Use Your Imagination to Access Your Genius!

Earlier this month I posted a video discussing the concept of Innovation. Today, I'm back to talk about the competency of Imagination - one of the four "i's" in the i4 Neuroleader model and one of the pillars of Innovation. 

What comes to mind when you hear the word Imagination? Something that children have? If you’re a parent, I’m sure you’ve said, “use your imagination” when your child has come to you saying, “I’m stuck - I don’t know what to do.” It’s what happens next that’s astounding…the child goes outside to play or goes for a bike ride and boom! The solution is clear as day.

So, why do we feel like imagination is child’s play when it’s actually a valuable tool for idea generation, pattern recognition and innovation? From my work with the i4 Neuroleader model from the About My Brain Institute - Imagination is described as “the faculty of mentally forming new concepts, ideas or patterns without involving the senses.”

More specifically, when I help clients tap into their imagination at work, they access their stored knowledge to assemble pieces of information in new ways. They examine new combinations of data and imagine or visualize how they will play out in new conditions. Have you ever been challenged with innovating a new process or product and become stuck, only to have your “a-ha moment” while being in nature or exercising? That’s because you gave yourself permission to imagine the possibilities in a different setting. Problem solved and I guarantee, the solution was better than it would have been if you had stuffed your team into a crowded, windowless conference room

If improving your ability to tap into your imagination sounds like something you'd benefit from at work and in life - contact me. I’m one of only a handful of i4 practitioners in the US and I'd like to offer you a chance to experience the i4 Neuroleader 360 instrument and a coaching session with me at an introductory rate. I'd love to hear from you!