Where do you do your best thinking?

January 8th, 2008 · 2 Comments

In my doctoral research one of my findings was that many people have different spaces for different types of thinking. In their office or workstation managers tended to do the process type thinking eg emails, filing, etc. But for the more generative type thinking they often moved to a more comfortable place. It could be a cafe or a little nook of the office where they could not be disturbed. It is an interesting idea that the place that we are in can influence or trigger the type of thinking that we do. Perhaps this has lessons for workplace design? May be there should be places where people can disappear or where it is full of stimulus to facilitate the creative process. I think you need to start a revolution at your place. Demand better places to think. Work will be more productive and the leaders will love the increased productivity.

2 responses so far ↓

1 FrustratedInSydney // Feb 3, 2008 at 5:21 pm

For me, the office is the epitome of creativity killing, energy sapping environment. Fluorescent lit, recirculated stale air courtesy of air conditioning, constant noise, interruptions, uncomfortable furniture. No big investment required. Go to a park, sit on the grass, meditate as you watch the clouds drift by, stay awake and let the creative, connected part of the brain kick in. The less you force it, the more creativity you’ll experience. Of course, might come not every time, but that’s how The Muse is. She kisses you when you least expect it.
2 eric // Apr 22, 2008 at 6:18 pm

If you believe that your environment determines your level of creativity, then you’ve allowed the endless space that is your mind to be bounded by physical confines.

State of mind, not physical location would be the only barrier for me. I’ve come up with some nice ideas staring into the glow of a fluoro tube.