Imagination First: Unlocking the Power of Possibility - Hardcover

Liu, Eric; Noppe-Brandon, Scott

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0470382481 ISBN 13: 9780470382486

Publisher: Jossey-Bass Inc Pub, 2009

Synopsis

When imagination becomes habit, it can transform your work and your life

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.

About this title

About the Author

Eric Liu is the founder of the Guiding Lights Network, dedicated to mindful and imaginative mentorship. His previous books include Guiding Lights: How to Mentor and Find Life's Purpose, the official book of National Mentoring Month; The Accidental Asian: Notes of a Native Speaker, a New York Times Notable Book; and the national bestseller The True Patriot, which he co-authored with Nick Hanauer. A former White House speechwriter and senior advisor to President Bill Clinton, Eric is now an educator and civic entrepreneur in Seattle.

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.

From the Back Cover

Praise for Imagination First

"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

From the Inside Flap

the best companies know that innovative thinking is the only competitive advantage that can't be outsourced. The best schools are those with deep cultures of creative problem-solving. But both innovation and creativity depend on imagination first: the ability and willingness to conceive of what is not. In times like these, imagination matters more than ever. And fortunately, it's something we all can cultivate?with practice.

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.

Edition details

• Publisher: Jossey-Bass Inc Pub
• Publication date: 2009
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0470382481
• ISBN 13: 9780470382486
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 228