“I have come to think that one of the most revealing signs of a young man's capacity is the use he makes of his vacations...”

- David Ogilvy

To make empathetic engagement with customers as rich as possible, it’s essential to immerse in and observe them in the wild, and to do so regularly. Some tips from an outstanding innovation leader.

An eccentric habit may shed light on how Harvard’s B.F. Skinner became one of the most influential psychologists of all time. He learned to value his midnight thoughts so much, he set a nightly alarm!

Imagination is sparked by surprises. So if we want to stimulate fresh thinking, we ought to be seeking out surprises. Customer insights leader Kelly Garrett Zeigler tells a story that highlights the importance of welcoming an unexpected direction.

John Steinbeck said, “It is a common experience that a problem difficult at night is resolved in the morning after the committee of sleep has worked on it.” Reid Hoffman deliberately puts items on the agenda of tonight’s meeting.

It’s not as complicated as it seems. The only thing we have to give up is a sense of efficiency. As is the case with so many tactics for breakthrough thinking, we have to be willing to indulge irresponsibility to think beyond the box.

Inspired by an assignment we give our graduate students, here I attempt to state my intent as a researcher and teacher. Your feedback is very much welcome.

John Cleese highlights a classic study of architects in his recent memoir, “Creativity: A Short and Cheerful Guide,” which illuminates the value of purposeful procrastination, and how it sets creatives apart.