After writing over a thousand songs, I’d be lying if I told you I could remember the writing of each of them but I can certainly remember what it felt like to write my first one. I was completely transported. I’d put something brand new into the world. Not only that but I’d found a way to take what was important to me and translate it into a medium that would connect with others on a deep emotional level. All of a sudden, I had a way to process my feelings, thoughts and ideas in a new and incredibly powerful language that people actually wanted to hear. I was hooked.
Of course, I’ve had thirty years to think about the power of songwriting to spark innovation and you might be thinking about it for almost the first time as you read this post. 
To give you a hand, let me take a moment to explain how songs – and songwriting – are not a luxury but a fundamental necessity to all life on earth.
From religious hymns written in Sumeria over three thousand years ago to the songs, quite literally, of birds and whales, songs are one of the very oldest means of creating meaningful and memorable communication. It is these qualities among the others that will make developing your ability to write songs an essential arrow in your innovative quiver.
Over the past several years, it has been my pleasure – and privilege – to guide hundreds of executives through my songwriting workshops. My favorite part, without a doubt, is showing people who are not conditioned to thinking of themselves as creative that they are absolutely, positively capable of innovating and that all they’ve been missing are the proper tools.
Often when I’m discussing my workshop in advance with my corporate clients, I’m asked what happens if one – or more – of the teams involved isn’t able to write a song. I’ll tell you what I tell them. Songwriting is simply a matter of giving already intelligent people the tools they need to enhance their innovation skill set. Every team writes a song. Every time.
-Cliff
Find out more about Cliff’s creativity & innovation workshops for business teams.