“Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower.” — Stephen Jobs

According to the innovative founder of Sony, Akio Morita, “The key factor in industry is creativity.”

To access greater creativity, consider the counsel of the most renowned artists. Michelangelo, on the creation of ‘David’ said, “The idea is locked up inside. All you have to do is remove the excess stone.” Vincent Van Gogh observed, “If you hear a voice within you say, ‘You cannot paint,’ then by all means paint, and that voice will be silenced.” Pablo Picasso declared, “I am always doing that which I cannot do, in order that I may learn how to do it.”

The Bottom Line: Leaders unleash creativity by searching out new ideas, facing fears and attempting the impossible.