A Message from Edward de Bono: Creativity & Sport

On a previous trip to Australia, John Buchanan, the coach of the national Australian Cricket Team, asked me to give another session to the team and managers.  The last workshop I gave them was a few years ago and that was followed by great success (winning twenty one internationals and seventeen test matches).  The willingness of the team to look for new ideas is the key point.

In West Australia a colleague of mine was teaching some of my thinking methods to the West Coast Eagles, an Australian Rules Football Team, who then proceeded to win eight matches in a row.  I then personally talked to the team and they proceeded to beat St Kilda, a big rival.

I mention these points to show that creativity is not confined to the arts or to business.  Wherever there is a "reality test" such as the balance sheet in business or the score in sport, there is an interest in new thinking. 

I believe that there is nothing more marvellous than thinking of a new idea.  There is nothing more magnificent than seeing a new idea working. And, there is nothing more useful than a new idea that serves your purpose.  Edward de Bono.