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Businesses face a continuing challenge - "What's next?" The ability of their customers to consume almost always exceeds the business's ability to produce new products and services.

Authors, bloggers and promotional copywriters are also challenged to generate ideas for subjects to write about and "hooks" to get readers' attention.

In 1979, John Adair became the world's first Professor of Leadership Studies at the University of Surrey, which he continued until 1984. He is the author of more than 50 books, mostly relating to leadership. He is also a teacher and consultant, advising many organizations in business, government, education and the voluntary sector.

The Art of Creative Thinking is a handbook of approaches to generate ideas.

The book is an easy read. The chapters are short, with keypoint summaries.

The main point is to be alert. You never know when something you encounter might trigger an idea.

Many inventions were discovered by individuals in unrelated fields. Some examples include the ballpoint pen, invented by a sculptor; the parking meter, invented by a journalist; the pneumatic tire, invented by a veterinary surgeon; and the long-playing record, invented by a television engineer. Don't limit yourself to one field.

Listen carefully in conversations and talk less. You might hear something that triggers a productive idea.

Adair cautions to not wait for inspiration. Author Stephen King has described having to regularly sit down at his computer to churn out chapters for his books, and then edit them later. Thomas Edison said genius is 2% inspiration and 98% perspiration. Henry Dodd said, "The reason most people do not recognize an opportunity is because it usually goes around wearing overalls and looking like Hard Work."

When an idea comes to you, write it down immediately or you might forget it. Adair recommends carrying a notebook for that purpose. You can also use an app for notes on your smartphone to capture ideas.

A checklist is included in the appendix for analyzing a problem and another checklist for using your in-depth (unconscious) mind.

The ability to generate ideas is an invaluable skill in today's high-technology age. Having a copy of The Art of Creative Thinking at hand for reference can help develop that skill.

Buy it on Amazon: The Art of Creative Thinking: How to Be Innovative and Develop Great Ideas.

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