Many
people have wondered over the time, where do the good ideas come from. As
creativity is becoming more valued in today’s society, the most efficiency-driven
companies, especially in ICT sector, have started thinking on how to create an
environment suitable for super-creative professionals to innovate.
Have
you noticed that some of the best ideas come to people when they are on their time
off? They come back to office with extraordinary illumination and start eagerly
to carry it out. Wouldn’t it be great if more of our professionals have those
valuable light bulb moments and boosts in motivation? Unfortunately the
employers very often don’t know how to enhance it.
Well,
usually this phenomena occurs:
-
when
you are away from the emergencies of your busy life and constant
interference, you can start to see the big picture;
-
when
you are in a relaxed atmosphere, it’s easier to remember what is really
important;
-
when
you are out of your common element, the creative part of your brain is
stimulated in new and different ways.
Being
away (not only on a vacation) is proved to be productive and some of the ICT
companies therefore have started to sponsor working retreats. What does
this mean?
For
example, every year, Bill Gates goes into seclusion for a „Think Week“, from
which employees, friends and even family are strictly banned. He is actively
disconnected and can effectively reflect, reset and clearly rethink his goals
and aspirations. On a Think Week he does a lot of research, reads variety of
books and papers, takes long walks, thinks through big ideas and challenges
deeply. He comes back with lot of reflected information, new ideas, old ideas,
existing projects and proposed ones, which was the initial aim of the retreat.
The
point is to give a person the time, space and quiet to think. To shut out so
that he can let in the inputs. New idea is a new network of neurons in one’s
brain. The patterns inside a person are mimicking the patterns outside. In
order to accept the new pattern of reflection, the pattern outside needs a
change as well.
Valdur
Mikita in his book “Lingvistiline mets” is claiming that secluded nature (especially
forest) is almost magical place for self-observation and individual
brain-storming.
That’s where Võrumaa comes in.
If
one is looking for a wide variety of quiet, inspirational, yet convenient small
country houses in forests and on hills in Estonia, they usually turn to
Võrumaa. Every small questhouse in the region has it’s unique way of making a
gift for the visitor. This gift is the opportunity to get very close with the
nature – deep forests, small lakes and picturesque hills. If that doesn’t
change the patterns – what will!
During the remote
work campaign, Võrumaa is inviting all the ICT companies in Estonia to use the
opportunity of Think Weeks in Võrumaa. Best places for innovation are easily found here.
