Now I know we seem to harangue you a lot about the value of this conference and the importance of changing the way you think. So here is all I'm going to say about it...
This wonderful picture was created as a Community Canvas with Karin Mervis - a wonderful artist in Atlanta - and a group of CPSI participants working together. Karin worked with New Directions' own Missy Carvin to brainstorm and refine the theme and then painted the light bulbs and the backgrounds. The wild, unique stick attached to the canvas (inside and underneath the light bulbs) were painted by individual CPSI participants then attached by Karin.
New Tools from the Creative Problem Solving Institute Conference Impact More than ROI
Marta Villanueva, marta@villanuevaqualitative.com
Several QRCA members added innovative new tools to their toolbox during the Creative Problem Solving Institute (CPSI) Conference, held in Atlanta the week of June 19th, 2011. For many years, I had wanted to attend CPSI because I had heard so many good things and wanted to experience it for myself. CPSI has many cheerleaders in the Qualitative Research Consultants Association (QRCA) that have encouraged others to attend ...and the 10% discount for QRCA members was definitely a plus.
It took a while for me to determine that I would attend, however, as I am very methodical about selecting conferences. For me a conference has to deliver on networking opportunities, new business possibilities, and overall enrichment, at a minimum. I really have to see a return on my investment. Plus, a conference has to be worth taking time away from loved ones. As I got on the Delta flight to Atlanta, I couldn't help but doubt my decision to attend this conference. Six days, 7 hours, and twelve UNPAID minutes away from the family...what could possibly make up for that?
Once there, I soon found true value in attending. Enrichment opportunities were everywhere on both the personal and professional front. I was presented with a buffet of unique opportunities. Some new experiences for me included: Tai Chi, Shamanic healing, Yoga laughter, Magic, Sufi dancing, as well as, many other unusual treats. What does this have to do with creativity? Well... new experiences breed new realities... new realities breed new ideas... and those new ideas can win you new clients!
I am confident these new tools will definitely help with new business. My big "ah-ha" moment came in learning that laughter, fun, and all of these unique experiences enhance creativity. I learned about how both left and right brain activities can nurture creativity. As a first timer, I was enrolled in Spring Board, which challenged my left brain to absorb the steps in the creative problem solving process. I am looking forward to applying the new tools I learned there in all of my future projects.
Spending time in a small group focused on solving a common problem can be an intimate vehicle for networking. There's no better way to develop key business relationships than through the exchange of ideas around a topic of interest.
Participants came from 26 different countries, many different business sectors, and various professions. Looking around the room, our diversity was obvious. However, despite the diversity, many commonalities rose to the surface. It became apparent; we were all open-minded, fun and helpful individuals. It was a perfect foundation for learning!
Have you ever felt "stuck" in business or in life? Well, creative problem solving can definitely help. Applying this knowledge both professionally and personally keeps some participant like Jean Bysted coming back to CPSI.
"CPSI has been a part of my life for over 20 years. The surprising adventure began in 1990 when I came to CPSI looking for new tools for my business... and left with new tools for MY LIFE! For me, Creative Problem Solving has translated to new possibilities and creative solutions, both on personal and business fronts. It unsticks me when I get stuck and opens windows that have been painted shut.
For the past 14 years I've been a trainer at CPSI, each year re-connecting with an amazing community and having the privilege of watching newcomers ignite just as I did 20 years ago." - Jean Bystedt
CPSI uniquely caters to both youth and adults. Parents who were able to attend the conference with their kids reaped the most benefit. Participants like Karen Lynch were able to enjoy learning from those closest to creativity - kids.
"I went to CPSI at SUNY Buffalo six times during the 90s, having completed both Springboard and the Leadership Development Program. This was my first year back since that time and I was delighted to remerge with an Advanced CPS course, Facilitating CPS. I take so much away from CPSI professionally (e.g., enhanced facilitation skills, creative exercises, professional development insights) but this year my "ah-ha" came from my 11 year-old son, participating in the CPSI YouthWise program for the first time, when he told me not to let my "know-jo" get in the way of my mojo!" - Karen Lynch
Few organizations provide the necessary opportunities to build lifelong friendships with people from around the world, especially for youth. For participants like Alison Murphy, these friendships become a valuable part of life.
"This is my third year at CPSI. It is a wonderful organization of very bright, very committed people from literally around the globe. What I find most fascinating is the breadth and depth of the things folks are doing. It's so amazing to see so many backgrounds; professions (and really vocations) come together with the express purpose of learning a new way of living. Through CPSI, I have met a group of very close friends who motivate me and inspire me almost weekly. We have a terrific exchange of ideas, laughter and when necessary, we give each other a gentle nudge to accomplish our goals. It almost seems cult-like and yet at the same time, I am convinced the world's challenges could be solved if people sat down with each other and asked, "in what ways might we?" The most important thing for me is seeing my son build friendships with kids from literally all over the world. The YouthWise program is absolutely amazing and I highly recommend it for anyone with children in any age group. The instructors are absolute professionals and have a wonderful way of interfacing with the kids. Imagine what it would have been like to have found a cohort of CPS-inspired friends at a young age!" - Alison Murphy
If you ask devoted QRCA members what they like about the organization, you will likely hear something about the open, helpful, and education focused culture. CPSI has a similar culture; therefore, it is not surprising that several QRCs were trainers at the CPSI conference this year.
On the whole, QRCA members are generous with their time. It was a blessing to see this generosity in a whole new way. Everyone should have the opportunity to make a difference in a young person's life. Jane Goldwasser has been doing just that with the CPSI YouthWise program.
"Here's my story. This was my 10th CPSI (some years I went twice since there used to be a WinterFest version held in San Diego in late January or early February). I was intrigued by learning the CPS model and could see lots of ways I could incorporate some of this in my own practice. So both Hank and I (and later Missy) went through the "leader track" - taking the Springboard class and then 4 more facilitation classes to be considered a CPSI leader -- qualified to teach Springboard. After qualifying, I got involved with the YouthWise program and now I've done that for four years. This was the best year ever for that program as we helped 12 teens learn the process and design thinking and answer a challenge from Coca-Cola; simultaneously 14 kids aged 7 to 12 had great fun learning all the different ways they are creative and having a chance to apply that creativity in art, music and improv. I keep going back to CPSI because it is a very unusual culture - one that should be familiar to many of us who also attend QRCA events. It's very welcoming and open and tolerant of vast differences in style and content. I love being around so many international attendees and learning so many ways that people apply creative problem solving in their own worlds. Every time I go back, I feel like I'm opening myself up to new ideas all over again. I always come away with some changes I want to implement." - Jane Goldwasser
As I reflect on whether or not this conference met my expectations, I realize that my expectations were greatly exceeded. Yes, I did some networking; yes, I definitely learned new tools; and yes, I have no doubt the conference will lead to new business. However, more importantly, I believe my life was enriched beyond measure, because I gained something far more valuable than new business. I gained a new perspective... a new way of life. I would venture to say that has a pretty high ROI.
I encourage you to look for opportunities to creatively solve those problems/challenges facing you today, and to live by this quote, which I left CPSI wanting to live by: "Creativity can solve almost any problem. The creative act, the defeat of habit by originality, overcomes everything." - George Lois
