Ideas and Creativity aren’t Developed Over iChat

18 Comments

I’ve put a big importance on face-to-face meetings lately. They’re not required, but sure do help when it comes to hashing out new ideas or brainstorming about the future.

Steve Jobs, the creator of iChat, even had this down. He said, “There’s a temptation in our networked age to think that ideas can be developed by email and iChat. That’s crazy. Creativity comes from spontaneous meetings, from random discussions. You run into someone, you ask what they’re doing, you say ‘Wow,’ and soon you’re cooking up all sorts of ideas.”

I’ve met some of my current friends through social media, and I love them all. We’ve created together, laughed, and even cried, without yet meeting in person. But they don’t come close to the relationships I have with people I get to see on a daily or weekly basis.

I take long distance if that’s all I have, but it’s not where my best ideas are born. One of my friends (who I’ve never met in person) is planning on bringing his family here for three weeks this summer. I can’t wait to see what we’ll create together.

Do you go out of your way to work with others in person?

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Posted on February 14, 2012

  • Jack Lynady

    Yea, this is a tricky one. Here’s what I’ve found. I have neighbors 500 feet away that I barely engage with. Then I have friends online that I really connect with but they live 500 miles away. In both cases, there is somewhat of a barrier to the relationship. The reality is for either relationship to develop it will require intentionality and investment by both parties. What I am finding is I need to pursue both for different reasons. I need to connect with my local community and I need to connect with my online tribe too. One of the things I see happening more and more is Online communities meeting for retreats, cruises, etc. I know I am dedicating resources to that in my life. I came to CO last year for a Base Camp Gathering and will also go to one in 2012. Come to think of it there is probably a business in there for someone. It will continue to grow as a way for people to deepen their online friendships.

  • http://coachradio.tv/ Justin Lukasavige

    You hit it, Jack: intentionality is crucial.

    There is a time and place for both. I’d be unhappy if I only had one. Two years ago I wouldn’t have said that.

  • http://www.jmlalonde.com Joe Lalonde

    I’m working at meeting new people to be creative with. It is not something I’ve been good at in the past but I know I can improve.

  • http://coachradio.tv/ Justin Lukasavige

    Awesome to hear, Joe. Keep working at it.

  • http://rise365.com Claudia Good

    Justin,
    Love this reminder. Recently reconnected with an old friend and just met neighbors around the corner that totally rock and life suddenly has a totally different spin :)

    Having support in this way is huge. Finding people that are living intentionally is huge. Connecting with them is key.

  • http://www.liveitforward.com Kent Julian

    I see a lot of people in that picture who are friends that I respect deeply. Totally bummed I couldn’t hang out with you guys!

  • http://coachradio.tv/ Justin Lukasavige

    Right on, Claudia. Glad you’re connecting in person.

  • http://coachradio.tv/ Justin Lukasavige

    This trip was the impetuous for us moving to Colorado, Kent. It would have been awesome as always to have you.

  • http://www.onesolutionfor.me/ Trey Smith

    Over the past couple of years I have become more intentional about placing a greater focus on those that I can meet with regularly. Sometimes, when there is no other alternative, connecting to someone through social media is the easiest choice, but regular face to face interaction is the best. I actually wrote a related blog about this today. 

  • http://coachradio.tv/ Justin Lukasavige

    You wrote a great post, Trey. I used to hide behind the computer too. Now, I’m intentional and it’s working.

  • http://keithjameskemp.blogspot.com/ keithjameskemp

    I had a work-from-home situation with a former job.  On the surface, it seemed ideal.  No commute, no manager over my shoulder, no sick co-workers.  However, I found that even me, an introvert, missed people.  I found that I was not learning a whole heck of a lot either.  I think we need a certain level of socialization and we need the energy and thoughts of others to keep us sharp and moving ahead.  I know that I don’t generate ideas that quickly and I need others for fresh thoughts.

  • http://coachradio.tv/ Justin Lukasavige

    I think it’s great if you don’t like your job or the people you work with, Keith, but horrible if you love what you do and enjoy collaborating.

  • http://about.me/colinmichael Colin Michael

    That could be a problem. I’m forever getting into hot water over being “unapproachable” or hard to get to know in face-to-face contact. Some people find me scary. The worst part about these comments or feelings from others is that I don’t understand how I get labeled this way. On the other hand, some people compliment me on being helpful and approachable, and I don’t know why that is either :-/

  • http://www.facebook.com/JamesGarner42 James Garner

    I am at my best with face to face “like minded” community.  I learned over the past year that I am wired to need daily interaction with others.  It brings out the best in me and allows me to use my God given gifts.  I originally thought from going from my previous job that I would want to work alone and have no partners…I am now in the process of working toward change in that area of my life.  I don’t even go to my office any more..After about 2 hours or so I can find myself just feeling the funk of being alone…I find myself working in coffee houses just to be around people.  Good post Justin. 

  • http://coachradio.tv/ Justin Lukasavige

    I’d just ignore the haters, Colin. Also, have you read How to Win Friends and Influence People?

  • http://coachradio.tv/ Justin Lukasavige

    Thanks, James. Sounds like you’re someone that feeds off the energy of others, even if you don’t know them.

  • Jason Garey

    I’m so happy for you, Justin. It seems that you have found the sense of community in Woodland Park that many only dream of. I had a taste of it while at the FAA event, but what a blessing for you and your family to be living it every day. Fresh air in every sense. I agree that nothing is better than face to face contact for creating lasting bonds, especially if all parties are eager to go deep. Continued blessings to you, brother.

  • http://coachradio.tv/ Justin Lukasavige

    Thanks, Jason. Come back and visit.