Creativity. It is a powerful and mysterious word in today's business world. We all want to be around people who possess that creative spark, and while it is hard to describe, we always know the unique when we see it. Creating new solutions to old problems changes the world, and we have seen a lot of that in recent decades. Those people who can visualize what has not been done before (think Steve Jobs, and others) are legends. But the school system I remember worked hard to get most of us to "stay inside the lines". I was a creative kid, and I loved to draw, make up games, pretend, create, act, and play. But somewhere along the lines I got in line with the "norm". The creativity did not die (it is alive and well, just had been packed away), as my teachers and peers did not seem to cherish and celebrate those who pushed the envelope. My parents also, as great as they were, guided me toward a traditional path. Today, as I raise two daughters, things seem a bit different. I work for myself which means I must seek creative ways to keep the lights on ever day. My kids are encouraged in their education to explore and discover the things that interest them. They see their parents working to forge a new path, instead of working in regular jobs, and I hope we set good examples. Their options appear more expansive and complex, and their teachers seem to cherish the quirky things that make them each unique (although, I am not sure that the peer thing has changed much...as those that are different still seem to get pushed out or pulled back - seeThe Lobster Story - a 2005 post on this blog). This month's (June 2013) FastCompany Magazine is the annual issue that highlights the 100 Most Creative People in Business. I read the article and was interested in how many areas of our world these creative superstars come from and the different things they do for a living. Creativity is not just one thing. It is not only in art, but is present science, government, manufacturing, construction, etc..... A friend posted a Tweet Link to a story about a TIME poll that shows Americans value creativity above all else, but it went on to show that while it is important, most people do not understand what it is to be creative. My work within the Meetings Industry has shown me first hand there are people out there who are willing to try new things. Those who plan events are some of the most creative (and under-appreciated) people I have ever met. However, while many value creative ideas, the thought of trying new things scares some people. There are those that love the idea of shaking up their conference agenda (and do it), but others fall back to the known and tried when they have to make the final decisions. This is not just true for conferences, but in all business sectors. We want to be creative, but too few of us will go out and take the risks. I enjoy creativity, and am working hard to unpack my own experimental qualities so that my potential is not stifled by false walls. How about you. What have you done that is creative this week? Have A Great Day. thom singer
Creativity should not be a mystery, but to many business professionals it seems allusive. Most of us can remember times as kids when we played, colored, created art, made up songs and games, etc... But the social norms and pressures we face while growing up have caused many to put their creativity on hold once they reach their career. While some may have creative hobbies, too few allow this part of their life to mingle into how they conduct business. We seem to leave creating to those with job descriptions that call for artistic qualities - but creativity does not need to equal "art". We all face issues daily that call for solutions that are unique and fresh, but too often we take the proven route (with mixed results). Re-tapping the kegs of creativity and letting our minds discover new paths is needed in most business situations We all have it inside of us to do this, but too many do not trust their ability to color outsides the lines in our daily routines. In our fast paced and highly competitive world we need more people to attempt solutions to daily problems that block our success. Some fear they will be laughed at if they step beyond what is expected from them. Others worry about their job security as creative solutions are subject to failure. I have had bosses who clearly were not in favor of experiments. One told me that there was no room for any failure in marketing (by its very nature, marketing should be creative), as the company had a limited budget and waste was unacceptable This message was received loud an clear, but it limited the way the company promoted itself. Employees were scared to try anything that would not be seen as having a pre-set as a victory. While little money was lost, there was also limited gain from successful marketing campaigns or other promotional activities. Working for myself is changing my outlook on personal creativity in business. I have no trepidation about what bosses or co-workers will say if I attempt to release more creativity, but it is still a work in progress to get more playful in how I conduct myself professionally. I have been conditioned to see business in a certain way, and now I am re-inventing my point of view. Trying new ways to interact with clients and prospects is having results. I enacted a common marketing practice from another industry, and invested in a campaign that lead to new business. Additionally my speeches and training presentations are becoming more interactive because I am "playing" more with the audiences. Pushing yourself, and others, to explore creativity is necessary in our current business climate. Instead of thinking that failure is unacceptable, bosses need to encourage risk, as that is what brings reward. This is true in every industry (I see it in the meetings industry...where those who are willing to attempt stuff are seeing better results than those who are holding onto the old ways to plan events). Group brainstorming, when all participants are fully committed to uncovering ideas, can have outstanding results. We cannot get to the good stuff if we do not feel free to toss out all thoughts to see what resonates. Each person tries to validate each concept and then build upon the previous idea. Not everything works, but this process can lead to major breakthroughs. As I work with more companies (in a training and consulting role) I am getting better at helping facilitate environments where people can have fun with their creative spirits. While not everyone is comfortable sharing and being open to exploring creativity, those who do are inspired to keep seeking ways to let more creativity into their business world. Creative executives will always be in demand, and often have more fun. When we are open to creating.... it brings out the best in all we do. I admire entrepreneurs who understand that they are really "artists" at heart, not just business professionals. What are you seeing in your company? Is creativity cherished or pushed away? Have A Great Day. thom singer
I do not always look forward to the "Back to School Night" ritual that happens each year in our schools. As an involved parent I appreciate meeting the teachers, but have come to believe the format is stale and does not often provide any new information (it is the same agenda my parents had when I was in school).
