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How
to
Think like
Leonardo da Vinci
Liberating Your Creativity and Innovation
M i c h a e l J. G e l b
SCENE SELECTION
PART ONE: Introduction to Leonardo
The Seven Principles
1.Curiosit
2.Dimostrazione
3.Sensazione
4.Sfumato
5.PART TWO: Arte/Scienza
6.Corporalita
7.Connessione
PART THREE - Question and Answer
Introduction
Notes:
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11
15
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28
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Review
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Post-Presentation Activities
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RECOMMENDED READING
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Pre-Presentation Activities
Prepare yourself for challenge. Some of the concepts presented in
this seminar may ask you to stretch the scope of your thinking.
Open yourself to new ideas. It is often helpful to relax both mind and
body through simple breathing exercises. Begin by sitting erect with
your back straight and your head centered above the torso. Let your
arms dangle loosely. Rest your hands on your thighs or knees with
your elbows close to your body.
Close your eyes to avoid being distracted, and breathe in a deep
breath slowly until your lungs are full. Then exhale completely and
breathe in slowly again. Keep your attention on the flow of air
entering and leaving your body. Repeat this for a minute or two.
Post-Presentation Activities
Complete any unfinished activities. These are important skill-builders that will
help you internalize the Da Vinci principles.
Do the "homework". You will find a wealth of post-presentation activities
beginning on page 34. Because there is not enough time during the seminar
to practice each of the Da Vinci principles, activities have been provided that
will not only reinforce the learning, but will also help you apply what you have
learned in your organization.
Share what you have learned with other members of your organization.
Read Michael Gelb's books, How To Think Like Leonardo Da Vinci: Seven
Steps to Genius Every Day (Delacorte Press, New York, 1998), and do The
How To Think Like Leonardo da Vinci WORKBOOK (Dell Publishing, New
York, 1999).
Consider using the resources listed at the end of the participant's guide to
learn more, and to develop one or more new skills that will expand your
brain's capability. The "recommended reading" list begins on page 45.
Introduction
For more than five centuries Western civilization has viewed with admiration and
awe the life and works of a great genius of the Renaissance, Leonardo Da Vinci.
The phrase "Renaissance man", which is used to describe anyone with a multitude
of talents and skills, might have been coined to describe Leonardo Da Vinci. He
was a painter whose masterpieces still influence artists today and delight all who
see them. He was an astronomer, a musician, a scientist, an inventor, and a
profound philosopher, who kept meticulous notes and sketches of all he thought
and observed.
How did he achieve all this? Da Vinci himself has recorded his methods and has
described how to think, how to develop and use our inherent capabilities, how to
integrate everything we learn into one harmonious whole.
Five centuries later, as people search for new ways to improve the performance of
their organizations, Da Vinci's ideas have re-emerged as the buzzwords of
management theory. When we speak of:
"continuous learning",
"whole-brain thinking",
"mind-body connection"
"brainstorming",
"systems thinking",
"thriving on chaos",
we are simply using new language to describe concepts set down long ago by
Leonardo Da Vinci.
In today's global marketplace, all organizations are searching for ways to revitalize
themselves. Corporations, government entities and non-profits all need to find new
methods of working, new ways to organize themselves, new products and services
in a rapidly changing world. People in organizations are being called upon to
develop competencies that will enlarge their own scope and will yield innovation
and productivity for their organizations. For these people, Leonardo Da Vinci has a
message: If you are willing to apply yourself, you can learn how to think like a
genius!
Notes:
CURIOSIT:
Approaching life with insatiable curiosity and an unrelenting quest for
continuous learning
DIMOSTRAZIONE:
Committing to test knowledge through experience, persistence and a
willingness to learn from mistakes
SENSAZIONE:
Continually refining the senses, especially sight, as the means to enliven
experience
SFUMATO:
Embracing ambiguity, paradox and uncertainty
ARTE/SCIENZA:
Balancing science and art, logic and imagination - 'whole-brain thinking'
CORPORALITA:
Cultivating grace, ambidexterity, fitness, and poise
CONNESSIONE:
Recognizing and appreciating the interconnectedness of all things 'systems thinking'
ACTIVITY 1:
Assessing Your Curiosit
Your desire to learn and develop your natural abilities is the fountain from
which all Da Vincian practices will flow. Begin by contemplating the
statements below. Your reflections will help you understand how well you
are already using your curiosit, and where there is room for improvement.
