Art, Music, Poetry and Business
For the longest time, I think even as a kid, I always felt that the arts were “extra circular” (remember this from school?) and something that you focused on when you had time. It wasn’t until recently that I tied it all together and realized, the arts are NECESSARY to grow in life, your character, and in business.
As Americans, we get so caught in go go go. Just going. Like being on autopilot. We forget that stopping for a bit, clearing our mind to let it wander in silence, can reset ourselves and get us to think differently. We have constant processing happening in our minds and relaxing for a second allows us to digest it all and move on wisely.
The arts help you change the way you look at the world-and that is critically important if we want to grow deep. We have to find ways to draw out inspiration. Constantly. Its like sleep or food. We always need to evolve ourselves.
Pursuing art enriches innovation in both business and individuals by inspiring creativity, fostering observation skills, encouraging risk-taking, enhancing communication and storytelling, and cultivating empathy and diversity. Embracing artistic pursuits can help individuals bring a fresh perspective to their work, fuel innovation, and lead to greater success in the ever-evolving business landscape.
We learn from absorbing the art around us. Art exposes individuals to diverse perspectives, cultures, and experiences, fostering empathy and understanding. By engaging with art from different eras, regions, or social contexts, individuals develop a broader worldview and become more receptive to different ideas and approaches. This empathy and appreciation for diversity are crucial for fostering inclusive workplaces and driving innovation in business. When diverse voices and perspectives are embraced, companies can harness a wealth of ideas, leading to breakthrough innovations and solutions.
Art has the power to evoke emotions, convey narratives, and communicate complex ideas in a visually or auditory compelling manner. Artists excel in storytelling, using their chosen medium to convey messages, spark conversations, and connect with audiences on an emotional level. In the business realm, effective communication and storytelling are vital for building brands, connecting with customers, and inspiring teams. The ability to craft a compelling narrative can differentiate a company, product, or service from competitors and drive innovation in marketing strategies. Art is inherently experimental and encourages artists to take risks, push boundaries, and embrace failure as part of the creative process. This willingness to explore uncharted territories and embrace uncertainty can be highly beneficial in business. Entrepreneurs who have nurtured their artistic inclinations often exhibit a higher tolerance for risk, enabling them to innovate, pivot, and adapt to changing market dynamics.
Art stimulates imagination and encourages individuals to think outside the box. By engaging with various art forms, such as paintings, sculptures, music, or literature, people can develop a more expansive mindset, allowing them to approach challenges from unique angles. This creativity is essential in the business world, where innovation often stems from original ideas and unconventional solutions. When managers fall into the trap of reactionary work, they fail to allocate time to deep think innovation. Companies that fail to innovate, lose in the long run. Innovation is a journey and not a destination. Art, music, and literature will get you to innovative thought quicker.