Last night I was blown away by how excited I was about my high school freshman's teachers, school, and what this means for her future. She attends a public magnet school program for math and science. The expectations and culture are very different my high school experience, and I enjoyed hearing from each teacher. I was inspired by the challenges and opportunities she fill face this year.
The highlight of the night was meeting the "Sci-Tech" teacher and learning about this unique program. It a mechanical engineering class required of all freshmen, and the students will work on a variety of projects throughout the semester that will engage them in ways I never imagined in school.
My favorite part is the journal they must keep in this class. Each day every student must answer (in detail) the following five questions:
1. What did I do or learn today?
2. What will I do or learn tomorrow?
3. What is my current progress: short term and long term?
4. What environmental factors or people influenced my productivity today? (identify setbacks or problems).
5. What did my teammates do today?
Think for a minute if grown-ups in real jobs had to reflect each day on our successes and failures in such a manner. I am not talking about a typical HR annual review, but a focused reflection on each day. WOW. What if these young men and women learn from this experience to be this introspective about their progress for the rest of their lives --- I imagine the sky would be the limit. I wonder what more I might have accomplished if I had experienced these lessons when I was 14-years-old.
I did not show up at Back to School Night expecting to be impacted. I have not been able to stop thinking about the power in these questions for the business professionals whom I train and consult. This morning I worked these five questions (giving full credit to the high school Sci-Tech program) into a speech to twenty people from a variety of careers. BOOM!, they were all captivated by thought of the results that would come if they had the discipline to ask these questions every day.
What do you think?
CHALLENGE:. Purchase a small notebook and write these questions on page one. Everyday for the next month end your workday by pondering your experiences and recording the answers to the five questions. I imagine if any of us really did this we would see more productivity and creativity spark in our lives.
Bobby is 13-years-old. He is an accomplished artist who has won many school and city-wide awards. The world is his canvass; he paints, sculpts, twists wire into amazing shapes, and takes found items (aka "junk") and makes them amazing pieces that "wow" the imagination. He works with wood, cardboard, paper-mache, clay, metal, oil paints, water colors, styrofoam, etc...
For Bobby the whole world is art.
His next project? Landscape architecture! He asked his parents if their simple grass backyard could become his next artistic venture....
They said "yes".
He is now in the process of out with the old, and in with the new. He rented a BobCat and carved the slope in the yard into a level field (his dad helped). He will construct a retaining wall and planter to frame the yard with flowers and plants. There will be a patio, BBQ area, and grassy knoll.
I was not this ambitious at 13-years-old.
Also, how many parents just say "OK" and then take the kid to Home Depot to rent heavy machinery?
I am confident this yard will become the showplace of the neighborhood when he completes his landscaping adventures.
How come Bobby can do this? Because nobody told him he couldn't. He sees the completed project in his mind. As he toured me around the muddy palate behind his home he pointed out exactly where his dad will stand to BBQ burgers for the family. He visualized his mom with a cold beverage sitting at the table, that is only now in his imagination. He knows where the dog (a giant St. Bernard named "Tug") will nap in the sun.
Did I mention he is thirteen?
I know many grown ups who never follow their dreams. They have ideas in their mind, but never create paths to accomplishing greatness.
Your dream might not be art. You may not want to do the heavy lifting of yard-work and landscaping.... but I would wager you have something you desire to take from the corners of your mind and share with the world.
There is a comment on yesterday's blog post that is worthy of its own discussion.
A reader named Ari Herzog, whom I do not personally know, but have corresponded via social media for over a year (I like him, and respect his efforts in life. He is a media strategist, consultant and an elected official on the city council of Newburyport, Massachusetts - pretty impressive guy), left a comment on my post titled "Strike While The Iron Is Hot", which was inspired by Chris Brogan's blog post the same day titled "While The Iron Is Hot".
