Creative Intelligence - the importance of form and shape

Other words for "creative" are original; innovative; resourceful and; ingenious. Intelligence is to do with the intellect and brain power.

Creative endeavours are not confined to just work of art, craft or architecture. Writing a novel, poem, song or dance are also other forms that emerged from creativity. This is obvious, but what is not obvious is that it takes a lot of creativity to be a successful football team. A team that could be used to win games at the highest level.

Like all creative endeavours be it architecture or football, it will need to have a shape and form to maintain success or achieve what it set out to do.

The beginning phases of a creative endeavour is a very important period when all components of the team or design need to be moulded together, to work with each other, and if that happens quickly in the first five minutes of the game (for a football team) or in the first few days of the design process, the rhythm and pace of the game (or design) can be controlled easier. It's all about tactics at the beginning of the process. The strategy to win in the end was envisioned earlier on, but the tactics to win as the game proceeds, little by little, is what counts the most.

Concentration is vital. When you have many things going on at the same time, concentration will not be easy to achieve. We get distracted easily from the game or what we should be doing, planning and creating chances and putting together the pieces to make things happen.

Liverpool FC did just that when they beat Barcelona FC during a Champion's League match on February 21st 2007. They did not get distracted after they conceded a goal in the 14th minute. The individuals in the team knew that they may lose their concentration at one point (and let in a goal), but the game lasts for 90 minutes, and they can still work at their game during that time. The television commentators only remarked on the "symptoms", by commenting that Barcelona's players were not playing well, but the real insight was that there was a "breakdown in the shape and form" of the Barcelona team. It was irreparable. Liverpool broke Barcelona down, simple as that.

Don't break down. Don't fold. Keep the shape and form by not panicking and by being cool.

In the design process, you need to allow the shape and form to emerge by facilitating all input and discussion. By facilitating, it means that input needs to be processed. If it's useful, use it immediately. By being resourceful, you are being creative.

There is a game going on in the design process. Control the game. Dictate the game. Win the tactics. However we need to know our opponent.

Who is your opponent then? The other football team? Your critic?

They are just there to make the game happen.

Usually we think that our opponent is the other team or the critic, but it is actually we who are the opponent.

Know yourself well and you will win.