Process is the other part of the creativity equation. The creative product, expression, invention, concept, business idea, writing, art is one side of the coin. The other side, often overlooked and undervalued is the process. The creative part is what makes it unique, innovative, inventive, worthwhile and the reason for doing what we do but the process is what makes it real and uniquely personal.
Different artisan woodcrafters can make a chair but they will all make it differently. Each taking a unique process. They might have the same exact tools but use them differently, from the order of how they use them, to how much they use one tool over another, down to the details of how they use the tool in their hands.
Given the same, identical idea, but give the idea to different people, they will do it differently because their process will be different. One process might value efficiency. One process might emphasize quality. Another process may seek uniqueness. Another process might involve collaboration. Another process might be long and sustained. Another process might be quick and move onto the next thing.
The process gives it shape and substance. The process is function and form. This process becomes an equal expression of who we are not just the creative piece. The process is just as unique and personal as the idea or expression. It is the invisible fingerprint of the final product.
I think in the long run, the process is what creates value and is transferrable, the end product is not the absolute. Understanding or mastering the process is the underlying principle, transferring those principles is a matter of simply substituting wood tools for writing tools or paint brushes or computer code or business concepts or design tools.