Ari says:
"...but by different irons, Thom, never the same. It's great you credit someone for an idea, but the credit only works if it's your idea, not his idea that you're trying to use for yourself.
Ideas come and go but they only become successful if they are unique."
This begs the question of Does Everything You Blog About Need To Be A Unique Idea?
First, I have always believed that what makes blogs successful is not solely the brilliance of the blogger to have totally original and unique ideas in each post.... but instead their ability to take nuggets of information, concepts and theories to extend the discussion. Adding perspective, spin or highlighting minor points that might have otherwise been over looked in the piece that was the inspiration. They key here is to give credit to who or what was the catalyst for the writer.
Too often people take concepts and run with them, disguising them as original thought. This is bad. I see lots of bloggers who work hard to make themselves look really smart.... all the while they are ripping off others. But is being inspired by someone and adding your two cents a bad thing?
Second, if you look at my post, I mention (with links) that I had written about this same topic on my blog (twice) and on Twitter in recent weeks. It was already a topic that I found important to discuss, and thus I was NOT ripping off Chris Brogan's idea, but instead extending the discussion by crediting his post and writing more. I agree that Chris Brogan is a much bigger deal in the blogging / social media world than am I, but that does not diminish my ability to write about similar subjects .... or to be inspired to write because of him.
I am not picking on Ari.... as he is a smart guy with his own track record of successes. But his comment did get me thinking about how quick people are to jump to conclusions about the motivations of others. Heck, I did when I read his comment (as I felt he was calling me a fraud). Can one only be authentic if they were the first one to have an original thought? If another blogger (especially someone famous) writes about a topic, is that topic off limits to the rest of us (or we look like a copycat?)
And is it true that, as Ari said, that "Ideas come and go but they only become successful if they are unique". Hmmmmm... I see lots of ideas (and people) that are wickedly successful which are not necessarily unique.... but instead made successful through hard work and tenacity.
This guest blog is contributed by ChuckieImaginary. He was my imaginary friend from ages two through five. He was always accompanied by his dog Margo. Sometimes Margo was a person, (as my imagination had the power to transform the whole story/concept to fit the moment) ... but mostly she was a dog. I had not seen Chuckie and Margo for nearly four decades, but recently ran into them and asked him if he could contribute as a guest blogger to "The Some Assembly Required Blog". He believes in the power of creativity and imagination as an important tool that contributes to the success of all business professionals. You can follow him on Twitter (@ChuckieAndMargo). Chuckie is also available to speak at your next business event.
Confessions of an Imaginary Friend By Chuckie Imaginary and his dog Margo.
It is a hard life being an imaginary friend.
When your real life friend is a little kid everyone thinks you are cute. They find your presence in the room to be funny. When it announced you are around, all the grown ups also pay attention to you. Some of the cooler grown ups will humor the situation by setting you a real place at the table. Some will even go as far as provide cookies and peanut butter & jelly sandwiches. While you cannot actually eat the goodies, having your own meal, accompanied by a glass of chocolate milk makes your whole day special.
The more creative your real life friend is as a kid, the more adventures you get to experience. It is a lot of fun and your existence makes life just that much more better for everyone. You live in the imagination of a child, and thus your whole world is full of color, wonder, joy, hope, possibility, and make believe. Together you can do anything. You take each other to amazing levels of creativity and success.
Sometimes you do have to take the blame for bad things that happen. The juice gets spilled on the table cloth, you can rest assured that "Chuckie did it". Messy room? Chuckie's fault. Crystal vase gets knocked over by a flying Star Wars action figure? Fingers are pointed right at ol' Chuck. But it is all worth it, as being an imaginary friend you relish in the connection with your real life friend. Besides, I probably was responsible for most of those mishaps.
But then it happens. Your presence in the life of your real life friend begins to diminish. They start school and begin to acquire their own real life friends. Their parents and teachers no longer find their confiding in the "imaginary types" to be acceptable. They are encouraged to forget you. They try to hold onto you, but the peer pressures and efforts to fit in and not seem "weird" over power the joy they find in the imaginary world.
So you are alone. I was lucky, as I had a dog. Many imaginary friends are just abandoned into solitary confinement. You are always there with them, walking a few steps behind your real life friend, trying to help him or her navigate the path of life. At 16-years-old, when they back the car into a light post you so wish that you could take the blame when they have to tell their dad. When they forget to mail a credit card bill you desire to get on the phone with Visa and explain that it was Chuckie who had not sent the check. When they have a fight with their spouse you want to leap out and claim the responsibility. But alas, you cannot.
