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Synectics Innovation Consulting

Imagine That!

The Imagine That book is a collection of thought pieces, stories and articles by current and former staff members, clients and other associates that guides readers through 50 years of Synectics, its Body of Knowledge and its impact on clients, organizations, communities and individuals. It was edited by Connie Williams, General Managing Partner and Chief Knowledge Officer of Synecticsworld and Vincent Nolan, retired Chairman of Synectics Europe and author of many other books, including The Innovator’s Handbook (Sphere Books, 1989).

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Practice of Creativity, Greoge M. Prince, Synectics Innovation Consulting

The Practice of Creativity

Along with Bill Gordon’s book “Synectics”, this book is the foundation of the Synectics body of knowledge. This book provides the reader detailed instruction on how to use the Synectics method. It explores the process of facing and understanding problems, eliminating inadequate ideas, and unifying the entire group to concentrate its collective intelligence and imagination on fresh solutions. Available on Amazon.



   

The Innovator’s Handbook

This is the omnibus edition of the three books in the author’s Innovative Management Skills series. It gives the reader an insight into management from the point of view of teams working together, communicating, solving problems and presenting a different approach to their solution based on the principle of Synectics. Available on Amazon

By: Vincent Nolan



Synectics Innovation Consulting

Synectics

The Development of Creative Capacity

Along with George Prince’s “ The Practice of Creativity”, this book is the foundation of the Synectics body of knowledge which has been used for over fifty years .This book is the result of years of experimentation in training creative capacity. With an emphasis on case studies, this book identifies not only the psychological processes involved in creativity but also explores the mechanisms by which creative potential can be methodically released and directed at the solution of specific problems. Synectics theory holds that creative efficiency in people can be markedly increased if they understand the psychological process by which they operate , and that in the creative process the emotional component is more important than the intellectual, the irrational more important than the rational.



Synectics Innovation Consulting

Creativity, Inc.

Building an Inventive Organization

“Creativity, Inc.” explores an issue that has become critical in times of economic, business, social and political upheaval: how companies can nurture big and small ideas in people from all levels – ideas that collectively can make dramatic improvements in operating and financial performance.

Synecticsworld consultants Jeff Mauzy and Richard Harriman marshal 40-plus years of research and consulting work with many of the world’s most innovative companies. Drawing on new and rich case examples from such organizations as 3M, Citigroup, Hallmark Cards, Hewlett Packard and Guidant, they explain the genesis of creative ideas and their often-arduous path to prosperity. They show why the well of creativity runs dry in many organizations, despite the presence of numerous “creative” people, sizable rewards to spawn ideas, and even regularly scheduled “brainstorming” sessions.  Available on Amazon



Synectics Innovation Consulting George M. Prince

Imagine

Imagine is a gift to you in loving memory of our founder George M. Prince, who fired the imaginations of the thousands whom he recruited into Synecticsworld and into his life. A pioneer and a towering figure in the world of creative and innovative problem solving, George’s light shines brightly still through the pages of this small book. We hope you will treasure your copy of Imagine and take its messages to heart. It would please George to know that his dream to “…change the way people relate…” lives on.

Download the book here



I is an Other

James Geary takes readers from Aristotle’s investigation of metaphor right up to the latest neuroscientific insights into how metaphor works in the brain. Along the way, he demonstrates how metaphor affects financial decision making, how metaphor lurks behind effective advertisements, how metaphor inspires learning and discovery, and how metaphor can be used as a tool to achieve emotional insight and psychological change.  Buy ”I is an Other” is on Amazon.

In his chapter “Metaphor and Innovation – Make it strange”  Geary outlines the work of George M Prince, Bill Gordon, and Connie Williams in the importance and use of metaphor in the Synectics Process of Innovation Download Chapter



Synectics Innovation Consulting

Big Ideas

Putting the Zest into Creativity and Innovation at Work

Innovation, creativity and change are the lifeblood of business. But unlocking the innovative ability of an organization can be a difficult process.

