Automatic is defined as acting or performing in a mechanical fashion. Doing without thinking. Preprogrammed response to conditions, instructions or actions. Things that are automatic do as they are told. Consistently. Predictably. That’s good for coffee makers, thermostats, alarm clocks, etc.

An automaton is something that behaves in an automatic or mechanical fashion. It’s a nice word for robot. It has a limited range of responses to stimuli. It can only think for itself within specific parameters. (Wikipedia's definition is  not so graceful.)

Anyone can understand that the human brain is not an automaton. But, it does respond automatically. We have programmed reactions to hot surfaces and red lights. We inhale and exhale without thought.

We are surrounded by so many automatic functions that it is easy to imitate those patterns. Like white noise, this is like constant interference, increasing its influence on everyone and everything. There is a certain comfort in identifying and adopting patterns. Maybe it makes us feel like part of the machine. The machine, or the programs that run the machine have too much influence over the destiny (decisions) of others.

Enlightened business leaders admit that people are their most important asset. But, what makes people valuable? It’s the creative activity that goes on between their ears, their eyes, within their core. Acquired experience is valuable, but that can mostly be archived and retrieved. It’s the interpretation of that experience, the ability to reinterpret and reconfigure knowledge that differentiates an organization.

How do you reignite creativity? How do leaders inspire individuals to exercise their brains and sustain a fresh curiosity?

One answer: Encourage lateral thinking and capitalize on the new strategies it can produce.