
Lehrer examines the "Q factor", which quantifies how well the members of a group know each other; if the coworkers are complete strangers, they'll have trouble with synergy, but if they're too buddy-buddy, they'll withhold needed criticism and fall into a comfortable rut, producing no challenging, breakthrough work. (Think the past few years of Tim Burton-Johnny Depp.) Lehrer is also a big fan of cross-pollination; he asserts that cities foster creativity far better than the countryside because one is exposed to a far wider range of influences in the former setting. I can see that to a great extent, but as an introvert, I find the peace and isolation of the countryside essential to productivity. See, I'm not sure I agree with of all of Lehrer's conclusions - he asserts that group free-for-alls are the best way to winnow and adapt ideas, but my experience has taught me that people listen to the strongest personalities, not the strongest ideas. And his conclusions are, at times, contradictory, as the lead review on Amazon states - he'll go back and forth on whether you need to continually work on a problem for success or step away for a bit and wait for the Muses. But his formatting is strong and lucid, he tells engaging stories with each chapter, and his curiosity is refreshing. You can't swallow it hook, line, and sinker, but it's a neat conversation-starter.