ABSTRACT
Daniel Goleman identifies essentially two main stages (see Figure 7.1) applicable to the creative process. The Incubation Stage is the first one. This stage involves letting the unconscious part of the mind go to work. It does so by allowing the mind to float freely rather than controlling and censoring thoughts. Judgment is suspended through emotion, intuition, daydreaming, and imagery. The Illumination Stage is the
second one. The creative idea seems to originate from a void and then provides the groundwork for innovation.1 To ensure that the creative process generates ideas of value, James Higgins recommends employing a stage gate system to ensure that ideas are evaluated for their innovativeness. The first series of stages involves allowing the creative process to flow; the latter phases allow for the “rational” mind to take over. The gates are threefold: (1) conduct preliminary investigation, (2) perform a business case to determine practicality, and (3) develop and implement a plan.2
