In a world that touts individualism, it may to hard to see how humans co-create perhaps everything on a daily basis.
I mean, Are we truly self-reliant, or do we need others to create?
According to the documentary film American Factory, 375 million jobs will be lost to automation globally in the next 10 years.
Our imagination, critical thinking, creative visualization, and touch/intimacy skills is what sets humans apart from animals (and hopefully robots/artificial intelligence).
Co-creation defines us, so I invite you to lean into the act of creating together.
Examples of co-creation opportunities include:
Advocacy – a person with a need and a person who speaks on behalf of this need.
Negotiation/Mediation – creating a win/win agreement.
Presenting/Speaking – every workshop/seminar is different based on the participants in the room (and their needs, demographics, and questions). Even the energy in the room will change the direction of the talk.
Coaching/Consulting – evoking change in a person or organization by figuratively holding up a mirror, and showing them their blind spots.
Invention – taking your idea (new product, design, start-up) to someone who can execute and implement.
(And the list continues… what are your suggestions?)
Here are some tips on co-creation:
- Don’t Prepare. The art happens when you are in the creative process together. I have clients who want to prepare for their first call, and basically have their outline of their book complete, and 99% of the time the outline, topic or direction of the book changes.
- Say Yes! If you know me, I’m a big proponent of the word, “Yes.” You don’t want to shut someone down with a “No.” Keep the brainstorming, dialogue, and energy going back and forth, like two people volleying a tennis ball. There’s two “Yes” strategies I’m particularly fond of:Take Risks. Author Seth Godin says “Safe is the New Risky,” basically the riskiest thing you can do is play it safe. Every phenomenal invention/product, start-up or innovative idea started with a risk.
– “Yes, And” The art of improv and co-creating by building upon the ideas of others.
– “Yes, If” Collaborative creation ensuring your needs, wants and desires are met. - Take Risks. Author Seth Godin says “Safe is the New Risky,” basically the riskiest thing you can do is play it safe. Every phenomenal invention/product, start-up or innovative idea started with a risk
With that, I ask “How are you going to be risky and stretch yourself today?”