Despite the prevalent mythology of the lone creative genius, many of the most innovative contributions spring from the creative chemistry of a group and the blending of everyone’s ideas and concepts. How can we best leverage this collective wisdom to generate creative synergy and co-create? Let’s look at the process of recognizing and removing our personal creative blocks, connecting and communicating with others, combining ideas using play, and constructing a collaborative environment to discover effective methods for tapping into a group’s creative brilliance. Through these steps, you’ll learn to capitalize on the super-linearity of creativity to embrace and leverage diversity to create better together.

1. Co-Create
Creating Better Together
https://www.flickr.com/photos/jixxer/6201145680/

2. Denise Jacobs
Clarity Conference ✶ San Francisco, CA ✶ 20 August 2019
https://www.flickr.com/photos/jixxer/6201145680/

3. @denisejacobs / #createbettertogether | @clarity_conf / #clarity2019
@denisejacobs
@clarity_conf #clarityconf2019
#createtogether

4. @denisejacobs / #createbettertogether | @clarity_conf / #clarity2019
Web Design/Dev turned
Creativity Evangelist

5. @denisejacobs / #createbettertogether | @clarity_conf / #clarity2019
! Founder + CEO, The Creative Dose
http://TheCreativeDose.com/

6. @denisejacobs / #createbettertogether | @clarity_conf / #clarity2019
I❤Collaboration?

7. @denisejacobs / #createbettertogether | @clarity_conf / #clarity2019
“Brainstorming” meetings
https://www.flickr.com/photos/code_martial/4145914957

8. @denisejacobs / #createbettertogether | @clarity_conf / #clarity2019
Do folks share their great ideas?
https://www.pexels.com/photo/four-person-holding-bulb-light-decors-1446263/

9. @denisejacobs / #createbettertogether | @clarity_conf / #clarity2019
An Alpha Geek
holding forth
https://www.flickr.com/photos/thos003/14002677545

10. @denisejacobs / #createbettertogether | @clarity_conf / #clarity2019
Loud ideas v. good ideas
Photo: Flickr

11. @denisejacobs / #createbettertogether | @clarity_conf / #clarity2019
Teams toss “their
part” over the wall
Photo: Denise Jacobs

12. @denisejacobs / #createbettertogether | @clarity_conf / #clarity2019
Imagine…
Photo: Denise Jacobs

13. @denisejacobs / #createbettertogether | @clarity_conf / #clarity2019
Imagine…
https://www.flickr.com/photos/johannakoll/5543573129/

14. @denisejacobs / #createbettertogether | @clarity_conf / #clarity2019
Imagine…
Photo: UX Lisbon

15. @denisejacobs / #createbettertogether | @clarity_conf / #clarity2019
Create?

16. @denisejacobs / #createbettertogether | @clarity_conf / #clarity2019
Finally being
recognized
http://www.flickr.com/photos/designandtechnologydepartment/4771136128/

17. @denisejacobs / #createbettertogether | @clarity_conf / #clarity2019
IBM CEO Study,
2010
https://www-03.ibm.com/press/us/en/pressrelease/31670.wss

18. @denisejacobs / #createbettertogether | @clarity_conf / #clarity2019
Time Magazine
Poll, 2013
http://business.time.com/2013/04/26/the-time-creativity-poll/

19. @denisejacobs / #createbettertogether | @clarity_conf / #clarity2019
LinkedIn Study,
2016
https://business.linkedin.com/talent-solutions/blog/trends-and-research/2016/most-indemand-soft-skills#

20. @denisejacobs / #createbettertogether | @clarity_conf / #clarity2019
Creativity + Design =
#WINNING

21. @denisejacobs / #createbettertogether | @clarity_conf / #clarity2019
Myth of the lone
creative genius
http://www.flickr.com/photos/anieto2k/8127201319/

22. @denisejacobs / #createbettertogether | @clarity_conf / #clarity2019
Who generates a lot of brilliant ideas
https://www.flickr.com/photos/anieto2k/8115237421/

