PERFORMA NEWSLETTER Summer 2008
Where brainstorming began!
Performa facilitators Dimis, Akis, Marios and Liana attended the Creative Problem-Solving Institute Conference (also known as CPSI) at the end of June near Atlanta, Georgia in the USA, entitled "The Nature of Inspiration".
CPSI is the oldest and longest running conference dedicated to the teaching and practice of creative skills. CPSI provides courses, presentations, processes and events that support breakthrough experiences for participants. The CPSI experience reinforces the notion that solutions can be found in a more innovative, engaging and inspired way. In short, it is utilizing all of one’s human capacity to make a difference in our lives, our work and our world. Performa’s approach has been greatly developed in part to this valuable source of knowledge. This year all Performers enrolled in different courses according to their needs and desires; Dimis, who in previous years had attended courses, now offered an immersion course: “The Art of Innovation: Integrating Creativity in Organizations”, which he co-facilitated with David Magellan Horth and presented a keynote lecture with magic.
Marios' comments on what inspired him…
On the “Go wild” course I learned 5 survival skills that I can help cleints use in their businesses.
In the de Bono course, we concentrated on the practical application of the model in confronting personal and work related challenges. I picked up some new creative tools and techniques as well as great energizers.
All in all I developed facilitation skills which will certainly be useful for Performa clients .
As always I appreciated the environment of free expression, the nature was wonderful- swimming in the mornings and even watched a triathlon race!
Akis reflects:
“The CPSI Experience for me was a very pleasant and rewarding break from the everyday routine, that allowed me time to reflect and develop myself. The range of learning available was extremely wide, from the very practical tools and techniques type, to the very abstract, philosophical and esoteric.
For me the “Leading Artfully” immersion course led by Michael Jones, Anthony Hyatt and Teri O’Neill was the most valuable experience. It was a perspective on the journey to leadership that parallels the journey of the artist to find his true voice. An esoteric journey that leads the leader to innovation by asking him/her to find what is unique in him/her, what speaks to him/her passionately, what inspires and moves him/her, and, ultimately, what is his/her choice of action in the world that is an expression of this unique passion.
The pre-course on “Innovation Leadership” by Bob Eckert and Jonathan Vehar took an introspective look at the values required to be a leader of innovation: ITCCH, which stands for Integrity, Tenacity, Curiosity, Courage and Humility. It was fun, highly interactive and engaging.
I also enjoyed Barry Johnson’s Pace session on “Polarity Management”. I found it a very interesting alternative method to confront certain challenges by viewing them as dilemmas to manage, not problems to solve.
In closing I must mention the richness of the casual interactions and conversations with all participants. The atmosphere of this conference was very special, and I felt welcome and free to express myself right from the beginning.”
Liana says: “The conference was for me an opportunity for self reflection, development and of course inspiration! Here are some of the ideas that resonated with me and that I plan to take back to Performa clients:
Ø As a facilitator I am to 'Be a guide by the side, not a sage on the stage'. Ruth Noller
Ø I can make use of the Metaphor as a powerful means of inspiring and visualising ideas.
Ø Humility is the basis of team playing and team leading. My arrogance will staple curiosity and consequently creativity.
Ø There is no such thing as grown-ups, just growing-ups and stuck people.
Ø Silence and long pauses in communication can be very powerful. Use them.
Ø I pledge to constantly be vigilant against the lurking Gator brain which will at first see the danger and faults at anything new.
Ø The influence of convergence lies in the opportunities it opens up.
Ø Apply language effectively: The use of ‘I’ is a way to own the problems and issues at hand.”
And finally, Dimis talks about his experience this year:
“A week of learning and sharing. As a course designer and facilitator (I offered a full immersion course "The Art of Innovation - How to integrate creativity in your organization"). I was elated to see that participants in my course were learning, enjoying and leaving with thoughts, tools and materials to use in their organizations. I personally had the opportunity to reflect deeply and creatively on my own prospective business ventures and projects. Some of this reflection will see the light of day very soon....”
Look closely at the following video clip of the CPSI experience: do you see a familiar character working some unusual magic on eggs and glasses….? http://clip.cpsiserver.com
For more about CPSI, click on http://www.cpsiconference.com/home.cfm
We at Performa would like to wish you too the pleasure of leisure and inspiration this summer!