Book Review: “Unthink” by Erik Wahl

Cliff Quicksell, CSP

Cliff Quicksell and Associates

Erik Wahl’s Unthink: Rediscover Your Creative Genius is an inspiring and thought-provoking exploration of creativity, innovation, and the power of breaking free from conventional thinking. In this book, Wahl challenges readers to step out of the confines of traditional thought patterns and embrace new, creative approaches to problem-solving and business practices. *Unthink* is not just a guide for unlocking personal creativity but also an insightful reflection on how organizations and leaders can leverage creativity to drive innovation and growth in today’s fast-paced, constantly evolving business environment.

Summary of the Book

At its core, “Unthink” is a call to action for individuals to break away from the limiting beliefs and thought processes that stifle their creativity. Wahl emphasizes that creativity is not just the domain of artists or innovators but is a fundamental skill that everyone can develop. Throughout the book, he draws on his background as a corporate speaker, artist, and entrepreneur to illustrate how the creative process can be applied not only in personal life but also in the business world.

The book is divided into concise chapters that focus on practical steps to unlocking creativity. Wahl uses a variety of metaphors, anecdotes, and illustrations from his own experiences, making the book both accessible and engaging. His writing style is direct, conversational, and motivational, making *Unthink* an easy read for those who may be unfamiliar with creativity theory or the business implications of innovative thinking.

One of the central themes in the book is the idea of "unthinking" – the concept of discarding preconceived notions and habitual ways of thinking. Wahl argues that in order to achieve true creativity, one must first free themselves from the constraints of societal expectations, education systems, and even self-imposed limitations. In his view, creative potential is something everyone possesses, but it must be nurtured and brought to the surface by unlearning outdated thinking patterns.

Key Takeaways

1. Breaking Free from Conventional Thinking: Wahl encourages readers to question and discard conventional norms that inhibit creative thinking. He suggests that the first step toward innovation is to free oneself from the rules and limitations that restrict imaginative possibilities. By doing so, individuals can open themselves up to a broader range of creative solutions.

2. Reconnecting with Play: Wahl asserts that creativity often emerges when we embrace a playful attitude, much like children do. The importance of play, experimentation, and taking risks cannot be overstated in his philosophy. Creativity thrives in environments where individuals feel safe to experiment and make mistakes, which leads to greater innovation and personal growth.

3. Creativity as a Skill: Contrary to the common belief that creativity is a natural gift possessed by a select few, Wahl emphasizes that creativity is a skill that can be developed through practice and dedication. The idea that anyone can be creative challenges traditional assumptions about talent and ability, encouraging readers to approach creative endeavors with a growth mindset.

4. Innovation through Collaboration: Wahl also highlights the power of collaboration in fostering innovation. He suggests that creative breakthroughs often happen when diverse perspectives are brought together. Collaboration helps break down silos and allows for new ideas to emerge, ultimately driving growth and change within organizations.

5. Unthinking as a Business Strategy: One of the most valuable insights in the book is Wahl’s application of creativity to business strategy. He argues that companies that prioritize innovation and creativity are better equipped to adapt to changing market conditions and remain competitive. "Unthinking" in this context means reimagining business models, products, and processes without being constrained by the status quo.

Application to Business

“Unthink” provides valuable lessons for businesses looking to foster a culture of creativity and innovation. In an era where the pace of change is accelerating, companies must embrace creativity as a core business strategy. Wahl's ideas are especially relevant for leaders who want to build organizations that are adaptable, forward-thinking, and able to thrive in competitive markets.

One of the key business applications of “Unthink” is the idea of creating a culture of psychological safety where employees feel empowered to experiment and take risks. Organizations that encourage their teams to think outside the box and challenge the status quo are more likely to develop innovative solutions that disrupt industries and provide competitive advantages. By fostering an environment where creativity is nurtured, companies can unlock new ideas and technologies that will fuel long-term growth.

Additionally, Wahl’s emphasis on collaboration is crucial for businesses. Innovation often happens at the intersection of diverse perspectives, and cross-functional teams are better positioned to generate novel ideas. Whether through brainstorming sessions, open innovation challenges, or collaborative projects, companies that actively promote teamwork across different departments will be more effective at driving innovation.

In practical terms, business leaders can apply the principles from “Unthink” by:

1. Encouraging Risk-Taking: Employees should be encouraged to take calculated risks and experiment with new ideas. By creating an environment where failure is seen as a stepping stone to success, organizations can remove the fear of making mistakes, which often inhibits creativity.

2. Implementing Design Thinking: Companies can adopt frameworks like design thinking, which emphasize empathy, problem-solving, and iterative development. This approach helps businesses focus on understanding customer needs, generating ideas, prototyping, and testing in a way that fosters creativity and innovation.

3. Breaking Down Silos: Companies should actively seek to break down silos and encourage collaboration between departments. Diverse teams with different expertise and perspectives are better equipped to think outside the box and come up with creative solutions to complex business challenges.

4. Investing in Employee Development: Just as Wahl suggests creativity is a skill that can be developed, businesses can invest in ongoing employee training and development programs aimed at enhancing creative thinking and problem-solving abilities.

5. Leadership by Example: Finally, leaders must model creative behavior and champion innovative ideas. When leaders embrace "unthinking" by challenging old assumptions and exploring new possibilities, it sets the tone for the rest of the organization to follow suit.

Conclusion

Erik Wahl’s “Unthink” is a timely and engaging book that offers powerful insights into the importance of creativity in business. By challenging readers to rethink the way they approach problem-solving and innovation, Wahl provides a roadmap for individuals and organizations seeking to thrive in an increasingly complex and competitive world. The book’s practical advice and motivational tone make it an invaluable resource for leaders, entrepreneurs, and anyone looking to unlock their creative potential. Through “Unthink” Wahl invites us to step outside our comfort zones and embrace the transformative power of creative thinking – a necessary mindset for success in today’s business landscape.