with Ava Spece

Working through operational challenges creatively is vital to the health of any organization.  Each organization must be able to find creative solutions to unexpected loss of earned or contributed revenue.  The last few years have seen numerous organizations face difficult times under the pressure of maintaining existing business models; it is clear that those organizations surviving, are doing so by embracing creativity.  This is not the time to simply wait for things to blow over while maintaining a rigid playbook of anamorphic business practices.

Here are five ways to bring creativity into the workplace:

1. Seek the Third Answer

The “third answer” is one that does not readily present itself when trying to find a solution to any given problem.  It may be bizarre, unsafe, pretentious, or seemingly unrealistic, but it can be the right answer, or at the very least, lead us in an unexpected direction that may result in a workable solution.  Presenting third (and fourth, fifth, etc.) options at the conference table will not only ignite “out-of-the-box thinking,” but will also add depth of thought and perspective to options 1 and 2.

2. Question the Status Quo

Any standard operating procedure with which we are comfortable deserves questioning.  This doesn’t mean that the standard way of functioning won’t prevail, but any procedure that withstands scrutiny, becomes stronger.  Why are we doing this, this way?  Why was that method chosen as the solution?  What other options do we have?  Our understanding of the history of the organization is crucial, but one of the most damaging influences can be those who advocate solely for the good ‘ol days and ways.

3. Engage Stakeholders

The creative thinking and exploration that happens by probing the ideas of others is hugely important to the strength of any organization.  I have seen leaders who disregard the input of staff and conversely, I have seen leaders who spend far too much time “checking in” with everyone around them before making a decision.  Find a balance between the two extremes.  Remember, on the one hand, the workplace is not a democracy, but on the other hand, it is important not lose sight of the value of the collective intelligence.  Value the resources you have:  Staff—engage them on the journey to success; Board members—engage them in the mission and their governance; Community—engage them in finding ways to invest in the future of the organization.

4. Grow and Develop

Always insist that staff members grow and develop both intellectually and professionally.  Embrace their desire to learn more about what they and others do.  It has long been my philosophy that an organization is healthier if staff members have a desire to “sit in my chair” or a chair like it.  Staff members who are developing and learning are far more likely to find success on behalf of the organization (and themselves).

5. Be Creative with Numbers

Financial statements are a big puzzle and half the fun is sorting out where the numbers come from and what they tell us about our financial success.  Creatively engage staff in exploring those numbers (or more importantly the information that isn’t readily evident on a financial statement) and use that creative energy to consider new approaches and possibilities when needed.  Numbers do not need to be frightening, and are far less so if one can unearth the meaning behind them.   A staff member who knows how to watch and understand the numbers, will be far more invested in the health of the organization.

Any organization employing these creative tactics will substantially increase its ability to act in an organic, resilient, and vibrant way.  This approach will also inspire staff to own the mission of the organization.  As owners, they will think about the future success of the organization and participate in solution sleuthing rather than simply punching a time clock.  As a leader, one must give credit where credit is due in order for creativity to thrive: one of the sure-fire ways to squelch creativity is for a leader to take credit for the ingenuity, imagination, and initiative of his/her staff.

At VisArts, we are surrounded with the vibrancy of creativity.  It is wonderful to step into this animated world of imaginative thinking every day of the week.  Ironically, we are no different than any other workplace when it comes to operations.  There are systems, processes, procedures, and rules that help us feel in control and guide our business in a sound and productive way.  At the same time however, these systems that give us order can allow us to lose sight of the growth opportunities we may have at our fingertips.  Whether because of external or internal influences on the organization, when it is time to grow or change, it is imperative that the organization (a huge organism of staff, board, volunteers, community, and all stakeholders) encourages our ability to think creatively about our future as we push our mission forward.

___________________________

Ava Spece joined VisArts in March 2012 as its President and Executive Officer.  Prior to coming to Richmond, Spece was executive director for seven years of the D.C. Youth Orchestra Program, which provides music instruction and performance opportunities for youth.