You spend forever wishing they could again embraced those childhood qualities. You see them facing difficulties and know that creativity and imagination could help them discover all sorts of unique and clever solutions to life's problems.
Some imaginary friends follow along and never see any hope for their real life friend. As these people grew up they closed their creativity and imagination into a sealed vault. These imaginary friends are the most sad, as they have no hope.
But for others there is hope. They witness flashes of brilliance that stream out from cracks in the facades that have been built around their persons. They know that deep down inside they have the desire and the ability to live in that state of color, wonder, joy, hope, possibility, and make believe that dominated their childhoods. These imaginary friends stay extra close. They whisper (or scream) suggestions to help guide their persons. On occasion they see the results of their influence and watch as their friends excel in their personal and professional lives by creating solutions that others did not see.
I am lucky. My real life friend has always had his quirky side. While he conformed to the norms of society, he never really got past being a dreamer and a seeker. It has helped him build his unique career and pushes him to write, speak, and create. He still has a long way to go, but there is no doubt that he is on his way to embracing the more silly and playful side of life.
If you are reading this and are wondering whatever happened to your own childhood imaginary friend, I am here to tell you that he or she is very close. They are part of your soul and have been there rooting for you all along. Just turn around and say hello to them. Welcome them back into your life.
You never know where they might take you.
Have A Great Day. And please follow me on Twitter (@ChuckieAndMargo)
The interview is full of information on how people can work to avoid being too serious and embrace their inner-child. Creativity and exploration are key to not being stuck in the cocoon of "old".
Jason is a cartoonist and Kim is a former kindergarten teacher. Their new book, "There's An Adult In My Soup" is available on Amazon.com. They live in Madison Wisconsin and are the parents of a very cute little girl, Lucy, who never will be forced to grow up!!!
Soon after I completed the interview with Kim and Jason I was walking down the street and ran into an old friend. I had not seen him since I was five-years-old, but there he was, walking his dog, Margo. I would have known them anywhere. It was, without a doubt, Chuckie.
Sure, he is older now than he was in 1971. He is now 43-year-old -- just like me. He even looks like me - but better. Chuckie is more fit. In fact, he is in great shape. His hair is not thinning as much. He still has a mischievous twinkle in his eye, as he was the one always getting me in trouble when we were kids.
You see, Chuckie was my imaginary friend from the time I was 2-years-old until I started kindergarten. He, and his dog Margo, went everywhere with me. When my aunt Catherine would babysit, I would demand that she make them each their own peanut butter & jelly sandwiches (That dog is at least 40 years old by now... who knew that PB&J would keep her so healthy for four decades!!!). He was always the one doing things like breaking a vase or eating all the Oreo Cookies. That silly Chuckie!
Anyway, I ran into him and it turns out you can follow him on Twitter (@ChuckieAndMargo). He also a professional speaker (like me), and he offered to be the guest blogger on "The Some Assembly Required Blog" tomorrow. So check back and see what he has to say about creativity and not forgetting how to have some fun -- even when you are all grown up.
The industrial revolution moved our society from rural agricultural economies into a world where factories, cities, dense housing, mass transportation and organized labor dominated.
The communications and technology revolutions brought about more changes that took us into the information economy that most of us have grown up in.
Today we are experiencing additional changes that are directly impacting those of us who work in professional services industries (law, accounting, consulting, education, banking, sales of all kinds, etc...). We are seeing a shift from the information economy to the relationship economy.
If you think I am 100% wrong and are not willing to explore the concept, then you might have your head in the sand. The above mentioned changes all took place in the last 120 years. My grandfather was born on a farm in Ireland and migrated to the United States as a teenager in 1900. He worked in manual labor jobs and the thought of an information economy, much less the next level of a relationship economy was not imaginable. I am his youngest grandchild and in just two generations the world is so different that it would have seemed far fetched science fiction to him. Basic realities morph faster in 2009 than they did in his time.
Throughout recorded history there have been changes in society, and there have been those who ignored the shifts until they were left behind. Sure, the lucrative horse whip industry was crushed by the automobile, and we all laugh at the thought by today's standard. But nobody who made whips was laughing at the time. You need to be thinking about what differences around the bend could cripple your company (or industry), and looking for ways to lead the change.
