Where Ideas Truly BeginThe essence of ideation lies in the fact that ideas must ultimately emerge from within the manager’s mind. Think of the mind as a natural neural network—a system that operates much like a Large Language Model, turning incoming information into meaningful ideas. This process can be summed up in a simple equation:
- Previous Experience + New Information = Idea
New information is the key ingredient here. While previous experience can shape initial perspectives, it has limits, especially in a rapidly changing world. New experiences and information bring fresh insights, offering new angles from which to approach problems.
- Research as a Catalyst, Not the Source
It’s essential to recognize that while research doesn’t create ideas directly, it serves as a catalyst. Research is “food for thought,” and along with other sources, it provides the raw material that the brain digests and transforms into new ideas. Through this process, research plays a fundamental role, stimulating creativity and encouraging the ideation process to unfold.
Looking AheadIn our next piece, we’ll delve into strategies for identifying promising new information to enhance the ideation process and unlock innovative potential.