David Kelly is the founder of IDEO, one of the most influential design companies in the world, know for such innovations as the first mouse. David tells the story of a friend who looses his creative confidence early in life and wonders how many have had similar experiences. A comparison is made between a lack of creative confidence and phobias such as fear of snakes. Kelly talks through a process called ‘Guided mastery’, developed by the famous psychologist Albert Bandura, that moves subjects through small steps beyond their fear to a place of confidence. After a personal battle with cancer David is advocating the importance of people from all disciplines overcoming fear and gaining creative confidence. He asks that we not divide the world up into the “creatives” and the “non-creatives” as if it’s a God given gift to a few.

Discussion Questions

• Do you currently define yourself as either creative or non-creative?
• Does this definition increase or decrease your willingness to take creative risks?
• Is it appropriate or necessary to apply any definition to yourself regarding the characteristic of creativity?

http://www.ted.com/talks/david_kelley_how_to_build_your_creative_confidence.html

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