TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Be creative, the boss says. That’s usually easier said than done. For most of us, creativity is a strange and ill-defined process that often results in a blank screen and a headache. But, most of the experts agree creativity can be taught, honed and enhanced. And in this day and age, creativity -- thinking outside that box -- is a big professional plus.

“That’s why we are offering this executive series,” says Susan Carver, director of Executive Education in the Manderson Graduate School at The University of Alabama.

The seminar, “Applied Creativity: Innovation in the Workplace,” will be held Sept. 17-18 at NorthRiver Yacht Club in Tuscaloosa. “Most of us, by the time we reach the business world, are conditioned to play by the rules, fit our job description, follow company policy and so forth. Our creativity is often stifled. Yet, we are often told to ‘think outside the box.’ This series is designed to teach people to do that,” Carver said.

Carver said the Executive Education program will give participants the tools to bring creativity to the surface, understand a systematic process for creative problem solving, understand their leadership style, conduct effective brainstorming and become more productive through innovation.

“Applied Creativity” is the second Executive Leadership Series presented by the UA Executive Education Program. The first drew participants from across the country, including one from the Pentagon. More programs will be announced soon.

Presenting the creativity workshop will be:

Harry Vardis, the founder of Creative Focus Inc., who has more than 20 years experience in creative problem solving.

Jack Wolf, Ph.D., who has designed and delivered programs on presentation and training skills, workforce learning, sales, creativity and performance improvement and who has presented at numerous conferences around the globe. His clients include General Electric, U.S. Airways, Chrysler, Time Warner, Starbucks, HBO, and FedEx.

Alan Black, an international workplace creative thinking consultant, who combines 20 years creative work experiences (a licensed architect, interior designer, college art and design professor, freelance writer and cartoonist) with two degrees in creativity. His published works include more than 200 articles and nine books including “BROKEN CRAYONS: Break your crayons and draw outside the lines.”

Jacquie Lowell, M.Ed., who has led improvisational theater classes and creativity workshops for the last 23 years, has developed creativity-stimulating training programs for business and education, and who has been a creativity consultant to several institutions.

The first day will be devoted to an introduction to creativity, followed by sessions with interactive exercises on teamwork, how to generate creativity, and tools and techniques for brainstorming.

The second day will focus on teambuilding and using leadership and personality styles to build effective teams, followed by sessions in which the participants will apply the principles learned.

This series is designed for mid to senior level executives who want to develop their creativity, judgment, and intuition for building more effective leadership qualities.

The cost of the Executive Series is $2,700 and includes all materials, food, lodging and other activities.

Conference registration deadline is Aug. 31, 2002. Seating is limited. For more information, call 205-348-8957.

The Culverhouse College of Commerce and Business Administration, which was founded in 1919, began offering graduate education in 1923. The undergraduate business school is 50th nationally in the latest U.S. News and World Report rankings.

Visit us on the web at www.cba.ua.edu.