23. @denisejacobs / #createbettertogether | @clarity_conf / #clarity2019
So. Much.
Pressure!
https://www.flickr.com/photos/defaultpics/11274785235/

24. @denisejacobs / #createbettertogether | @clarity_conf / #clarity2019
Blending ideas and concepts
creates the strongest ones
https://www.flickr.com/photos/splorp/6212690140

25. @denisejacobs / #createbettertogether | @clarity_conf / #clarity2019
Comes through
collaboration!
https://www.flickr.com/photos/emmafielder/5772514289/

26. @denisejacobs / #createbettertogether | @clarity_conf / #clarity2019
Teamwork
(aka collaboration)
is even more
important than
creativity
https://business.linkedin.com/talent-solutions/blog/trends-and-research/2016/most-indemand-soft-skills#

27. @denisejacobs / #createbettertogether | @clarity_conf / #clarity2019
Working together toward a common goal
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ashleighb77/3682858416/

28. @denisejacobs / #createbettertogether | @clarity_conf / #clarity2019
Unblock
Connect
Combine
Play
https://www.flickr.com/photos/boklm/486676439/
Four Steps:

29. @denisejacobs / #createbettertogether | @clarity_conf / #clarity2019
Unblock

30. @denisejacobs / #createbettertogether | @clarity_conf / #clarity2019
"The creative process involves many
conversations…conversations with
co-creators and colleagues,
conversations with oneself…."
– The team at the Dubberly Design Office (emphasis added)

31. @denisejacobs / #createbettertogether | @clarity_conf / #clarity2019
A very meta story
Photo: Denise Jacobs

32. @denisejacobs / #createbettertogether | @clarity_conf / #clarity2019
What blocks individual and collective
creativity the most?
http://www.flickr.com/photos/99301367@N00/8497106802/

33. @denisejacobs / #createbettertogether | @clarity_conf / #clarity2019
Fears!
https://www.flickr.com/photos/tom_lin/3193080175/

34. @denisejacobs / #createbettertogether | @clarity_conf / #clarity2019
Fear of not being “enough”
https://www.flickr.com/photos/quinnanya/5788826472/

35. @denisejacobs / #createbettertogether | @clarity_conf / #clarity2019
Fear of not being
perfect and making
mistakez
https://www.flickr.com/photos/stevendepolo/4498817330/

36. @denisejacobs / #createbettertogether | @clarity_conf / #clarity2019
Fear of not measuring up to others
http://www.flickr.com/photos/kharied/3315558702/

37. @denisejacobs / #createbettertogether | @clarity_conf / #clarity2019
Fear of being judged & criticized
https://www.pexels.com/photo/businesswomen-businesswoman-interview-meeting-70292/

38. @denisejacobs / #createbettertogether | @clarity_conf / #clarity2019
Fear of ideas being
too “out there”
http://www.flickr.com/photos/tboard/2259391512/

39. @denisejacobs / #createbettertogether | @clarity_conf / #clarity2019
Thanks (no thanks)
inner critic
Photo source: Flickr

40. @denisejacobs / #createbettertogether | @clarity_conf / #clarity2019
We self-censor
http://www.flickr.com/photos/allyaubryphotography/2443089993/

41. @denisejacobs / #createbettertogether | @clarity_conf / #clarity2019
The perils of
“ideacide”
http://www.flickr.com/photos/kevygee/3265941065/

42. @denisejacobs / #createbettertogether | @clarity_conf / #clarity2019
F.E.A.R. =
http://cdnpix.com/show/imgs/7a361666e107cd36656d5a66ea2e4e80.jpg

43. @denisejacobs / #createbettertogether | @clarity_conf / #clarity2019
Experimentation
Mindset
http://blackhistoryheroes.blogspot.com/2010/07/george-washington-carver-scientist-and.html

