Richard Hamming, mathematician at Bell Labs for thirty years, gave a talk before he passed away on the factors that determine why a scientist does or does not make significant contributions. Although his focus was on ideas in science, the wisdom he shared really can be applied to any area where original thought is necessary.
Here are his core insights, 8 strategies to improve creativity:
1. Don’t Think Your Success Is A Matter of Luck
2. Plant Many Small Seeds From Which A Mighty Oak Tree Can Grow
3. Turn Your Problem Around. Change A Defect Into An Asset
4. Knowledge And Productivity Are Like Compound Interest
5. Find Important People And Problems. Focus Your Mind On Them
6. Prepare Your Mind For Opportunity
7. Work With the Door Open. You Will Sense What Is Important
8. Know When To Work With The System, And When To Go It Alone
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Image source: flickr/Nicolas Raymond (CC BY 2.0)