Wednesday, August 18, 2004
For fun, I am reading a book entitled Civilizing the Workplace by Lesley Wright and Marti Smye. I'm not too far in and already I have found some fabulous observations.
Some quotes to direct this conversation:
"Creativity and innovation require certain conditions to flourish. One of these conditions is the freedom to experiment and the presence of a safety net to catch you if you fail. ...Failed experiments are how people learn..."
There is a recurring reference to corporate abuse, and how thwarting this creative dynamic, despite fabulous company-speak, is a form of it. Often this creative dynamic is encouraged, yet disavowed the ability to act on these words or ideas. What is the fear or hesitation, despite wonderful appearances of being a cutting-edge company, toward new ideas and potential giant failures/successes (one won't know until one tries).
"Employees who dislike change do not feel abused at all; they are perfectly comfortable perpetuating the status quo. The ones who experience high stress are those who try to change the system, the ones with good ideas and high hopes, the ones who are potentially a company's best asset."
I can relate to feeling high stress with regard to being creative in teaching others or problem solving. The formulaic corporate response is in 'the book', but individuals that we work with or manage are not in these books. Taking a fresh approach to problems, routine work exercises, and professional communication will result in stress and potential uprooting.
On another level, is this more awkward than perpetuating change in our personal lives - essentially our choices? Which comes first?
Some quotes to direct this conversation:
"Creativity and innovation require certain conditions to flourish. One of these conditions is the freedom to experiment and the presence of a safety net to catch you if you fail. ...Failed experiments are how people learn..."
There is a recurring reference to corporate abuse, and how thwarting this creative dynamic, despite fabulous company-speak, is a form of it. Often this creative dynamic is encouraged, yet disavowed the ability to act on these words or ideas. What is the fear or hesitation, despite wonderful appearances of being a cutting-edge company, toward new ideas and potential giant failures/successes (one won't know until one tries).
"Employees who dislike change do not feel abused at all; they are perfectly comfortable perpetuating the status quo. The ones who experience high stress are those who try to change the system, the ones with good ideas and high hopes, the ones who are potentially a company's best asset."
I can relate to feeling high stress with regard to being creative in teaching others or problem solving. The formulaic corporate response is in 'the book', but individuals that we work with or manage are not in these books. Taking a fresh approach to problems, routine work exercises, and professional communication will result in stress and potential uprooting.
On another level, is this more awkward than perpetuating change in our personal lives - essentially our choices? Which comes first?
