One of the side effects of being a former smoker, I quite about 10 years ago, is that I fidget and need something to do with my hands almost constantly. This means I tear up drink coasters, peel labels of beer bottles and chew on alot of straws. As I did I found that the activity had a side benefit, it would get me into a zone where I could think. Since a big part of my job is spent in front of a computer and my wife is getting a little tired of the mess this practice makes I spend a great of time flipping pens, playing with little rubber squeezeballs, etc. But I do less of that now becasue I've found something better.
One thing that I've been using for the past few months is a great product called the Ball of Whacks. This is basically a collection of magnets that you can rearrange to your heart's content. I find it's an excellent tool for keeping me stimulated and for use during those lulls in conference calls or when stuck in an airport (a common occurrence for me recently).
Here's a picture of my son playing with it. (And here's a great video about how it works). The Ball of Whacks disappears in my house all the time as both my seven year old and four year old love to saunter into my office and slip away with it.
The Ball of Whacks was created by Roger von Oech and even though the name might sound unfamiliar his work has probably influenced you at some time. Roger is a bit of an expert on teaching folks how to foster and nurture creativity and has collection of well-regarding books on the subject (start with A Whack on the Side of the Head) and then look into Roger's Creative and Innovation Whack Packs. Which is a creativity tool in the form of a deck of cards. Many people are exposed to Whack Packs as a gift. I got my first set a few years ago from Jack Blanchard, a colleague from my days at IBM. It's still one of the most useful tools I turn to when I get stuck.
Roger also has a wonderful blog that can be added to other inspiring voices like David Armano and Seth Godin.
Thank you for the very kind words. Much appreciated. Can your son make the "flying squirrel"? That's my challenge for him!
It's always a pleasure to be thought of in the same sentence as that eminent Chicago designer David Armano!
Best wishes to you.
Posted by: Roger von Oech | March 03, 2007 at 07:27 PM
Chris,
Great to see the pic of your kid playing with the ball of Whacks. My little guy Max is a huge fan as well. I have a similar picture with him playing with it.
And I also had a similar reaction to Roger's Whack pack. I've used them in working sessions with clients like HP. They are fantastic for getting "un-stuck".
Nice seeing you again. Have fun at the conferences!
Posted by: David Armano | March 05, 2007 at 10:54 PM