Coaching Tip: Creativity - the Diverge-Converge Switch
Category: Coaching Secrets (CS220)Originally Submitted on 3/21/2000.
Introduction
In the divergent phase of the creative process we are thinking of many alternatives. In the convergent we may have to focus on just one. The switch between the two processes can be difficult.
The Coaching Tip
The initial phase of creativity, whether the project is artistic or problem-solving, usually involves many alternatives. We may brainstorm, alone or as a team, to develop different ideas, or designs, each of which has the potential to be carried further. It is an exciting time.Then comes the part of the process where we must decide which alternative is to be developed further. This can be an extremely difficult phase, because here is the risk. The individual or team must choose one and decide to discard all the other alternatives. Perhaps they all seemed wonderful, yet they cannot all go forward. Even worse, to make this decision one must commit to the fact that the one alternative that is chosen really IS the best.
It is at this point that creative clients sometimes get stuck. The emotional cost of discarding many of one's seedling ideas is great. The gamble of committing to one being THE one is often terrifying. Sometimes the creative is not even aware of the dilemma, just of the pain of being stuck.
The client may need reassurance regarding his/her ability to make these choices, encouragement to take the risk, reminders that creativity always has its agonies, and the awareness that the sky will not fall.
About the Submitter
This piece was originally submitted by Diana Robinson, Ph.D., Personal Development & Business Coach, who can be reached at Choices4U@ChoiceCoach.com, or visited on the web. Diana Robinson wants you to know: I coach my clients to greater success and enjoyment of life by enhancing their ability to focus on what is truly important to them. To learn more, and/or to subscribe to either/both of my two e-mail free newsletters, please visit my web site. I also offer you the gift of a half-hour of free coaching by phone, with no obligation.
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