The Imagineering Way

This book is definitely a gateway into the imaginations on the imagineering team. The book is written in a not-so-ordinary fashion, so you get the full idea of what an imagineerer's mind looks like. If you enjoy Disney, or even want to use this book as a way to get ideas on how to better a business or ministry or anything else that requires creative design, this book will definitely get your mind rolling.

For as long as I can remember, I have been a fan of Disney. As an adult, I have been very interested in learning why Disney has been so successful for so long. Reading this excellent, fast-reading book gave me some first-hand insights into Disney's creative genius that I have long admired. If you want to read, and in some cases see, the thoughts of Disney "Imagineers" about what inspires, motivates, and brings out their creativity, then this book is for you. The purpose of the book, as presented in the introduction, was clear, and clearly achieved: "...[to] put down on paper the essence of what the Imagineering culture and environment means, and how that very culture allows them to create their magic...the goal was to offer readers wonderful essays and anecdotes they would be able to absorb and somehow adapt to help them live more creative lives." From this diverse collection of sketches and narratives from many different Imagineering folks, I found quite a few stimulating quotes and phrases that had special meaning to me. These quotes covered topics such as, but not limited to, remembering what it was like to be a child with an active imagination, not being afraid of blank sheets of paper, customer service, solving problems and challenges, team-building, dealing with uncertainty, and the value of being thick-skinned to critique: "In the lexicon of youth ... there is no such word as `fail'!" "..."fear" too often spells failure." "Nothing is worse than doing nothing." "What am I doing that is getting in the way of what I want to happen?" "As a mentor, don't provide every answer. Rather, ask "Why do you think it is this way?" A good mentor doesn't give the answers, but helps others figure it out for themselves." "When we fail, we don't stop. Sometimes you have to go backward in order to go forward, but we never stop." "There is no right answer, only the best answer." "The imagination anchors best in what we know." "To be creative is to be curious, and to be curious involves risk." "Our guests' reactions to the experience will be instinctive and emotional - we need to tap into that, too."

Looking to ignite some fires at your office because the team cant stand their ideas getting squashed by the man? Buy multiple copies of the book, write a little forward tailored to each of the recipients including the boss and let them know there will be a quiz. Make sure you remind them about the quiz and administer it. Even if the boss doesnt read it the employees will feel valued and that might keep the good ideas flowing long enough for you to find a more fulfilling job elsewhere. Seriously though, quick read with great ideas to generate new ways to approach how to get projects moving again. Has it helped us here at ... yes to a point.

The Imagineering Way Ideas to Ignite Your Creativity is an interesting, enlightening, and inspiring look at the creative process that the Imagineers of Walt Disney World go through when tackling one of their larger than life problems. Whether you're an engineer, artist, musician, or anything in between, this book will definitely help you in solving problems creatively on the job or in everyday life. While the anecdotes that are provided in the essays are entertaining, the overall message to be gained from this book is to stop talking about doing things and start doing them, even if it isn't the right solution to the problem at hand, just start doing something. Reading this has provided me with many ideas, and hopefully the kick in the pants I needed to start doing something.

I am still waiting a detailed history book about the Disney ImaginersOr maybe a book about how they think. I was hopping that this book was it, but it wasn't.This book is a collection of essays, thoughts, and fun tid-bits about the ideaOf imagineering written by the Imaginers themselves. Its fun to read and give a teaser glimpse into Disney's best keep secret.