There are three areas that need your immediate attention:
1. Your Professional Network. Sure, you have all heard about networking, and most people think that they are good at it (but many are wrong). I hear all the time from professionals that they have a great network, but few people can point to the last referral they have given or received from those in their circle of influence (Key here is when did you last give a referral. If you are not giving, that is why you are not getting!).
All opportunities come from people and you must be committed to spending the necessary time to cultivate mutually beneficial relationships. You cannot turn your networking efforts on and off like a light switch or you will never see results. In the two weeks have you canceled a meeting with someone in your network, or skipped attending an event, because "something more important" came along? I see professionals all the time who rank every activity as an "A", "B" or "C". They tend to make networking a "C", and then they wonder while others do not appreciate the relationships they think they have built.
Make your network an "A" priority. It is your safety net in all economic conditions!
2. Creativity. If you are not being creative in how you serve your clients, then you are just part of the noise in your industry. We all naturally think we are unique and deliver high quality work product to our clients. But doing good work is just the ticket to be in the game. Everyone of your competitors is doing good work (well, most), and they are all claiming they are the "best" when they talk to your clients and prospects. It is confusing to the buyer, especially when your company looks identical to all others in your space.
When I visit the websites of law firms, accounting firms, consultants, banks, etc... I rarely see anything creative. They all play it safe, and thus they all look like twins. The same is true when I speak with these professionals. YIKES, most have a tough time telling me anything about their offering that I cannot follow up with "why is that different from you competitor?" without them looking like a deer in headlights. Professional services firms are vanilla. Buyers can get vanilla anywhere, and thus it comes down to price. Avoid being a commodity if you want to thrive in the future.
Explore creative ways to serve your clients at EVERY meeting. Make sure that your co-workers feel comfortable suggesting "out of the box" ideas and that you reward those who expand the collective thinking of your team. If you are not looking for ways to implement creativity into your company, you will die.
People are naturally drawn to companies and individuals who show ingenuity and are willing to try new things. Humans have never embraced "yesterday" or we would still all be living on the farms.
3. Social Media. I am not claiming that blogging, Facebook, Twitter and other social media tools are for everyone (LinkedIn is for everyone in business. If you do not have a vibrant LinkedIn profile you are considered out of touch by more people than you think!). But if your company does not have an online branding strategy that includes social media, you are being left behind. Not each professional in the firm needs to be active in this arena, but someone HAS TO BE. Clients and prospects are looking for you to be part of the conversation. Hide and you are invisible.
Make sure that your company has somebody who owns your online image and reputation. Do not assign it to just anyone, as this is like a garden in need of cultivation. Ignore it and the weeds will choke out all the value you can have from the online real estate.
If your firm has avoided all this social media hoopla up until this point that is a clear sign that you are missing the boat. This is NOT a fad! There has been so much attention paid to the various social media communities that if you have decided they are useless (without having explored them), you are being foolish. Rationalize it all day long, but there is something happening here.
So what now?
While the changes that are coming may be minor, and are you willing to risk your future on the idea that your industry will not be impacted by a "relationship" economy? What if you are wrong? Your connections to others and your personal and professional brand are more valuable than ever.
Take ownership of how you are positioned and ask the hard questions of your employees and customers about how you are doing in regards to what we have discussed in this article. There are many companies who mistakenly believe they are cutting edge, only to be viewed by everyone (inside and outside) as a disaster. OUCH.
Have A Great Day.
thom *** Thom Singer offers customized individual programs to help professional service executives explore and understand the best ways to create and cultivate their network, brand and online impact.
"Whether you think that you can, or that you can't, you are usually right" - Henry Ford
Human beings must believe in their ideas or most will just sit on their ass. Many people rationalize false reasons not to reach for their dreams and find themselves convinced that those who achieve are either born with unique skills, lucky, or both. They wait for direction, and direction never comes. They are Waiting for Godot.
Southern California marketing industry thought leader, Tim Tyrell-Smith, has a blog called "Quixoting" where he blogs about ideas. Creative ideas. He encourages himself and others to think. Quixoting (pronounced key-ho-ting) is based on the story of Don Quixote. A character best known for being "delusional". But Tyrell-Smith admires his daring to take action. Because ideas or creative work left in a bottom drawer will never be seen by the eyes of the world. And that is a shame.
Quixoting's tag line is "Take Action. Be Courageous. Have Fun!" - these words should sing to your soul.
Once you believe in your ideas amazing things can happen. It is those with confidence and drive who are the ones who change the world. Become a dreamer. Imagine yourself winning. Know that you can succeed.
