Conversations
By Jonathan Halls

Connections often inspire our imagination.  This is something we have talked about elsewhere on the icecreativity.com.  Connecting ideas lead to a creative process of synthesis. 

A great example of synthesis is the printing press which was the synthesis of two functions – ink and the wine press.

Connecting people is a powerful way of developing new ideas. Conversations can introduce you to new ways of thinking and different perspectives.

The more people you talk to, the more raw data your brain has which it can draw on when you need to generate new ideas.

Use conversations to learn
When you engage in conversations, be open to the other people’s ideas and thoughts.  What constantly amazes me in conversations is how few questions people ask of other people. 

People often spend more time talking about themselves than asking questions.  What kind of way is that to learn new ideas and feed your imagination?

Some people ask questions but don’t listen to the answers.  This is just as ineffective as not asking any questions at all.

Avoid having conversations to tell people about yourself.  And when people share with you, try not to subconsciously reject their ideas or comments.  Instead ask yourself, “I wonder if?” or “How interesting…”

Have fun and laugh with them.  Ask your conversation partners loads of questions and let them challenge you.