Creative teams can create all day long, but if the rest of the organization does not trust them it does not matter. Further, when equity erodes, it creates a barrier between creators and the products they are creating. Without a distribution source, creative ideas and products become creations for vanity.
So how do we protect our equity? What traps can we avoid that will damage our equity inside of our organizations? Here are a few:
1. Believe the hype.
Never read our own press. Good or bad.
Remember the work, the process and the team. When we start to accept the praise, we set the expectation that we must also accept the failure. Find the balance. Celebrate the wins and learn from the losses, but don’t overbelieve the good or the bad. That roller coaster will kill you.
2. Stop creating and start repeating.
New creations keep us fresh. Not just us, those whom with we work also get fresh with new ideas and creations.
When we fall into the trap of repeating and reusing elements, we risk future creativity and innovation. This one little shortcut can retard the creative culture of our organizations or churches.
3. Stop learning.
We can’t stop learning. Do research. Find out what other people are doing and what is working. Don’t copy them … but study your industry. Know where art is going and how technology can be leveraged for your benefit. Read, and read a lot! Keep learning to stay sharp and creative.
4. Become difficult.
If we become a pain in the butt, people don’t want to work with us. Sure, for a while your talent will force them to put up with you, but eventually the pain of trying to work with you will pass your talent and leave you lonely. Always treat people how you would want to be treated. The quote, “People judge themselves on intention and others on action,” is hauntingly true in the lives of artists. Extend grace to the level we would want to receive grace.
5. Refuse to be flexible.
Flexibility and creativity go hand in hand. When we stop being flexible, we strangle creativity and process. Fight for ways to be flexible. It creates space for creativity.
