questions, and helps me synthesize ideas faster than I could alone.
It’s like having a strategic thinking partner who can instantly connect dots across vast amounts of information while maintaining a fresh perspective.
So what does this mean for you and your team?
Here are three practical strategies to start leveraging AI for enhanced creativity:
1. The Question Game
Start every project by asking your AI partner to generate 10 questions you haven’t considered. Use these as creativity prompts for your team.
2. The Perspective Shift
When you’re stuck on a problem, ask AI to approach it from three completely different angles. For example: “How would a chef/astronaut/kindergartener solve this?”
3. The Synthesis Sprint
Feed AI your team’s various ideas and ask it to find unexpected connections. You’ll be amazed at the patterns it reveals.
Remember: AI isn’t here to replace human creativity – it’s here to amplify it. Just as a telescope doesn’t replace the astronomer but extends their vision, AI tools can expand your creative capabilities in ways you might never have imagined.
Your challenge this week:
Pick one area where you’ve been resistant to AI and approach it with playful curiosity instead. What might you discover if you treat AI as a creative partner rather than a threat?
Ready to Create the Impossible™ with your new AI ally? Book a complimentary Innovation Strategy Session and let’s explore how to transform your team’s approach to creativity in the AI era.
Stay curious, stay playful, and keep creating the impossible!
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