This practical books by Synecticsworld consultant Jonne Ceserani highlights pathways to creativity and shows how to establish conditions that lead to innovation and success. This highly practical book includes checklists, case studies and a questionnaire to establish the “innovation quotient” of an organization.

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  • The Synecticsworld team allowed our organization to develop a truly transformative strategic plan. As a board member and Strategic Planning Committee co-chair at a children’s museum, I focused on finding a consultant who would drive innovation, relate to all our stakeholders and help us achieve clear, actionable results. The Synecticsworld team delivered over and above our expectations.
    Leonora Williamson, Board Member at Creative Discovery Museum
    Connie is so creative it is scary. She creatively teaches creativity. I have been lucky to work with Connie over the years. She teaches people that creativity is not a gift from birth, rather a process one can learn. This is a hopeful message for anyone who has struggled alone to solve a problem. It does not have to be that way.
    David Glenn, Founder of Connected, Inc.
    I have had the pleasure of working with Chipp over the past couple of years on various projects. Chipp’s professional, friendly and enthusiastic manner has permeated the groups he has been managing, involving everyone and helping open minds to some exciting and different ways of thinking. The experience is always interesting and fun while focused on achieving the best possible result.
    Ralee Winks, Illustrator at Pencilcase
    I had the privilege of participating in Synecticsworld’s Innovative Team Workshop, where I learned how to utilize the Synectics process to develop rapid, actionable innovations within large organizations. I came away from the training feeling motivated, empowered, and that I had learned a valuable skill that I could put into practice immediately.
    Thomas Plummer VP, Customer Relationship Management at HSN
    I was doubtful that any group could come up with any approach that hadn’t been thought of over the last 20 years across the world.  
    Aurizon
    Attending a week-long Synectics training session was one of the most engaging and transformative creativity courses I’ve ever attended.
    Ken Martin, Senior Manager of Innovation at J.M. Smucker Company
    Connie Williams is a true innovation consultant and partner. She tackles tough and sensitive challenges with the highest integrity, leverages her vast knowledge and expertise to help clients understand their needs, and recommends a pragmatic and innovative course of action. While some only offer up ideas, Connie sees them through — bringing her experience, passion, creativity, ingenuity and leadership to the team. She is a joy to work with and to win with!
    Yvonne Wolf, Global Head of Leadership Development at Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics
    Three decades later, my early investment in Synectics development training continues to demonstrate a healthy ROI! Unshackled from linear and closed minded thinking, open to ideas that at first appear asymmetric, the facilitation skills learned at Synectics have been a springboard for me to take great advantage of a global and a richly diverse team within a multinational firm. Thanks for expanding and enriching my leadership potential.
    Mario Leone, EVP and CIO at Ingram Mirco
    I had the opportunity to work with Joe Giordano in 2010 on a corporate strategy project. He was very professional and was able to bring his passion for his work into all our dealings and communications. He has a great mindset and skillset to deal with teams and individuals who are in the midst of change and growth. He gave us 100% every time we interacted. I am delighted that I have had the chance to work with Joe and look forward to doing so again in the future.
    Kim Bryan, Vice President, Talent & Organisation Development at Aurizon (formerly QR National)
    Over the past several years, I was fortunate to work with the team at Synecticsworld, and it was life changing. We gained the valuable insight we needed and we also created unique growth platforms that enabled us to see and explore significantly incremental growth paths for our businesses. The Synecticsworld methodology is unique to any that I have experienced. The experience opened by mind past new business opportunities and gave me insight into my own perspectives.
    Anne Bannister, General Manager of Lighting at Energizer
    Connie’s impact on our business and our people has been tremendous. I’d describe her as creative, smart, strategic, consumer focused, personable, a great communicator and fun. Did I say creative? I meant insanely creative. She knows how to apply process to an innovation brainstorming project, and she always mixes things up to keep the juices flowing. Our work together has resulted in truly break-out new product concepts. We’ve used her on several projects, and I look forward to the next.
    Marlin Jennes, General Manager, Sr. Consulting Partner at NeuroFocus, Inc.
    I wish I had gone through the process a couple of decades ago!
