Are you a thought catalyst? (And what to do about it.)
A few years ago, Kevin Murnane, Adjunct Professor and lecturer at Northwestern University and a good and thoughtful friend -- sent me article with the provocative title of Thought Catalysts: Prima Donnas or Prime Movers.
Written by Cathy Higgins and Dave Kreischer in their excellent “The Straight Talk Coach” Series, it deftly explores the personality of the Thought Catalyst -- an individual who can add creative fuel to an organization while burning everyone else out.
So here’s your personality test:
Are you a creative thinker who advocates unique solutions to every problem?
Do you thrive on competitive brainstorming?
Are you frequently frustrated by others’ resistance to your ideas?
Do you excel at clarifying strategic options?
Is being distinctive one of your most prized attributes?
Have you found it difficult t fit the mold at most places you have worked?
If you answered yes to at least four of the above questions, you are probably a thought catalyst. I got an A+.
First, the good news.
Thought catalysts are broad and deep thinkers who stimulate new perspectives and creative solutions, and strive to achieve unparalleled recognition by applying their ideas for strategic impact.
According to Higgins and Kreischer, “Thought Catalysts can be prime movers who drive innovation…they thrive on challenge, excel at identifying fundamental causes and are unmatched at brainstorming novel solutions.”
So what’s not to love?
“Thought Catalysts can also be prima donnas who so prize being unique that they make little effort to fit in. Their enjoyment of competitive brainstorming can be abrasive. No issue is too minor to capture a Thought Catalyst’s interest and energy. Their appetite for new ides may overshadow the details and effort required to implement changes that achieve or sustain results.”
Higgins and Kreischer’s thesis is that the dichotomy between Thought Catalysts potential to be prime movers and their tendency to be prima donnas not only thwarts their effectiveness, it prevents leaders from leveraging their talents for maximum advantage.
Basically, we are the Jack Russell terriers of the corporate kennel.
Fortunately, I’ve been fortunate to work for organizations that not only pay me to be a thought catalysts, they offer cerebral chew toys and pots of money.
But for those of you who haven’t found the right home, the authors offer some smart advice.
1. Develop an area of expertise. Thought Catalysts (TCs) are most effective when they anchor their efforts in a subject where they have developed a strong skill set and focus.
2. Focus on Significant Problems or Opportunities. (Forget the small stuff.)
3. Find the right culture. TCs thrive in risk-taking organizations where there is a greater appreciation and appetite for innovation,, new ideas and change. Conservative cultures are a recipe for frustration.
4. Commit to collaboration. No matter how much at Thought Catalyst enjoys being unique, they need to embrace the art of collaboration. It’s about finding a balance between fitting in and standing out.
5. Create a Test Lab. A “kitchen cabinet” is indispensable to helping thought catalysts rest and refine ideas. “Build yours carefully,” say Higgins and Kreischer. Choose people who stimulate creative thinking and provide reality checks on new concepts without rejecting them out of hand.
The great Ned Herrmann (The Guru of Brain Dominance) would know how weave these personalities into an organization so that they become a resource, not an annoyance.
But perhaps the most important question is “Why did Kevin Murnane send this to me?”
My guess is he saw a dedicated prime mover.
Yeah, I'm sure that’s it.
Creativity Central
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Reader Comments (3)
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Great Info!
-discount Diesel Slippers Thought catalysts are broad and deep thinkers who stimulate new perspectives and creative solutions,