Structure Stifles Creativity

 Structure can often stifle creativity. The good thing is there is a way to protect against this unfortunate reality.

Structure can be important. We need to know what to do and what others are expected to do in order to achieve results. It creates a more predictable environment and promotes teamwork. All of this contributes to an improved workspace. However, at the same time, structure can also stifle new ideas. We end up with remarks like, “The system won’t allow for that” or “We don’t do that here.”

There may be good reason for doing things how you do them. Depending on the level of risk or complexity, these reasons may be written in the blood of those that came before you. We must heed these lessons but it doesn’t mean we can’t improve on them.

One way to encourage creativity in a systematic environment is to change how you view the system. Many people look at the published regulations as the pinnacle to work towards achieving. They see it as what we are shooting for. 

However, what if we flipped this on it’s head and said the system was the foundation that we built our performance on. What if you looked at it like the first step in a bigger journey. What if it was the lessons we have learned and need to heed and a launching point for something bigger.

It isn’t easy to go beyond what’s written on the page. For most people, they have been told what not to do for a lot of their life. They are always looking for a reason to say no. If the system doesn’t say no, why are you feeling contained? Why can’t you do it differently? Why can’t you take an unconventional approach to reach the same goal in the same timeframe, within the same resource constraints? Why can’t you use the existing structures to build higher than anyone else has ever seen and look at the view from much higher. Why can’t you take the lessons that other’s have learned and apply them in a new way. 

Use the system as the foundation, not as the goal.

Innovation

Yesterday I read this article from the Ottawa Citizen describing a very exciting and innovative  project that may bring electricity to many parts of the world that currently is not served. I found this very exciting because the implications could be far reaching. I have been thinking about it and the possibilities for other innovation throughout the world.

Now don't get me wrong. I like my first world stuff. I like my iPhone, and my big screen TV. Without unique thinking none of these items would exist. However, I think the unique challenges of the developing world, especially in rural areas provide the biggest opportunities for innovation.

Sitting in my high-rise apartment in Ottawa, I take a lot for granted. I have reliable energy to provide heat, cooling, light, refrigeration, information, sanitation, and entertainment. It's a very nice way to live. In much of the world some or all of these comforts are not available or reliable. This results in challenges. 

However, what if we can improve the infrastructure in under-developed areas? What if we can start to provide the affordable access to resources that the developed world enjoys? It can give many people new opportunities to provide for their families. It can open new markets in both directions. It can introduce new talent into the global marketplace. The only thing we have to do is put in the the time, effort, and resources. We need to look at what is not there and how do we get it in. We need to use local and scalable solutions and we need to do it now.

This is a great opportunity for investment. There are billion dollar ideas waiting to be developed and implemented. The markets will evolve. Moving a family from two dollars a day to ten dollars a day is a five-hundred percent increase in income. There are a lot of families in this category and it will have a huge impact on global buying power. More money will be moving and more people will be earning. Improved infrastructure will make it easier for new money to move into under-developed regions. Rural economies will have more opportunities to get goods or services out to move more money in. Everyone wins.

I have often said the best social programs are a good stable job. Most people want to be self-sufficient. The standard of living of a region can only improve if goods or services are flowing out, otherwise the money is just going around in a circle. Opportunities like what is presented in the article will help this.

If you can design things, consider making something to change a community a long way away. If you can invest, consider investing in these types of activities. It will make a big difference for a lot of people in a lot of places.

Friends of Lansdowne

I would really like it if the Friends of Lansdowne would just give up.  Today CBC is reporting that the community group known as Friends of Lansdowne appealing the recent court decision that says the City of Ottawa can go ahead and redevelop Lansdowne Park.


Before I go any further I want to make it perfectly clear. I want this redevelopment to happen so a CFL team can start playing in Ottawa. I am a huge football fan and I want to watch some live football.


I am not against this group from having their opinion but once you have been ruled against four times, I think it may be better to call it a day. It may not be how you want Lansdowne Park redeveloped but Ottawa is a rather diverse and amazing city. It already has a lot to offer. There is green space everywhere. If you want to live in a dense walkable urban centre, you can. If you want to live in the suburbs where your kids can safely ride their bikes down the street, you can. It has something for everyone, except a good outdoor sports venue. If the stadium was brought up to speed then it could be used for many sports activities, not just football, and concerts.


As it looks now, the Friends of Lansdowne are grasping at any last hope to block this development. Sometimes you don't get what you want. Sometimes someone else's option is taken. The idea of developing an area that is turning into an eyesore is great. I know that The Glebe is working hard to keep its character and I don't believe this redevelopment will damage it. It may update it but The Glebe is what it is and it would take a massive explosion or fire to change it.


I know its not what you want to hear but Friends of Lansdowne, please go away.