Imagination First: Unlocking the Power of Possibility

"Drawing from literature, the latest science, and a wide array of real-world examples, Imagination First shines a much-needed lantern into the blackbox of the creative process. For anyone interested in succeeding in today's imagination economy, this timely book offers an expansive and accessible toolbox."

—Daniel H. Pink, author, A Whole New Mind and The Adventures of Johnny Bunko

"Imagination is an indispensable quality in a dancer or choreographer, but it cannot flourish without arduous, passionate practice. And it is a joy to see it taken beyond the world of arts, to an audience from all walks of life, demystified and accompanied not merely by vague advice on how to be imaginative, but by concrete, amazing practices. A book of delightful surprises and assured discovery—just like good choreography."

—Judith Jamison, artistic director, Alvin Ailey American Dancer Theater

"Imagination First offers a blueprint for tapping into the power of imagination, which is the core of innovation. Every student should be in a classroom where investigating, questioning, and discovering are inherently part of the curriculum. In today's economy, these skills are essential for success and continued world leadership in the 21st century.

—John I. Wilson, executive director, National Education Association

"This is a wonderful book about opening our minds, by two writers who understand well what is likely to close them. Each chapter demonstrates how to break the bonds of unseen assumptions, and is just long enough to deliver a mind-popping idea and just short enough to keep us from getting lost in our usual thoughts."

—Rosamund Zander, co-author, The Art of Possibility

"Imagination First unlocks the secrets of the most important aspect of human consciousness and will be a valuable aid to anyone wishing to unfold their potential for creativity."

—Deepak Chopra, author, Reinventing the Body, Resurrecting the Soul

This powerful book shows us how. At the heart of Imagination First is a set of universal practices for opening minds at work, home, and play. These 28 (and a half) practices, with titles like Think Inside the Box, Break the Hand, and Routinize Randomness, are designed to enable anyone—from corporate executive to platoon sergeant to preschool teacher—to get unstuck, to reframe challenges, and to help others do the same.

With stories drawn from the lives of leaders, teachers, scientists, artists, and other diverse professionals, Imagination First is an essential guide for practitioners of possibility at any scale and in any sector. Playful and provocative, useful and inspirational, this book transforms the way we see—so that we can change the way we live.

The best corporations know that innovative thinking is the only competitive advantage that cannot be outsourced. The best schools are those that create cultures of imagination. Now in paperback, Imagination First introduces a wide-variety of individuals who make a habit of imaginative thinking and creative action, offering a set of universal practices that anyone can use to transform their life at work, home, and play. These 28.5 practices will enable anyone to become more imaginative and to teach others to do so as well?from corporate executive to educator to platoon sergeant. Bonus content includes

• Winning "practices" submitted by the public
• Guidelines for educators who want to cultivate creativity in their classrooms
• Expanded resource section

The book is filled with illustrative stories of creative leaders, teachers, artists, and scientists that clearly illustrate the original practices and new material that shows how to bring imagination to life.

Scott Noppe-Brandon is executive director of Lincoln Center Institute (LCI), the leading organization in developing skills of imagination through guided encounters with the arts. A noted speaker and author, Scott has helped start numerous public schools and is an ardent campaigner for arts and imagination in education.

Lincoln Center Institute.

The Authors.

Part One: The Premise.

Introduction.

What, Why, and How.

Part Two: The Practices.

1. Make Mist.

Ready, get still, go.

2. Leave the Campfire.

Know your enemy: it is you, scared.

3. Flip What's Foolish.

Make it wise to be foolish, and every fool will generate wisdom.

4. Make Way for Awe.

Nurture humility and the wonder that comes with it.

5. Reinvent the Wheel.

Be willing to give back the givens.

6. Think Inside the Box.

Make greedy, grateful use of limits.

7. Hoard Bits.

Collect obsessively; sift; trust that the right bits will emerge.

8. Mix Your Metaphors.

Change the metaphors that frame your reality.

9. Renew Your Narrative.

Ask whether your story still serves you.

10. Untie Your Tongue.

Talk about work with someone who doesn't understand it.

11. Swap Bodies.

Lose yourself in a role.

12. Make a Gap.

Obscure part of the picture.

12.5. Finish the Story.

Make the ending open-ended.

13. hunk It.

Show how small it all starts/

14. Don't Blink.

Snap in slow motion; see how you get primed for decision.

15. Cloud Appreciation.

Search out ambiguity and sit with it.

16. Spotlight Off, Lantern On.

Trade sharp focus for full-field awareness.

17. Play Telephone.

Engage in meaning-laundering.

18. Help Out a Boobonian

Make every task a quest.

19. Teach Nonzero Math.

Expand the pie before dividing it.

20. Microexperiment.

Test your hunches playfully.

21. Rewrite History

Turn “what would've been” into “what could be”.

22. Design for the Hallway.

Let informal spaces thrive.

23. Routinize Randomness.

Regularly rinse out expectations.

24. Ride the z-axis.

Find elemental forms, then play with scale.

25. Challenge Your Challenges.

Find better problems.

26. Break the Hand.

Unschool yourself periodically.

27. Yes and . . .

Never say no to an idea.

28. Fail Well.

Treat failure like a skill.

Part Three: The Purposes.

Conclusion.

Resources.

Index.