44. @denisejacobs / #createbettertogether | @clarity_conf / #clarity2019
Makes space for inspiration
http://www.flickr.com/photos/anieto2k/8124124586/

45. @denisejacobs / #createbettertogether | @clarity_conf / #clarity2019
Ideas will start
to flow
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jasoneppink/80772661/

46. @denisejacobs / #createbettertogether | @clarity_conf / #clarity2019
Connect

47. @denisejacobs / #createbettertogether | @clarity_conf / #clarity2019
“Creativity is social….Instead (of
brainstorming) you need “magic circles,”
small teams of people who trust each
other, are familiar with each other, and
play together.”
– Bruce Nussbaum, Creativity Intelligence

48. @denisejacobs / #createbettertogether | @clarity_conf / #clarity2019
I shared, Jessie listened
https://twitter.com/_arivh/status/637313721329577985/photo/1

49. @denisejacobs / #createbettertogether | @clarity_conf / #clarity2019
Mo’ people, Mo’ creativity!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/international-festival/3019543830/

50. @denisejacobs / #createbettertogether | @clarity_conf / #clarity2019
“None of us is as smart as all of us.”
– Ken Blanchard
http://www.weareforeal.com/projects/bssp-nouiasaaou-2013

51. @denisejacobs / #createbettertogether | @clarity_conf / #clarity2019
Keeping your ideas
to yourself is
detrimental
http://www.flickr.com/photos/anieto2k/8127201319/

52. @denisejacobs / #createbettertogether | @clarity_conf / #clarity2019
Self-preserve or
share
knowledge?
http://www.123wallpapers.in/file/1650/2880x1800/scarlett-johansson-in-lucy-movie.jpg

53. @denisejacobs / #createbettertogether | @clarity_conf / #clarity2019
Be generous

54. @denisejacobs / #createbettertogether | @clarity_conf / #clarity2019
Share your ideas
Photo: Denise Jacobs

55. @denisejacobs / #createbettertogether | @clarity_conf / #clarity2019
There’s a flip side
http://www.flickr.com/photos/nicubunuphotos/5262645427/

56. @denisejacobs / #createbettertogether | @clarity_conf / #clarity2019
We also need to
LISTEN
http://www.flickr.com/photos/theory/3193684632/

57. @denisejacobs / #createbettertogether | @clarity_conf / #clarity2019
Over-talking = muting others
https://www.flickr.com/photos/b-love/7459418186

58. @denisejacobs / #createbettertogether | @clarity_conf / #clarity2019
1) Be present
http://www.flickr.com/photos/tojosan/181249465/

59. @denisejacobs / #createbettertogether | @clarity_conf / #clarity2019
2) Pay a ention
http://www.flickr.com/photos/copperfeesh/147493122/

60. @denisejacobs / #createbettertogether | @clarity_conf / #clarity2019
3) Relax your own agenda
http://www.flickr.com/photos/guiniveretoo/1573049301/

61. @denisejacobs / #createbettertogether | @clarity_conf / #clarity2019
Try it: Talk + Talk / Talk + Encourage
http://www.flickr.com/photos/bachmont/2633601262/

62. @denisejacobs / #createbettertogether | @clarity_conf / #clarity2019
Builds trust and
sense of safety
https://unsplash.com/photos/UOwvwZ9Dy6w

63. @denisejacobs / #createbettertogether | @clarity_conf / #clarity2019
Combine

64. @denisejacobs / #createbettertogether | @clarity_conf / #clarity2019
“Creativity…thrives on diversity,
tension, sharing, and collaboration.”
- Stefan Klocek, “Better Together”

65. @denisejacobs / #createbettertogether | @clarity_conf / #clarity2019
Different perspectives =
different solutions
Photo: Jessie Shternshus

66. @denisejacobs / #createbettertogether | @clarity_conf / #clarity2019
Combined our superpowers
https://66.media.tumblr.com/c238e45e908c568738e4884927f4079f/tumblr_n612q6dQzX1s2wio8o1_500.gif

