How does an artist help a facilitator pioneer innovation and creativity?
I was thinking of the enormous talent my mother – a Baltimore Arts Educator –has, and how I could tap into it to benefit my clients. At first I was stumped – yet artists have what so many of us want and need – especially when it comes to branding, strategic planning and facilitation in general – artists wake up every day with VISION.
In the past I approached her about workshops in companies and she envisioned carting tons of supplies into well-designed, polished and impeccable work places – leaving a trail of paint, clay - and well - damage in her wake. So it was a no-go.
But today I tried a different approach and I struck gold! You see it is not just teaching art. It is what she does and the way she does it – she helps people get outside of the box and open their worlds.
Trying to facilitate a group of people can be challenging. Teams who feel stunted or tired lose ability to see beyond immediate goals, corporate politics and status quo. Yet – when a few people can take an hour or two out of their week to free-flow ideas – to get outside the box – amazing things can happen.
- Innovation increases
- Productivity increases
- Stress levels are reduced
- Employee engagement and retention improves.
- Bottom-line improves
With all the downsizing and layoffs – what is happening to those left standing? How exhausted and burned out are they? And how, as leaders, can we thank them for their efforts all the while engaging them and inspiring their abilities?
By helping them get outside the box – maybe not all the time – certainly – but just once in a while. This is where the “Out of the Box” found object arts workshop comes in…
Susan Adler George conducts “found-object canvas art” workshops for adults. Using things from the home – a yard sale - the trash – wherever & whatever– adults can incorporate these items onto previously painted canvasses and explore their creative side. This is sustainability at its core – it is using recycled art for inspiration and self-reflection and for many decorations for the home. She is a wonderful teacher and facilitator of creative thinking. Having watched her before with a group of adults, I knew she could bring to the corporate setting this type of art along with her exceptional ability to make people feel at ease as a way to improve work-life balance, innovation and workplace productivity.
So I am now announcing a BETA program this July – when I have my mom – Susan Adler George, out on the West Coast. We will launch Outside the Box Innovation Workshop© for organizations. Stay tuned for more.
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