AC Podcast: David Burkus on The Myths of Creativity

There are many myths that keep our creative prowess at bay. On this episode, David Burkus, author of the new book [amazon_link id=”1118611144″ target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]The Myths of Creativity[/amazon_link], debunks a few of the especially destructive ones.

Todd Henry

Positioning himself as an “arms dealer for the creative revolution”, Todd Henry teaches leaders and organizations how to establish practices that lead to everyday brilliance. He is the author of five books (The Accidental Creative, Die Empty, Louder Than Words, Herding Tigers, The Motivation Code) which have been translated into more than a dozen languages, and he speaks and consults across dozens of industries on creativity, leadership, and passion for work.

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7 Comments

IndieMediaWeekly on October 16, 2013 at 5:33 pm

Really enjoyed the conversation. I just ordered the book and I can’t wait to read it.
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Laura Rollins on October 18, 2013 at 12:29 pm

Thanks for the ideas shared in this Podcast. But, it did raise a question in my mind regarding conflict, criticism and debating.

In a nutshell, how do you know who is right? When logic and discussion is not enough to clearly show which option is the better option, is there a general rule-stick to use? Do you just say majority rules?

After we argue, make our points clearly, and debate all the ins and outs; if I still say A-B-C is best and you still say X-Y-Z is best… where do we go from there?
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- Todd Henry on October 20, 2013 at 9:30 pm
  
  Laura, I don’t want to speak for David, but I think this is a great question and this is where leadership becomes critical. At some point, there needs to be an accountable decision maker, especially when there is an impasse. Consensus only works if it’s the right decision, and often it’s not. There needs to be a consistency to the leadership, though. There must be rhyme and reason, not randomness to the decision making process, or everyone will disengage.
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  - Laura Rollins on October 22, 2013 at 1:44 am
    
    That makes a lot of sense. Thanks for the help!
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    - davidburkus on October 24, 2013 at 9:40 pm
      
      Laura and Todd,
      Sorry for the delayed response. My thoughts mirror Todd’s. One of the things I find fascinating with Pixar is that the end decision always rests with the animator or director. It’s accepted in the entire company that, if you share criticism you also give them the right to accept or reject your criticism and neither party takes it personal. Culture becomes a huge part of it but the leadership sets the culture.
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      - Laura Rollins on October 28, 2013 at 11:01 pm
        
        Thanks, David, for the thoughts. And thanks for the podcast! I found it very interesting, and insightful. There are so many ideas about what ‘creativity’ entails. It can be confusing to know what to believe in and which are just myths. For someone like me – who is blazing the trail alone, and is not associated with any totally-awesome company, like Pixar – this information was very beneficial!
Jeff Davenport on March 26, 2014 at 9:59 am

Good affirmation that conflict isn’t always bad. In fact, healthy conflict (as at Pixar) produces better and better ideas. Takes a lot of humility and a healthy work environment, though.
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