I get a bit frustrated with Creatives sometimes when they push back on the idea of systems.
The truth is I am one…I’m just a bit less artistic than some. I love to create. I love to break the rules and try something new.
When I talk about the importance of a systems in your work I often hear push back from Creatives. They say things like…
“I work better under pressure.”
“I need to have flexibility.”
“We’re more of a creative team and don’t need something like that.”
Here are my thoughts for those responses.
1. “I work better under pressure.”
I get it. I like to feel the pressure too. Ideas are born during that time. I just don’t think most of the pressure you are talking about is worth the non-stop stress it puts on you as undone stuff spins in the back of your mind 24-7. That is called anxiety and it is never healthy. Also, do you know the anxiety your causing those who have to work with you? They’re out there knowing that your going to create work at the last minute and they can do nothing about it. They have stuff spinning in the back of their mind and they don’t even know what it is.
Let me ask you this…Can you create the pressure earlier? I bet you can…I know you’re boss can create pressure for you. Why can’t you do that yourself? Can you create a strategic deadline that is really the “drop-dead” date for the sake of the people that work with you? For the sake of the people that deal with your self propagated anxiety?
And…knowing that some of your best ideas are born at the true last minute. Wouldn’t it be cool to have time on your hands to execute them while the rest of what needs to be done…is done?
Pressure is good…anxiety is bad. Are you being honest with yourself? Are you being a professional to the people around you? Are you being fare to the ones who are closest to you?
2. “I need to have flexibility.”
My question is simple. Flexibility from what? You can’t have flexibility if you don’t have a standard to vary from. I’m all for changing your mind or moving in another direction. You can’t start with flexibility though. Flexibility without a initial direction is simply lack of direction. If you routinely create, you should have a system to get started. I’m all for varying from the original plan and being flexible…just do it on purpose.
3. “We’re more of a creative team and don’t need something like that.”
Awesome…than give yourself time to be creative. Creativity rarely happens in the context of a creative meeting. The best and natural creativity happens as you walk through life…mowing the lawn, on a walk, during your drive, in the shower….etc. If you have a system that gives you direction followed by some time to live your life you will be amazed at the quality and quantity of ideas that pop into your mind.
So my creative friends….give it a shot. I really think if you feel boxed in by a system…you’ve never experienced a good system.
