I am developing a concept for a learning org tool that can best be described as a "creativity audit" Most T&D programs and Learning org models ignore or dismiss the basics and practitioners then wonder why people have trouble generating ideas. Along with literacy and numerousy, both critical and creative thinking - on-demand - are generic core elements of learning but somehow in practise they often get ignored or dismissed as basic core competencies. Furthermore, thinking skills are not reinforced in most higher order applications in training and development programs that I've looked at such as communications, team-building, and TQM. When a thought about creativity is included it ignores the cognitive aspects (what's the thinking at this stage of the operation) and usually focuses in on just problem-solving (deviations from the norm or baseline) which usually leads to marginal, incremental improvements instead of significant new concepts or breakthrough ideas. In other cases, trainers have staff go through brain teasers or mental gymnastics that have no direct relations to the issues at hand. Most TQM programs ignore the "design" idiom, that can generate new concepts and ideas. And back in the organization the situations are even worse. Most institutions are creatures of routine and repetition. Once radical or breakthrough ideas are created there are few systems or mechanims to foster and promote them. Where is does happen, it seems to be the exception instead of the rule. I've been working on a concept of a generic creativity audit. It looks at any organization from a systems perspective and at several meta-levels (individual, group, organizational and the external environment) and I'm working on several presentation formats: audit/checklist and fault-tree. I suspect that in the future a software version could be possible. Is anyone else out there working in the same direction. I've tested parts of it with several clients, but I beleive it needs more fine tuning. Would some company like to act as a Beta test site ? I'm also looking for collaberators on this project who can add any new dimensions and participate in the marketing and commercial end of this venture. Please respond to me directly at <[log in to unmask]> If you are a conceptual, lateral thinker and would like to get involved in the development stages ( I'm not looking for investors) please email me indicating what your contribution to this project could be (be specific) or by mail to: Walter Derzko Walter Derzko and Associates 116 Galley Ave. Toronto, Ontario M6R 1H1 Attn: Creativity Audit tel: (416) 588-1122