What Kind Of Genius Are You?

According to David Galenson, (see reading list) interviewed in the July issue of Wired, there are two types of creativity—quick and dramatic or careful and quiet.  Galenson, an economist with admittedly wide interests, conducted a detailed study of well-known artists, writers and film-makers; he found that their "genius" fell into one of two groups.  They either did their best work at a very young age, like Pablo Picasso, or in their later years like Frank Lloyd Wright.  Late bloomers rejoice!

He called those who peaked early "conceptualists" and those who peaked later "experimentalists."  He believes that this theory can be applied to business as well.  Small business owners can begin to understand their own innovation styles.  Conceptualists know what they want and proceed in a straight line until they find it.  Experimentalists succeed through trial and error and almost never feel they have come to the end of their search. 

Once you understand your own style it will be easier for you to strengthen your business plan and manage others.  Some business owners find the one right solution and stick with it.  Other are constantly revising and changing. Which are you?

Technorati tags: marketing management+style creativity design small+business

Comments

[Michael Anders]

I can relate to the comparison made between conceptualist and experimentalist. I, personally, fall on the conceptualist side. I like to think and plan things out right the first time. I usually have to force myself to experiment and change.