Scott Adams on the benefits of "soul-crushing boredom"

The Benefits of Soul-Crushing Boredom

online.wsj.com

Is constant stimulation hurting our creativity—and the economy? The Dilbert creator on his dull childhood and the power of tedium.

The creator of Dilbert argues that boredom provides fuel for creativity. Since we are never bored, the argument goes, we have become less creative. Anecdotal evidence includes people acting more dogmatically, more sequels and derivative products of movies, more reality TV, and most importantly, a flat-lining economy starving for industry-transforming innovation. I'd say he's mostly got it right, but the reason why we're less creative is because we are more distracted than ever. As a result, our attention spans have diminished to 10-minute windows of focus - if we can't find creative insights inside that window, no creativity emerges. Also, creativity comes from useful problems. Scott Adams' boredom as a child was a problem that he was able to solve creatively because he was so undistracted. 

CIMBAns decide: Dilbert or The Office?

As a consultant in my prior career, I could tell how good company morale was at my clients' offices by the number of Dilbert cartoons posted in cubicles. More Dilberts almost always meant poor morale. As a social phenomenon, Dilbert has gained a loyal following of readers who can personally relate to Scott Adams' insights. So I thought CIMBA management students would be interested in Dilbert's world. They weren't.

This semester CIMBA Intro to Management students showed an overwhelming interest in "The Office." The Office was the subject of (at least) five entertaining student choice presentations toward the end of the semester. Even though students made their presentations on the Wednesday afternoon before Thanksgiving travel weekend (along with final exams the next), CIMBAns put their best efforts forth. Interestingly, many of you asserted that Michael Scott is a brilliant manager (despite some foibles and follies). Did you learn that in class?