The human ego has a constant drive to control its environment. Secretly believing that it is the source of the universe, the ego willfully looks to change everything. From the ego’s perspective, it is the source of creative inspiration.

Consciousness and psychological research, however, has demonstrated that the ego actually blocks creative expression. The more humility you possess, the more you are able to get out of your own way. As the ego’s hold is minimized, your creative potential is realized.

Instead of attempting to control the creative process, let go trying to change anything.

As a Student, your job is to explore the problem from every angle. But then, the Wanderer must step in. In the state of the Wanderer, the creative genius surrenders to the problem to something beyond himself and awaits the Muse’s answer.

When confronted with a difficult problem, seek to understand the nature of the problem. But then, simply allow the problem to be there. Your creative output can soar.

Related posts:

1. The Creative Process Revisited
2. Welcome the Wanderer
3. Creative Geniuses Surrender to the Moment

The human ego is fragile. It likes to think it’s perfect; it hates hearing that it’s not. How do you offer feedback in a way that others will be receptive to it?

Most managers and business owners use a combination of judgmental comments and personal criticism as their predominant mode of feedback. Judgment might take the form, “This report is terrible.” Personal criticism comes in the form of an attack, “You’re not good at this.” Obviously, these approaches are neither supportive nor helpful.

To overcome our innate resistance to feedback (even of the kinder, more gentle variety), the key is to help the person come to the necessary conclusions on his own and let him take ownership for improving his performance. The best way to do this is through the artful use of questions.

When you’re reviewing someone on a project, let’s say a proposal, you might ask, What’s the primary objective of the proposal? Follow-up questions might include,

• Do you feel this proposal has achieved this objective?
• Do you see places where the proposal may be improved?
• If there was a primary message that needed to be clarified, what might it be?
• What is the ideal response you’re looking for from this pitch?
• How else can you help ensure that it will receive that response?

This line of questioning allows the person to become aware of areas of improvement and take ownership for the changes.

A well-crafted question circumvents the ego’s defense system. Of course, your tone and intention in engaging in this style of dialogue is another important factor. If you come across as arrogant, all-knowing, and impatient, it doesn’t matter how well-crafted your questions are. If, however, you genuinely want to see the person succeed, he will intuit your intention and push for higher performance.

To overcome the feedback barrier: Don’t command, criticize, or give instructions. Compassion, not criticism reduces people’s ego defense systems. Ask questions with the intention of bringing out the best performance and best qualities in your people. If you do, everyone wins.

Related posts:

1. Six Principles for Effective Feedback
2. A Sign of Integrity
3. Reading with Purpose