    Newmont Mining Corporation
    “I never saw our consumers in this light before. If we take the time to do your insights process, it makes the rest of marketing easy!”
    Consumer Products Executive
    From the beginning, it was apparent that we were going to benefit from the outcome and the process.  We concluded the session with two very viable solutions, each with our next steps and accountabilities outlined. What was enjoyable and truly valuable was how well you managed the process of “out there” thinking that led to creative and then feasible ideas. The session strengthened the team and brought out our best ideas and prepared us to put them into action.
    Melissa Aiello, President of Junior Achievement
    Thanks so much for facilitating our meeting. The Synectics approach is really great and I do feel that the process helped take us to a place with a plan. Creating an open/accepting environment is obviously key to changing the momentum in a positive direction and fostering a better work environment. Thanks for turning us in the right direction.
    Jeremy Keller, Director of Sales & Marketing at Avalon Hotel, Beverly Hills
    Connie is my go-to choice for strategic product development. Her approach is insights based and results driven. I have hired Connie several times at many different companies and she delivers. She is also an excellent change agent, able to influence leaders into new mindsets. A task not easily achieved. I highly recommend her.
    Kate Quinn, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer at WellPoint
    Over the years, I have found using the Synectics approach to creative problem solving to be invaluable. They allow people to not only become more creative, but also to better communicate, give and receive feedback, and ensure a free flow of ideas. Using Synectics extensively as part  our qualitative consumer research has resulted in defining consumer opportunities and developing successful new concepts.
    Steven MatisColgate
    This was a huge opportunity for us to start getting the innovation culture embedded at Newmont.
    Newmont Mining Corporation
    When you do this, it makes the rest of marketing easy!
    Burger King Consumer Insights Director
    Chipp provided expert advice and support for the duration of 2 major safety campaigns in our organization. His professionalism was outstanding. What I admired most about working with Chipp was his ability to relate to all kinds of people we encounter throughout our innovative journey. During my training as a facilitator Chipp provided mentorship and encouragement necessary for me to succeed.
    Jessica-Lee Holland, Project Manager Assistant at Aurizon (Formerly QR National)
    It’s not about Synectics innovating for you. It’s about Synectics bringing out the knowledge you have, and your customers and experts have, and synthesizing that into a view of what might be possible.
    Robert Mandel, CEO at Health Dialog
    “Scientists are often great cynics, pouring cold water onto new ideas. Using these techniques has transformed what were often ineffective and frustrating team meetings into really productive sessions.”
    Unilever Insight and Innovation Training
    The principle of Synectics and the innovation concept they provide is a “can’t go wrong” product that can give every corporation a much-needed vitamin boost whenever they need help to change speed or direction.
    Mikael Backman, President and CEO at Viking Line
    “With the help of Synecticsworld, we’ve found a new way of working together as we continue to spark creative thinking across our organization. It has helped us strike a balance between Operational Excellence and Innovation, a challenge that most organizations struggle with, today. We’ve used Synecticsworld in many different ways…Each time we’ve been inspired by the powerful results we can achieve by harnessing our collective, creative thinking.”
    Kirsten SimonitschPremera Blue Cross
    It’s a pleasure to work with Connie on a project and leverage her years of experience and diverse category knowledge. She has a unique ability to galvanize and focus a diverse team so they can effectively work together to uncover the often hidden and unarticulated insights that truly drive consumers’ behavior. Furthermore, she develops brilliant exercises and projects for both teams and consumers to illuminate these insights themselves.
    Clive de Freitas, Planning Lead, Agency Development at Google
    Joe Giordano does a top notch job. He develops strong client relationships, and helps his clients get the results they seek. I’ve known him to develop unique and effective development programs for his clients.
    Candis Cook, Advisor at Peer to Peer Advisors, Inc.
    Code Cracking will probably be one of the best things I ever learn as a consumer marketer.
    Coke Marketing Director
    Chipp is personable, experienced, helpful, patient. He is a great supporter who gave us the confidence to take some out of the box risks and do some great work.
    William Bolton, Queensland Rail
    When you start thinking it and doing it, you’ll know that it’s got you hooked for life.
    Aurizon



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