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ACTIVITY 2:
Curiosit Skill Builder:
"What, When, Who, How, Where, Why... and What if?
Think of a real problem or question that you are concerned with in your work or within
your organization. Write your question or problem statement below, and then fill in
answers to "what, when, who, how, where, and why". Some cues have been provided to
stimulate your thinking.
Once the problem has been explored, set the problem aside for a while, and then, when
you return to it, propose as many "what if scenarios as you can think of. Enlist the help of
colleagues and associates. Record all scenarios, no matter how outrageous they seem at
first. Then select one or more scenarios, and subject them to the six-question treatment.
QUESTION/PROBLEM STATEMENT:
What...
is the problem? are the underlying issues? preconceptions, prejudices, or paradigms may
be influencing my perception ? will happen if I ignore it? problems may be caused by
solving this problem? metaphors from nature can I use to illuminate it?
When...
did it start? does it happen? doesn't it happen? will the consequences of it be felt? must it
be resolved?
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Who...
cares about it? is affected by it? created it? perpetuates it? can help solve it?
How...
does it happen? can I get more objective information? can I look at it from unfamiliar
perspectives? can it be changed? will I know that it has been solved?
Where...
does it happen? did it begin? haven't I looked? else has this happened?
Why...
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What have you learned about your question or problem from asking these questions?
Summarize your insights below.
What if...
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Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
"Yes" example:
"No" example:
2. Am I willing to acknowledge my mistakes?
"Yes" example:
"No" example:
3. Do I question 'conventional wisdom' and authority?
"Yes" example:
"No" example:
4. Do I persevere in the face of obstacles?
"Yes" example:
"No" example:
Now, select a problem and ask, "How would I handle it differently if I weren't afraid of
making mistakes"?
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Notes - 3. Sensazione: Continually refining the senses, especially sight, as the means
to enliven experience:
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somewhat
yes!
Example:
I thrive on change.
Example:
I see the humor in life every day.
Example:
I know when I feel anxious.
Example:
I spend sufficient time with myself.
Example:
I trust my gut.
Example:
I can hold contradictory ideas in my mind.
Example:
I delight in paradox and irony.
Example:
I believe that conflict often inspires creativity.
Example:
SCORE:
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Weaknesses
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
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In your personal experience does the end justify the means? Why, or why not?
You can continue this exercise indefinitely by examining other paradox pairs in
your life: Joy and sorrow, good and evil, change and constancy, humility and
pride, etc.
Activity 2:
Making space for incubation: When do you get your best ideas? Think of a
moment of creative breakthrough. Trace the process. Were you alone? What
kind of input preceded the breakthrough? Did you have to take a break? How
long a break? Do you have a strong faith in your creative process? Give
examples of success.
Human potential
We then explored the first four of seven steps to genius every day:
CURIOSIT:
Approaching life with insatiable curiosity and an unrelenting quest for
continuous learning
DIMOSTRAZIONE:
Committing to test knowledge through experience, persistence and a
willingness to learn from mistakes
SENSAZIONE:
Continually refining the senses, especially sight, as the means to
enliven experience
SFUMATO
Embracing ambiguity, paradox, and uncertainty
In Part Two, we will continue learning from Leonardo by taking a closer look
at the last three of the seven steps:
ARTE/SCIENZA
Balancing science and art, logic and imagination - 'whole-brain thinking'
CORPORALITA
Cultivating grace, ambidexterity, fitness and poise
CONNESSIONE
Recognizing and appreciating the interconnectedness of all things 'systems thinking'
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very
I like details.
I am skilled at math.
I rely on logic.
I write clearly.
l Iike lists.
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not at all
very
I am highly imaginative
I am good at brainstorming.
I love to doodle.
I rely on intuition.
Most people have a proclivity toward one hemisphere or the other of the brain. Was
that your result? Of course, all people have a "left-brain" and a "right-brain". Looking at
your own answers, you can see that you have some characteristics of each. But
having a proclivity toward one hemisphere points at the opportunity to bring the brain
in balance - balancing Arte and Scienza - by developing the less prominent capabilities
of the brain.
