Greetings.  It's Halloween here in the U.S. and many other countries around the world–and an annual chance to dress up, get scary, carve pumpkins, eat too much candy and then search for a large bottle of extra-strength antacid tablets.  Sounds like great fun.  Well at least the first four parts.  And why not, after all Halloween is an historic and remarkable tradition that traces its roots back to several cultures and eras.

It's also a brilliant idea if we're trying to enhance fresh thinking and innovation in our companies and organizations…because Halloween gives us the opportunity to be anyone (or anything) and to act in character for one wild and crazy evening.

Anyone (or anything).  

And while we could choose some trendy politician, pop culture icon, superhero or stereotypical persona, we could also choose someone (or something) remarkable with wisdom to share when it comes to tackling the most important problems or opportunities facing our businesses.  A great inventor or business leader.  A truly compelling thinker or philosopher.  An acclaimed artist, musician or designer.  A small child filled with a sense of curiosity and optimism about the future.  Even an innovation that has changed the way people live and work.

Then we can come back to work with our costumes on and an idea to share–based on our character–that could jump start the conversation on a challenge that really matters.  And in the process we'd have a lot of fun seeing another side of the folks we spend many of our waking hours with.  And another window into their genius.

We win in business and in life when we dare to use our imaginations. And when we dress up in order to unlock new ideas, perspectives and possibilities.

Cheers and have a fun and safe Halloween!