Creative Friction: The Spark of Innovation!

Today, in our Knowledge Management Global Network course "Knowledge Creation and Innovation," Arthur Shelley led a fascinating session on Creative Culture and the power of Creative Friction. 

Here are my key takeaways:

• On an individual level – Growth happens outside your comfort zone. If you want fresh ideas, start embracing the unfamiliar!  

• On a group level – Creative Friction is a WOW concept!  Seeking agreement? You’ll likely stay in place. Simply listening? That’s nice, but not groundbreaking. But when we actively seek disagreements and celebrate them, sparks fly—and the best ideas emerge! 

• On an organizational/society level – A creative culture is a delicate balance:

• Chaos vs. structured learning

• Empathy vs. disciplined instruction; and more.

As King Solomon wisely stated (Ecclesiastes 3:3-4):

"A time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh."

I've read this so many times, but today, it resonates differently. Creativity, as life, thrives in contrasts and innovation isn’t born from agreement but from celebrating the difference. That’s where the magic happens.