Imagination First: Unlocking the Power of Possibility

September, 01 2009

From Lincoln Center Institute Executive Director, Scott Noppe-Brandon, and Eric Liu, founder of the Guiding Lights Network, comes a new book about the central role imagination will play in the 21st century. Published by Jossey-Bass, an imprint of Wiley, Imagination First provides what John I. Wilson, Executive Director of the National Education Association, calls "a blueprint for tapping into the power of imagination." As Noppe-Brandon and Liu say, "when imagination becomes a habit, it can transform your work and your life."

The best corporations know that innovative thinking is the only competitive advantage that cannot be outsourced. The best schools are those that create cultures of imagination. This book introduces us to a wide variety of individuals who have learned how to make a habit of imaginative thinking and creative action. It offers a set of universal practices that anyone can use to transform their life at work, home, and play.

"Routinize Randomness," suggest the authors, "Regularly rise out expectations." This is just one of 28 ½ practices intended to help anyone become more imaginative and to teach others to be so as well. Another example: "Microexperiment. Test your hunches playfully." Each of these practices is elaborated with examples of the principles applied in real-life situations by some of the many eminent leaders interviewed for the book. "For anyone interested in succeeding in today's imagination economy this timely book offers an expansive and accessible toolbox," writes Daniel Pink, author of A Whole New Mind. Click here to order Imagination First.

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