I know too many people are closed to both their ideas and those of others. They rationalize all sorts of reasons to not act and close down the spirit of being a "big tent thinker" (I have written many times about being a "big tent thinker" who is open and inclusive of others). Then they mock the dreamers, seekers, creatives, optimists, entrepreneurs and anyone who desires more out of life. We we need people of action at this point in our economy. Either "do it" or get out of the way of those who will.
Re-read the words of Henry Ford at the top of this post and think about the meaning. Believe that you can accomplish great things in life. Then go get 'em done.
He appreciated my point about the need for people to celebrate entrepreneurship, vision and ambition, and how these traits should be honored in our culture.
He also agreed that the lack of focus on this element of the human spirit in the Stimulus Package (and anything else coming from the government) is a horrible oversight (but one he believes is on purpose).
The reason for his call was to tell me that he thought the "homework assignment" should not have been for people to celebrate others with vision and ambition, but to celebrate themselves.
He pointed out that the type of people who are regular readers of the "Some Assembly Required Blog", and of my books, are those who possess a desire to achieve more in their life. They already know that they have the God-given ability to succeed....and they are seeking ideas and opportunities to connect the dots that will lead them toward victory.
He is right. If you are reading this you are that special type of person. Take a minute to pat yourself on the back for not rolling over and complaining all day long about the state of the economy. Celebrate your inner-drive to contribute, to build, to create, to expand your territory.
Do you believe in yourself? Are you sure that you have talent? Can you feel the desire inside your soul to make a difference? If yes, then take a minute to celebrate yourself. If we all saw the power that we have to make the choices that pave the road to our own success.... more of us would reach that destination.
"For a vision to come to pass, you have to have a vision" - Brewster McCracken
At a political fundraiser Monday night in support of Austin Mayoral Candidate Brewster McCracken, the candidate spoke about the importance of having a vision. If you want to achieve success, you first have to have an idea of what your success will look like. It bugs me that Mr. McCracken's main opponent in the race for mayor has criticized him for having "vision and ambition" - as if this is a bad thing. For thousands of years our world has been constructed by men and women with both of those traits. People should champion such things rather tear them down.
The importance of vision goes far beyond the politics of running for Mayor. People are often short-sighted and have no idea of the direction they choose for their life. They are adrift and hope that they can get by holding tight to some imaginary handrail. They are paralyzed from advancing, but fool themselves into thinking that their "steady hand" gripping tight is some kind of progress.
To have success we must take action, but this requires a clear vision of where we want to go. Imagine a pilot taking off from Los Angeles and flying toward Honolulu. If he just climbs into the clouds and heads west he MIGHT find the runway in Hawaii, but the odds are without a clear vision of a flight plan he would crash into the Pacific Ocean.
When I ponder our current economic crisis, I wonder why so little is being made of the entrepreneurs and business leaders who have the vision and ambition to create jobs and grow companies. These people are the only engine can drive our economy out of recession. However, I see very little attention being put on the power of innovation and entrepreneurship by the press or our leaders in Washington DC.
I am dumbfounded that we do not celebrate the ambition and vision of entrepreneurship in a bigger manner.
Everyone who can dream of success is a visionary. But we seem to fail to cherish those strive for the stars.
If you have read this far, then you have a homework assignment. Look around you. Whom in your life is a person who has impressive drive, vision and ambition? Think about it for a minute. Now find a way to let that person know you admire them for all that they are trying to accomplish. Celebrate them.
My seven-year-old daughter celebrated her birthday this weekend with a pool party with several friends. We held the event at the indoor pool at the local LifeTime Fitness Center, where the staff does a great job of orchestrating a two hour fun-for-all.
After the swimming and water slide, the whole party moved upstairs for pizza and cake. The room upstairs is more like a board room than a kids birthday party location (obviously it is used for more professional gatherings). During the short break between pizza and cake, all 12 kids jumped up grabbed the dry erase marker pens and begun doodling on the white board, leaving behind a mural of art and names.
One of the dads in attendance is a successful local entrepreneur. He and I both noticed that grown ups do not do this when there is a short break in a meeting. Have the executives in your company ever crowded the white board and illustrated small drawings and written their name in big letters just for fun?
Kids have that spark to create things just because. We need to be more like seven-year-olds! Success follows those who can imagine and visualize things that others do not see. I was reminded to be more playful. Later this morning when I arrive at the Monday morning meeting at vcfo I plan to illustrate something silly on the white board!
