I am often asked, why I chose to name my company “roundpeg”. The obvious answer, was because I spent all those years in corporate, feeling like a square peg in a round hole, and this is where I fit!
But there is more to the story! I wanted to build a business around the ideas of creativity, 
collaboration, and positive energy, and for me, creativity begins with a “R.O.U.N.D” process.
R.O.U.N.D: Research, Originate, Unite, Nurture, Do It!
Research
To produce creative output, you need creative input! Collecting a variety of information, without worrying how it fits, is the foundation of the research phase. Input comes from everywhere, what you read, what you see when you are out for a walk, what you learn from others.
- Explore your environment for new ideas
- Seek inspiration in nature
- Develop abilities and talents, enhance your education
- Analyzing data and historical trends
Originate
The second step is the most fun. In this phase, everything is possible. Bring together team members and peers for a short, but lively session of Originating. This process works well with a diverse group, people with very different skills, personality styles and experience. Make sure everyone in the room understands, there are no bad ideas!
- Brainstorm and “what-if.”
- Generate many, many ideas
- Use your imagination, think, ponder, daydream
Unite
As you review the ideas you have generated, select a few to explore in greater detail. As you embrace these ideas, unite related concepts, look for connections and ways to build on the ideas of others.
- Borrow ideas from others
- Invent and innovate
- Make decisions
Nurture
This is where the real work begins. You must refine and improve your ideas with an objective eye. Identify and eliminate obstacles as you nurture the best ideas, giving them the chance to blossom and grow. Most ideas won’t survive this phase, as impractical or or unworkable ideas must be rejected, so the best ideas can blossom.
- Objectively evaluate an idea
- Reject what doesn’t work
- Simplify the over-complicated
Do-It
To move from concepts to reality, you must commit to a course of action. In the Do-It phase you make the decision to go forward, and never give up. Success will depend on your passion, commitment, enthusiasm, and your ability to learn from your mistakes.
- Market your idea
- Deal with critics
- Survive success
- And Begin Again!
It is a round process, because, as soon as you think you are done, it is time to start again!
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