Creativity killers: Busting the myths that stop great ideas before they start
Tue Jan 13 2026
Where do great ideas come from...really? And how can you stifle brilliant thoughts before they have a chance to flourish? Associate professor George Newman joins the Executive Summary to share what the research actually tells us about how to foster — and kill — a creative buzz, and how to spark more innovation at both work and home in the year ahead.
Show notes
[0:00] What comes to mind when you think of the word creativity? That paint-splattered easel? The next great novel? What about a simple innovative pitch to a company? Or a new way of approaching a formula? Creativity comes in many shapes, but ultimately, it’s all about bringing new ideas to the fore.
[0:55] Meet George Newman, an associate professor of organizational behaviour and HR management, and author of the new book How Great Ideas Happen.
[2:10] There are a few big mistakes we make when thinking about creativity – and the first is all about the “genius creator myth.”
[3:16] It turns out, when we think people are “born with” the creative gene, it really influences who is allowed to be creative, which is ultimately limiting to both individuals and organizations.
[4:16] Where do new ideas really come from? George’s research shows it’s not from within, but the world around us.
[5:20] It’s time to think of creativity as a path of discovery, rather than a lightning strike of brilliance.
[6:25] The second big mistake we make is jumping into brainstorming too quickly.
[6:50] We also prioritize the novelty of new ideas over value.
[7:50] To brainstorm better, you need to have a concrete plan. And George wants people to approach it like an archaeologist.
[8:41] First, survey the landscape.
[9:03] Second, create a “grid” or organize your thoughts.
[10:00] Third, dig in (aka, start throwing those ideas on a whiteboard!). And make sure you don’t quit before you get to the good stuff.
[11:33] The last big mistake in the quest for new ideas is soliciting feedback at the wrong time. Don’t get feedback while still generating ideas.
[12:41] Also, accept that there’s going to be some negative feedback along the way, and that you’re just going to have some bad ideas along the way too.
[14:28] Also, recognize that you’re your own worst critic.
[15:09] In the end, breakthrough ideas don't just manifest out of thin air. You have to sift through the layers of rubble, dust off plenty of false leads, so that every so often, you uncover something remarkable. The key is to keep going.
Be sure to check out the Executive Summary back catalogue. We tackle everything from how where you work influences the types of innovation you create to how to give better feedback.
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Where do great ideas come from...really? And how can you stifle brilliant thoughts before they have a chance to flourish? Associate professor George Newman joins the Executive Summary to share what the research actually tells us about how to foster — and kill — a creative buzz, and how to spark more innovation at both work and home in the year ahead. Show notes [0:00] What comes to mind when you think of the word creativity? That paint-splattered easel? The next great novel? What about a simple innovative pitch to a company? Or a new way of approaching a formula? Creativity comes in many shapes, but ultimately, it’s all about bringing new ideas to the fore. [0:55] Meet George Newman, an associate professor of organizational behaviour and HR management, and author of the new book How Great Ideas Happen. [2:10] There are a few big mistakes we make when thinking about creativity – and the first is all about the “genius creator myth.” [3:16] It turns out, when we think people are “born with” the creative gene, it really influences who is allowed to be creative, which is ultimately limiting to both individuals and organizations. [4:16] Where do new ideas really come from? George’s research shows it’s not from within, but the world around us. [5:20] It’s time to think of creativity as a path of discovery, rather than a lightning strike of brilliance. [6:25] The second big mistake we make is jumping into brainstorming too quickly. [6:50] We also prioritize the novelty of new ideas over value. [7:50] To brainstorm better, you need to have a concrete plan. And George wants people to approach it like an archaeologist. [8:41] First, survey the landscape. [9:03] Second, create a “grid” or organize your thoughts. [10:00] Third, dig in (aka, start throwing those ideas on a whiteboard!). And make sure you don’t quit before you get to the good stuff. [11:33] The last big mistake in the quest for new ideas is soliciting feedback at the wrong time. Don’t get feedback while still generating ideas. [12:41] Also, accept that there’s going to be some negative feedback along the way, and that you’re just going to have some bad ideas along the way too. [14:28] Also, recognize that you’re your own worst critic. [15:09] In the end, breakthrough ideas don't just manifest out of thin air. You have to sift through the layers of rubble, dust off plenty of false leads, so that every so often, you uncover something remarkable. The key is to keep going. Be sure to check out the Executive Summary back catalogue. We tackle everything from how where you work influences the types of innovation you create to how to give better feedback.