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David Tanner, Ph.D., was Director of the DuPont Center of Creativity and Innovation, which was founded in 1990 at the request of corporate management. Prior to that, he was Technical Director responsible for research and development, DuPont Industrial Fibre Division. His influence on creativity expanded beyond the technical groups into the marketing, manufacturing, and business functions of the company. David is now President of the American Creativity Association and a member of the Edward de Bono Creative Team.

In a recent weekly message on this website, just after the World Conference on Thinking set in Singapore, Edward de Bono was bemoaning that although virtually everybody appreciated the value of teaching thinking they were going about it in the wrong way. He states that the acid test is: "Is this [thinking] programme used in the business world?".

Apart from ease of reading and the many examples given in the book David Tanner actually shows and provides proof that the teaching of the right techniques and methodologies of thinking actually work, are accepted and practiced in business and industry. This book is not just about Edward de Bono but also about other well known 'gurus'. There are forewords written by Edward de Bono, Ned Herrmann and Morris Stein. It is also interesting to read that the techniques that are illustrated are not exclusive but that techniques and methodologies advocated by these teachers have been used together in a number of instances. There is an excellent balance.

Many people will come to read this book with a different approach and possibly for a different purpose. Once read many will begin to be convinced that there is very definitely something in the teaching and practice of thinking - even if one was not convinced at the outset. The examples given are proof of the effectiveness measured on the bottom line of DuPont.

David Tanner's book demonstrates the power of 'operacy'. He describes the operational tools in sufficient detail to show their effect. He mentions all the 'hats' of Six Thinking Hats, The techniques used in Lateral Thinking and the first tool ever taught by Edward de Bono - PMI.

While many organisations call for statistics about the effectiveness of these thinking methodologies - the statistics, here are actual proven examples.

As if the book was not readable enough it is laced with Frank and Ernest cartoons by Bob Thaves to reinforce key points.

The book is strongly recommended for the sceptic - an oasis for the convinced. It provides no refuge for the advocates of 'what is'.

The book is obtainable from APTT Inc. Email dkirsch@aptt.com for further information and please use 'TOTAL CREATIVITY' as the subject of the email.

If you have read the book and have publishable comments, address them to edwdebono@msn.com and use 'TOTAL CREATIVITY' as the subject.