earlier in november i blogged about discovering the blog of roger von oech, author of a whack on the side of the head. part of the amazing connectivity of the world we live in now is that he noticed my blog post that day and got in touch and we’ve liased a few times since. it’s been fun to connect with him. anyway i ordered the creative whack pack which has now arrived and i love (this edition has the book and the cards)…

it’s a set of 64 cards and on each one is a strategy for creative thinking. the cards have a short sentence such as flex your risk muscle, find a pattern or dig deeper, a story or bit of elaboration and then a couple of questions at the end. it’s a very simple idea. the cards are in 4 sets that relate to explorer, artist, judge and warrior – all different aspects of the creative process.

there is a short pamphlet with some suggestions as to how to use them but basically it’s up to you. i was meeting with richard passmore last week and showed him. we were talking about a project we’re involved in church on the edge (pdf) and i got him to pick a random card and we had the most amazing discussion as a result. we’ll probably use some cards to spark our team meeting next week. and i know grace will love them…

there is actually a second set as well – the innovative whack pack that i may get some time too…

whilst on the subject of being whacked, check out the list of paradoxes on creative think.