Ken Robinson and Lou Aronica

'The world is changing faster that ever in our history. We need to evolve a new appreciation of the importance of nurturing human talent along with an understanding of how talent expresses itself differently in every individual. We need to create an environment – in our schools, in our workplaces, and in our public offices – where every person is inspired to grow creatively'

The element is the point at which natural talent meets personal passion. This groundbreaking new book is all about how every one of us can find our element, connecting with our true talents and fulfilling our creative potential.

Creativity expert Ken Robinson believes that we are all born with tremendous natural capacities, but that we lose touch with them as we spend more time in the world. Whether it's a child bored in class, an employee being misused or just someone who feels frustrated but can't quite explain why, too many people don't know what they are really capable of achieving. Education, business and society as a whole are losing out.

The Element draws on the stories of a wide range of people – from ex-Beatle Paul McCartney to Matt Groening, creator of The Simpsons; from actress Meg Ryan to Broadway choreographer Gillian Lynne; and from writer Arianna Huffington to renowned physicist Richard Feynman and others, including business leaders and athletes – showing how all of them came to recognize their unique talents and were able to make a successful living doing what they love.

With a wry sense of humour and a sense of optimism, Ken Robinson looks at the conditions that enable us to find ourselves in the element, and those that stifle that possibility. He shows that age and occupation are no barrier and he argues that there is a urgent need to enhance creativity and innovation by thinking differently about ourselves.


Review
"Robinson (Out of Our Minds), renowned in the areas of creativity development, innovation and human resources, tackles the challenge of determining and pursuing work that is aligned with individual talents and passions to achieve well-being and success.

The element is what he identifies as the point where the activities individuals enjoy and are naturally good at come together. Offering a wide range of stories about the creative journeys of different people with diverse paths to the element—including Paul McCartney, The Alchemist author Paulo Coelho, and Vidal Sassoon as well as lesser-known examples—he demonstrates a rich vision of human ability and creativity.

Covering such topics as the power of creativity, circles of influence, and attitude and aptitude, the author emphasizes the importance of nurturing talent along with developing an understanding of how talent expresses itself differently in every individual.

Robinson emphasizes the importance of mentors and reforming and transforming education, making a convincing argument bolstered by solid strategies for honing creativity. Motivating and persuasive, this entertaining and inspiring book will appeal to a wide audience."
- Publishers Weekly


Author Biography
Ken Robinson is an internationally recognised leader in the development of creativity, innovation and human resources. He has worked with national governments in Europe and Asia, international agencies, Fortune 500 companies, national and state education systems, non-profit organisations and some of the world's leading cultural organisations. He was knighted in 2003 for his contribution to education and the arts.

ISBN: 9781846141966
Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd
Format: Hardback
Number of pages: 288
Dimensions: 210 x 138mm
Expected Delivery Time: 7 - 10 days