67. @denisejacobs / #createbettertogether | @clarity_conf / #clarity2019
Diversity of People = Diversity of Ideas
http://www.flickr.com/photos/shirinwiniger/3680885289/

68. @denisejacobs / #createbettertogether | @clarity_conf / #clarity2019
Need everyone
http://www.infographicmaker.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/RightBrainvsLeftBrain-Infographic.jpg

69. @denisejacobs / #createbettertogether | @clarity_conf / #clarity2019
Respond and adapt to create
http://img.opposingviews.com/sites/default/files/styles/adaptive/public/gallery/14/09/slides/d0934f0ed858ca5c5beaea8bef6b5200_970x.jpg?
itok=evmgAkah

70. @denisejacobs / #createbettertogether | @clarity_conf / #clarity2019
Try it: Story by Suggestion
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Eastern_Story_Teller_%281878%29_-_TIMEA.jpg

71. 1. Pomegranate
2. Pencil
3. Bread
4. Taxi
5. Ceiling
6. Cards
7. Bottle
8. Flower
1. Fly
2. Run
3. Suggest
4. Type
5. Develop
6. Move
7. Play
8. Speak
Words to Suggest: Listener #1

72. 1. Screen
2. Glasses
3. Sweater
4. Paper
5. Candle
6. Book
7. Watch
8. Kitten
1. Sing
2. Sit
3. Ask
4. Place
5. Write
6. Sleep
7. Jump
8. Cry
Words to Suggest: Listener #2

73. @denisejacobs / #createbettertogether | @clarity_conf / #clarity2019
Play

74. @denisejacobs / #createbettertogether | @clarity_conf / #clarity2019
“Play is how we invent and
experiment.”
– Josh Clarke, “The Web Gets Real” talk

75. @denisejacobs / #createbettertogether | @clarity_conf / #clarity2019
Felt free to
express
ourselves
Photo: Jessie Shternshus

76. @denisejacobs / #createbettertogether | @clarity_conf / #clarity2019
Work & play together
http://www.flickr.com/photos/opensourceway/5392982007/

77. @denisejacobs / #createbettertogether | @clarity_conf / #clarity2019
Improve with Improv
http://www.flickr.com/photos/roel1943/5740295789/

78. @denisejacobs / #createbettertogether | @clarity_conf / #clarity2019
Instead of this

79. @denisejacobs / #createbettertogether | @clarity_conf / #clarity2019
Amplify the ideas
of others
http://www.flickr.com/photos/thivierr/1177775772/

80. @denisejacobs / #createbettertogether | @clarity_conf / #clarity2019
“Plussing”
http://www.flickr.com/photos/66568868@N00/6032481145/

81. @denisejacobs / #createbettertogether | @clarity_conf / #clarity2019
1) Start where you are
http://www.flickr.com/photos/zen/3446600695/

82. @denisejacobs / #createbettertogether | @clarity_conf / #clarity2019
2) Accept the offer
https://www.flickr.com/photos/mcgraths/3277839203

83. @denisejacobs / #createbettertogether | @clarity_conf / #clarity2019
3) Fully commit
Photo: Jessie Shternshus

84. @denisejacobs / #createbettertogether | @clarity_conf / #clarity2019
4) The response is always

85. @denisejacobs / #createbettertogether | @clarity_conf / #clarity2019
5) Make your colleagues look good
https://www.flickr.com/photos/j-no/6161022803/

86. @denisejacobs / #createbettertogether | @clarity_conf / #clarity2019
Encourage
“stupid” ideas
http://www.flickr.com/photos/laughingsquid/142398084

87. @denisejacobs / #createbettertogether | @clarity_conf / #clarity2019
They may be the
best ones!
StartSometihingStupid.com

88. @denisejacobs / #createbettertogether | @clarity_conf / #clarity2019
Try it: Failed Superhero & Sidekick
https://www.flickr.com/photos/thelowry/14463052362/

