Balancing Process and Creativity
Creating processes or algorithms allows anyone to accomplish almost anything. It takes the scientific method and applies it to business. We can even teach processes thought to be uniquely human and have computers create paintings orsymphonies that are quite good. By creating a process you are effectively making the art of anything into a science.
Magic vs. The Scientific Method
A great piece of art; a painting, sculpture, song, book, etc. evokes powerful and impeccable emotion. It’s almost magical how an artist can make a person feel something regardless of the time or space separating them. It seems as if only this person was capable of this thing of creating this through pain or joy or sadness, but under the surface by accident or grand design those people create processes. They created repetitive processes that eventually led to the creation of their finest works. What we call drawing inspiration is simply figuring out the process and replicating a variation of it.
How Crucial is Your Protocol?
Businesses operate in environments that require protocols and processes to be utilized. Most don’t operate in high risk environments like the ER or Airports where processes are exact and must be followed or the eventually consequence could be death. Most exist in a space where not following protocol will create an inconvenience and create inefficiencies which can result in the loss of cash or in worst case scenarios will lead to the business failing.
Let Your Little Birds Free
There is no argument that processes work, but if left too rigid, they will create a diminishing value chain. The office isn’t a production line. You didn’t hire all of these liberal arts college graduates because they are cogs, but because one of them will be capable of doing your job one day. Engaged minds are rarely efficiently productive if restricted to doing their work if they are introduced into a hive mind. Most folks prefer to figure out their way of doing things. Setting a firm, but not overbearing, line where that process ends and personal style can begin is what can make what is dull, engaging.
Creating Boxes and Space for Growth
Look at your existing processes with your team and prioritize what is crucial for success. Make sure to take feedback on every step of the process. Those steps not deemed critical can be used as jumping off points for personal style, and as a result of that creativity produce optimal processes.
Originally published at Sourcing Spring Executive Search Group.
