Writing Against the Lines

A common challenge: how to blend the power of organization with the creativity that almost inherently rebels against systems?

Both are needed. The idea that creativity thrives in a disorganized environment sounds charming but a review of some of the world's most creative people usually reveals a creativity that is shaped by enormous self-discipline. Some systems, of course, are so structured that surfacing any approach that is outside the expected norms is a career death wish.

The key to preventing an imbalance lies with the individual. Bringing on mavericks and encouraging team members to examine completely different ideas and experiences can be crucial. Large companies have management development programs that fund business-related study and workshops. It makes sense to expand those programs to include unconventional disciplines such as literature or art.

The individual, of course, can also jump the traces by purposely exploring subjects that will jar the usual perspective. Was Churchill's oil painting hobby merely a release or were there benefits that made their way into his less artistic endeavors? I suspect the latter.