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Use colors, pictures, dimension, and codes for greater association and
emphasis
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Plan to mind map this problem and brainstorm solutions later. Share the mind mapping
technique with colleagues and associates and enlist their help in using a mind map to
define and solve this problem. You will find a valuable mind-mapping post-presentation
activity on page 41.
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always
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Are we ambidextrous?
What is the state of our health? Chronic maladies? Growing pains? Life
threatening disease?
What are we doing to be more fit?
Where do I fit in?
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CURIOSIT:
Approaching life with insatiable curiosity and an unrelenting quest for
continuous learning
DIMOSTRAZIONE:
Committing to test knowledge through experience, persistence and a
willingness to learn from mistakes
SENSAZIONE:
Continually refining the senses, especially sight, as the means to
enliven experience
SFUMATO:
Embracing ambiguity, paradox, and uncertainty
ARTE/SCIENZA:
Balancing science and art, logic and imagination - 'whole-brain
thinking'
CORPORALITA:
Cultivating grace, ambidexterity, fitness and poise
CONNESSIONE:
Recognizing and appreciating the interconnectedness of all things 'systems thinking'
In his presentation, Michael Gelb explained the method for using these seven principles.
A wealth of exercises has been provided for your use both during the presentation and
afterward, offering opportunities to learn and develop the skills embodied in this method.
Anyone can learn how to think like a genius. With this knowledge and these tools at
your disposal, you and your organization can begin a new period of increased creativity
and innovation.
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POST-PRESENTATION ACTIVITY:
Assessing Sensazione
Think of the time in the past year when you felt most alive. Chances are that you can
conjure up all the images and sensations associated with that event, because at such
times your senses tend to be heightened and focused. By refining your Sensazione,
you will be able to bring the sensory aliveness of your peak experiences to your life
every day.
In the pages that follow you will find some suggestions for activities and exercises
designed to develop your Sensazione. As before, it is helpful to assess the current
state of your Sensazione. Begin by ticking off the checklists to help identify where your
senses are most developed and which senses need more work.
For more detailed activities like these, please see The How To Think Like Leonardo
da Vinci WORKBOOK.
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Self-Assessment: Smell
I have a favorite scent (What is it? Why do I like it? What does it remind me
of?)
Smells affect my emotions strongly, for better or worse.
I can recognize friends by their scent.
I know how to use aromas to influence my mood.
I can reliably judge the quality of food or wine by its aroma.
When I see fresh flowers, I usually take a few moments to breathe in their
aroma.
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POST-PRESENTATION ACTIVITY:
Practice Your Mind-Mapping Skills
Mind mapping is an invaluable tool for simplifying complex tasks. You can use it to
improve your performance in a wide range of areas including strategic planning,
presentation preparation, meeting management, test preparation, and systems analysis.
It's best to make your first few mind maps on relatively simple, lighthearted subjects.
Choose one of the following topics to practice your mind-mapping skills. Take about
twenty minutes for this first practice map.
Mind Map Your Favorite Movie. Begin with a simple drawing that represents your
favorite movie's title. Print key words and draw images that express the characters, plot,
and themes. Remember to put key words and images on lines radiating out from your
central symbol.
Mind Map Your Dream House. Explore the delightful fantasy of a dream house using a
mind map. Start with a symbol of your paradise in the center and then branch out with
key words and images that represent the elements of your ideal living environment.
Remember, let your mind work by association instead of trying to put things down in
order. Just generate ideas for your ideal environment. Then after you have come up
with a multitude of possibilities, you can go back and put them in order.
After you've made one or two practice mind maps, tackle the problem you wrote down
at the seminar.
Instructions:
Use a large piece of paper.
Think of the idea you would like to explore or the problem you would like to solve.
In the center draw an abstract image of your topic.
Free associate branches of the map - use keywords, color, pictures
Take a break and then generate another wave of branches.
Take another break - review - look for connections and emerging themes connect
related parts of your mind map with arrows, codes, colors, etc.
Now, find relationships that can help you integrate and organize the most cogent ideas
and then reorder them to reflect new possibilities or solutions.
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Assessing Corporalita
The idea that a robust mind and a healthy body are linked was one of the concepts from
ancient Greece that was revived during the Renaissance.
Leonardo offered a
prescription for the health of mind and body when wrote:
"To keep in health, these rules are wise:
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Thinking Through the Martial Art of the Mind, Body Learning: An
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