Conceptual Blockbusting: A Guide to Better Ideas, Fifth Edition, Paperback

A thoroughly revised edition of the classic on creativity, essential for individuals and teams who want to think outside the box.

Some people are naturally creative and others aren't, right? Wrong. In this classic book on creativity, James Adams takes a unique approach to generating ideas and solving problems that has captivated, inspired, and guided thousands of people from all walks of life to new heights of creativity-whether you are a writer with writers block, or a businesswoman struggling to come up with a new organizational structure.

More than three decades after its original publication, Conceptual Blockbusting has never been more relevant, powerful, or fresh. Integrating insights from the worlds of psychology, engineering, management, art, and philosophy, Adams identifies the key blocks (perceptual, emotional, cultural, environmental, intellectual, and expressive) that prevent us from realizing the full potential of our fertile minds. Employing unconventional exercises and other interactive elements, Adams shows individuals, teams, and organizations how to overcome these blocks, embrace alternative ways of thinking about complex problems, and celebrate the joy of creativity. Completely revised and updated with the latest cognitive science and addressing new subjects such as changes in technology, creativity in large groups, and sustaining creativity over time, Conceptual Blockbusting will introduce a new generation of readers to a world of new possibilities.

James L. Adams is professor emeritus at Stanford University, where he has held a variety of administrative posts, taught courses on design and creativity, and won many teaching awards. Trained as an engineer and artist, he has been employed as a design engineer by several companies, as well as consulting for and coaching groups in the private and public sector around the world. He lives on the Stanford campus.