You may have to recruit outside usual boundaries to find spark plugs. But fear not. A combustible mix of talent could enliven the whole staff. MBAs still dominate the core of the company, Mintz says, but his artistic employees bring a fresh perspective to potential deals. Have patience with the creative process.
Good ideas are hard to find.
Building companies out of them is even tougher. We're not talking feng shui here, although we're not opposed to hanging wind chimes if you think they make the place vibrate with positive energy. Establish an environment in which people can toss out new ideas with reckless abandon. If that means putting beanbag chairs in the conference room or holding sales meetings at the local greasy spoon, so be it. But at unexpected moments, it'll scuttle across the conference table.