Connection Between Vision and Collaboration

Question

Joey, are all creative endeavors individual before they become collaborative?

For example, Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence and then received input from John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, etc. during the revision and rewriting process. They did not all sit down and write it together. Rather, Jefferson composed the document then gathered their feedback.

My question said another way: Must there always be one "mastermind" behind a creative project who then receives input from others?

Is that how creativity works?

—Jonathan

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Answer

Jonathan, great example. You’re spot-on in your assessment of how a creative act originates.

The majority of creative endeavors, aside from accidental creations, require an individual to have a vision of what they’d like to achieve.

The Law of Vision states: “To achieve a thing, one must first envision a goal. Point yourself in a direction and let the process carry you forward. Ultimately, you must give yourself a purpose before you can fulfill it.”

The seed of a vision originates in the mind of a single person. Once it’s clear enough to share, others are then invited to help build—and shape—that vision.

At a high level, the original vision guides the way; at a low level, other folks join in with their own visions of how various facets are built.

Together, a creation is brought to life.

Jefferson had a vision for how the Declaration of Independence needed to be structured, but once he got his ideas out others were brought in to help challenge, refine, and finalize the document.

Walt Disney is another example. He knew he wanted to create a revolutionary animated feature film, Snow White, but he didn’t know exactly how the entire process would be carried out. Disney found people who could fill in the holes of his knowledge and abilities, and he let them do their thing.

Creative collaboration is a process of candid communication and trust.

—Joey Cofone

Creator of Baronfig
Author of The Laws of Creativity

Thomas Jefferson (standing) presenting his Declaration of Independence drafts to Benjamin Franklin and John Adams. Also—I'm a huge fan of that purple jacket TJ is sporting.