On doing creative work:
Every time I take on a new assignment, it is a test of my ability to find a clear, creative, engaging approach that communicates the essence of an idea. Whether I am applying my talent and vision to something as tangible as a product, as abstract as a sensation, or as elusive as describing a personality — the task before me is not just a job. It is a personal challenge. My goal is to think strategically, dynamically, insightfully, and imaginatively.
On strategic thinking:
Stephen Covey's second principle nails it: “Begin with the end in mind.”
Who’s the audience? What’s the key message? How do we reach them best?
On what creative people need:
Whether it’s for myself, peers, or people I am managing, creative people need five things:
• Information – What’s the challenge or vision? Who’s it for? Why should they care?
• Stimulation – Ask “what if” questions. Go for a walk. Find fresh inspiration. Play a game.
• Isolation – Leave me to work. Creating is a craft. Give me space and time.
• Presentation – Ready to hear my idea? Prepare to be dazzled.
• Appreciation – Feedback good and bad is useful. The more detailed the better.
On storytelling:
Jesus spoke in parables and word pictures, which is very revealing. He understood better than anyone how the human mind works. We connect with people, not things. God designed us to live in relation to others. We’re hard-wired to hear, see, and tell people-stories.
I also like what “60 Minutes” founder Don Hewitt once said: “My philosophy is simple: ‘Tell me a story.’ Even the people who wrote the Bible knew that when you deal with issues, you tell stories. The issue was evil; the story was Noah. I’ve had producers say, ‘We’ve got to do something on acid rain.’ I say, ‘Hold it. Acid rain is not a story. It’s a topic. We don’t do topics. Find me someone who has to deal with the problem of acid rain. Now you have a story.’”
On the greatness of magazines:
A magazine can establish a real relationship with a reader. It's what makes a person grab for the latest copy when it arrives in a stack of mail. That relationship should be emotional and intellectual. A reader can be angered one issue and inspired the next. A magazine is a forum of ideas, like a family talking around the dinner table.
Current reading list (or in the queue):
Every Good Endeavor (Tim Keller)
As It Was In The Days of Noah (Jeff Kinley)
He Chose The Nails (Max Lucado)
The Village Church Culture Blog
Al Mohler’s The Briefing
All-time favorites:
The Great Divorce (C.S. Lewis)
Traveling Light (Max Lucado)
The 5 Love Languages (Gary Chapman)
The Reason for God (Tim Keller)
A Wrinkle in Time (Madeleine L’Engle)
7 Habits of Highly Effective People (Stephen Covey)
Developing the Leader Within You (John Maxwell)
Lead Like Jesus (Ken Blanchard & Phil Hodges)
Tyranny of the Urgent (Charles Hummel)