89. @denisejacobs / #createbettertogether | @clarity_conf / #clarity2019
“Co-creation needs externalized
material. Sharing the fuzzy, early, raw
concept gives your (team) material to
work with, to respond to and evolve.”
– Stefan Klocek, “Better Together”

90. @denisejacobs / #createbettertogether | @clarity_conf / #clarity2019
Public space for ideas
Photo: Denise Jacobs

91. @denisejacobs / #createbettertogether | @clarity_conf / #clarity2019
Post ideas to allow them to grow and develop
http://www.flickr.com/photos/nanpalmero/4278466639/

92. @denisejacobs / #createbettertogether | @clarity_conf / #clarity2019
Co-Create!

93. @denisejacobs / #createbettertogether | @clarity_conf / #clarity2019
We did it!
Photo: Denise Jacobs

94. @denisejacobs / #createbettertogether | @clarity_conf / #clarity2019
A new paradigm
https://www.flickr.com/photos/buttersponge/4955768144

95. @denisejacobs / #createbettertogether | @clarity_conf / #clarity2019
Tried to do it all by
ourselves
http://www.flickr.com/photos/44085287@N05/4052943367/

96. @denisejacobs / #createbettertogether | @clarity_conf / #clarity2019
Trying to think and
be clever

97. @denisejacobs / #createbettertogether | @clarity_conf / #clarity2019
Let’s up-level our creativity AND collaboration
http://www.flickr.com/photos/fragmented/2734290118/

98. @denisejacobs / #createbettertogether | @clarity_conf / #clarity2019
How are YOU
showing up to
creative
collaboration?
Photo: Denise Jacobs

99. @denisejacobs / #createbettertogether | @clarity_conf / #clarity2019
Too afraid to share
your brilliance ?
http://www.flickr.com/photos/massimobarbieri/3998455558/

100. @denisejacobs / #createbettertogether | @clarity_conf / #clarity2019
Keeping your
“cards” to yourself?
https://unsplash.com/search/cards?photo=GikVY_KS9vQ

101. @denisejacobs / #createbettertogether | @clarity_conf / #clarity2019
Bulldozing
everyone with your
ideas?
https://www.flickr.com/photos/dawilson/2605538661/

102. @denisejacobs / #createbettertogether | @clarity_conf / #clarity2019
When you collaborate, you’ve got support
https://www.flickr.com/photos/joi/2941559903

103. @denisejacobs / #createbettertogether | @clarity_conf / #clarity2019
It starts with YOU
http://www.flickr.com/photos/siutou_amy/2306794554/

104. @denisejacobs / #createbettertogether | @clarity_conf / #clarity2019
“Collaboration flourishes when
there is a willingness to embrace
new practices and thinking.”
- Nic Evans, “How to Collaborate: The Creative & the Practical”

105. @denisejacobs / #createbettertogether | @clarity_conf / #clarity2019
Tap into collective
brilliance
http://www.flickr.com/photos/anieto2k/8156999698/

106. @denisejacobs / #createbettertogether | @clarity_conf / #clarity2019
Co-create to make
be er things
https://www.flickr.com/photos/lauroroger/8808985531

107. @denisejacobs / #createbettertogether | @clarity_conf / #clarity2019
And most importantly, to
http://www.flickr.com/photos/opensourceway/5319988695/

108. @denisejacobs / #createbettertogether | @clarity_conf / #clarity2019
…Together!
https://www.flickr.com/photos/sepblog/3527804859/

109. @denisejacobs / #createbettertogether | @clarity_conf / #clarity2019
Check out my
book for more
great tools!

110. Get the slides!
DeniseSlides.com
https://www.flickr.com/photos/jixxer/6201145680/

111. Title Text
• Body Level One
• Body Level Two
• Body Level Three
• Body Level Four
• Body Level Five
@denisejacobs / #createbettertogether | @clarity_conf / #clarity2019
Continue the Conversation!
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denise@denisejacobs.com
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