Bass – Steve Davis Drums – Pete La Roca Piano – McCoy Tyner Tenor Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone – John Coltrane Probably recorded at the Showboat, Philadelphia, PA in the early 1960's

I studied with Frank Tiberi only for one semester at Berklee and I cherished each weekly lesson! He mentioned his recordings of Coltrane, I'm glad the tapes are being released!

https://youtu.be/AJCAkZ2yUR4?si=-yEyBZt3if7ybMRn

What Creativity Is — And What It Isn’t

Creativity Is Not a Talent

Contrary to popular belief, creativity is not an inherent talent or a measure of intelligence. Studies, including notable research by psychologist Donald McKinnon in the 1970s, have shown that highly creative individuals such as scientists, architects, and writers do not differ significantly in IQ from their less creative peers. Instead, creativity is a way of thinking — a way of operating — that involves entering a particular psychological state conducive to playful exploration of ideas.

The Open Mode vs. The Closed Mode

To understand creativity, it helps to distinguish between two mental modes:

• Closed Mode: This is the focused, goal-oriented, often anxious state most of us operate in during routine work. It is characterized by urgency, impatience, and stress. Creativity is almost impossible in this mode because the mind is too tightly focused on immediate tasks and outcomes.
• Open Mode: In contrast, the open mode is relaxed, expansive, playful, and contemplative. Here, humor and curiosity flourish, allowing the mind to wander freely and connect seemingly unrelated ideas. This mode is essential for creative thinking.

Switching Between Modes

Creative success depends on the ability to switch fluidly between open and closed modes. While problem-solving and idea generation require the open mode, decision-making and implementation demand the closed mode. For example, Alexander Fleming’s discovery of penicillin came because he was in the open mode—curious about an unexpected anomaly—rather than dismissing it outright. After generating creative ideas, switching back to the closed mode ensures efficient execution.

The Five Factors That Foster Creativity

Creativity isn’t magic; it can be encouraged by deliberately creating the right conditions. Here are five key factors that help you enter the open mode and enhance your creative potential.

1. Space: Create a Quiet Oasis

To become playful and creative, you must temporarily remove yourself from everyday pressures that keep you in the closed mode. This means finding a physical space where you can be undisturbed. Close your door, silence your phone, and signal to others that you are not to be interrupted. This “quiet oasis” is vital because creativity needs a setting free from distractions and demands.

2. Time: Set Boundaries and Be Patient

Not only do you need space, but you also need to dedicate a specific and sufficient amount of time to creative thinking. Creativity doesn’t happen instantly; it requires your mind to settle into the open mode. Historical research shows play is distinct because it has a clear start and end—this temporal boundary helps seal off everyday concerns.

Ideally, set aside about an hour and a half for your creative session. Shorter sessions are frustrating because your mind won’t have time to transition fully into the open mode. Spread these sessions out over days or weeks rather than attempting one marathon sitting.

3. Time Again: Stick With the Problem

Creative people tend to tolerate the discomfort of uncertainty and keep pondering problems longer than others. This persistence leads to more original ideas. Avoid rushing to premature decisions just to relieve the anxiety of not knowing. Instead, ask yourself when a decision truly needs to be made and delay it until that time, allowing your subconscious to work on the problem.

4. Confidence: Embrace Mistakes and Experiment

True play and creativity require freedom from the fear of making mistakes. Playfulness is fundamentally experimental: "what happens if I do this?" To nurture creativity, you must accept that nothing is wrong during the creative process. Every “mistake” is a potential stepping stone to a breakthrough. Confidence grows when you know that all ideas are valid and that errors are part of discovery.

5. Humor: Laugh Your Way Into Creativity

Humor is not just a frivolous distraction—it’s a powerful tool to shift from the closed to the open mode. Laughter relaxes the mind, encourages playfulness, and helps you see problems from different perspectives. Yet many workplaces and serious discussions suppress humor, mistakenly equating seriousness with solemnity. In fact, humor frees creativity and helps tackle serious problems with fresh insight.

Practical Tips to Cultivate Creativity

Make Your Space and Time Sacred

• Schedule regular “creative oases” where you can be undisturbed.
• Turn off electronic devices and resist multitasking.
• Use comfortable seating and calming surroundings to create a relaxed atmosphere.

Practice Tolerating Discomfort

• Resist the urge to jump to conclusions.
• Sit with ambiguous or unsolved problems without panic.
• Practice mindfulness or meditation to improve focus and acceptance of uncertainty.

Use Playful Techniques

• Brainstorm without judgment.
• Use random connections or absurd combinations to spark new ideas.
• Encourage “what if” scenarios and lateral thinking exercises.

Surround Yourself with Trusted Playmates

• Collaborate with people who support and build on your ideas.
• Avoid critics who shut down creativity with negative comments.
• Foster an environment of positivity and open communication.

Incorporate Humor and Lightness

• Don’t be afraid to laugh at your own ideas or mistakes.
• Use jokes, stories, or playful analogies to loosen mental rigidity.
• Recognize humor as a serious tool for creative breakthroughs.

The Danger of Staying in Closed Mode

Many environments, especially high-pressure workplaces or political settings, trap people in the closed mode, stifling creativity. Constant urgency and “doing mode” leave no room for playful pondering or humor. This tunnel vision leads to reactive, short-term thinking instead of innovative solutions.

Even well-meaning leaders can unintentionally suppress creativity by demanding immediate decisions, criticizing ideas, or discouraging humor. The result is a culture where creativity is seen as a threat rather than an asset.

Creativity in Groups: The Power of Collaborative Play

Creativity often flourishes best in groups where ideas bounce back and forth. However, group creativity requires trust and psychological safety. Every participant should feel free to express ideas without fear of rejection or ridicule.

Interestingly, some cultures like Japan exemplify this by allowing unstructured meetings where junior members speak first, encouraging free and uninhibited idea sharing. This lack of structure paradoxically fosters more creative problem-solving than rigid, hierarchical meetings.

The Moment Creativity Happens: Connecting Ideas

Creativity is like a joke—the “aha” moment comes when you connect two different frameworks in a surprising new way. For instance, combining unrelated concepts such as cheese and motorcycles or moral courage and light green can lead to novel insights.

While computers can generate millions of random connections, only humans can intuitively judge which connections hold meaningful potential. Playfully entertaining absurd or “impossible” ideas can serve as stepping stones toward truly innovative solutions.

Final Thoughts: Embracing Creativity as a Way of Operating

Creativity is not a mystical talent bestowed on a lucky few. It is a way of operating, a mindset cultivated by creating space and time, embracing confidence and humor, and entering the open mode of thought. By managing when and how we think—balancing open playful pondering with focused implementation—we can all unlock greater creative potential.

Remember, creativity thrives where there is trust, patience, and a willingness to play. So, make room in your life for playful exploration, laugh often, and don’t rush to judgment. Your next big idea might just be waiting in the quiet moments you create.

References:

• Donald McKinnon’s research on creativity (1970s)
• Studies on open and closed modes of thinking
• Historical play research by Johan Huizinga
• Concepts from Edward de Bono’s lateral thinking
• John Cleese on creativity

Call to Action:
Set aside your first “creative oasis” this week. Find your quiet space, block out 90 minutes, and give yourself permission to play with ideas without judgment. Notice how your mind shifts and what new thoughts emerge. Creativity is a journey—start yours today!

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