The Artist Versus The Executive
Courtesy of Flickr (by Banksy)
I got up at 5am the other day, not because I had to, but more because something really bothered me that I had to get off of my chest and talk to you about.
Without going on some big long explanation, I kinda think it’s both funny yet sad that “The Artist” and “The Executive” haven’t managed to get along much in the world (especially in the work environment). In a somewhat recent post I did called, “Banning Art In the Workplace” I pretty much understand why neither one of us really does.
We undervalue the importance of one another and the type of value each provides in ANY… yes ANY organization.
Going on for LITERALLY hundreds of years, I think it’s been ingrained into much of society that “artists” are a particular way – and most aren’t true. As with the typical “executive,” I’m sure they’ve been just as misunderstood – but this doesn’t mean it has to keep going on and on like this.
We need a 50/50 split of artists and executives in every single company out there (like “Apple, “Google,” etc).
Here is why.
Artist’s don’t want to do what executives do and executives don’t at ALL want to do what artists do. And that’s fine. We get that. Yet what happens is, people judge artists based on some bullshit criteria that has nothing to do with the value that they can bring to any company OR position they work at – and people really resent you for that.
You see, there is this thing that seems to be woven into much of the workforce today that companies pay people to do something and some get a certain amount of enjoyment from seeing people at work be miserable. The thing is, most artists come up with brilliant ideas a lot of times when you just let them do what they do and when they’re happy (this isn’t done when we are given busy work or sitting inside an uninspiring atmosphere or office cubicle – as most do).
I know this isn’t typical of many executives and it may be hard to swallow a lot of times, but it’s 100% true. Instead many large companies OPPRESS artistic people (which are probably most people in an organization scared to show their “creative side” for fear of being ridiculed) because they want to be seen as “the hero.”
Have you ever experienced this?
This happens all the time with artistic/creative people. Artistic expression is oppressed in much of the workforce because you again value their worth by their job title, what they’re paid and/or wear!
Which brings me to this point… why would ANYONE share their brilliant ideas to help an organization if we’re being treated like this?
Not many.
So lets give everyone a fair chance, shall we? We’re BOTH just as important to each other – and our business/world needs a healthy mix of both types. The artist. And the executive.
Don’t you think?
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Great blog, JMK…sadly, it wasn’t always this way…history in general and American business history in particular have many successfull people who possesed a balance of executive and creative skills (Henry Ford, for one)…their creative instincts mixed with a “do it” attitude have contributed to an overall high standard of living…I believe the notion of personal specialization that has developed throughout the twentieth century are at least, in part, responsible for the problem you so neatly lay out for us in your blog…at its core, I believe many of us have compartmentalized so much of who we are that the whole person rarely shows…as a result there is an “artist” and an “executive”…where is the melding of the two…for myself, I found ways to keep self-employed and follow my muse rather than bury myself in corporate structure…where will we find the re-birth of the generalist, the coalescing of talents, the Renaissance Man…JMK, you are onto something…be well
Great point Andy. No reason we cannot mix the two (the business and creative side). If corporate america would stop oppressing the creative side of individuals, I TOO think we would be onto something.
What do you think?
I’m not so sure… sometimes I think executives want to live the life of an artist. I sure know a few executives that would love to have my job. Roll out of bed, walk to my studio and paint for most of the day. If not live the life at least express their ideas in a unique creative way day in and day out.
By the way, I had my ipod on shuffle and came across your song “Awake Again” It fit in great with my Cafe Del Mar and Portishead mix!
Well said Patrick.
Why does it seem as if a lot of executives can’t express their ideas in a creative way through their job? Do you think it’s more them… than the organization they work at? Maybe a combination of both?
That is awesome with my song, “Awake Again.” Thanks so much for sharing that. Seems like you have great taste in music Patrick. LOL!
One of my first jobs out of college was doing presentation graphics for a large accounting firm. I reported to several high-level execs and one partner, helping each with their PowerPoint presentations. Needless to say, the information wasn’t exciting—to me anyway—and the art accompanying it was low key, almost to the point of being like background noise. That was how they liked it. However, there was one woman (the only female in this group) who liked to get creative and let me run with her ideas for making the graphics more fun and informative. Unfortunately, the other execs all “killed” these slides before they saw the light of day. It was sad to see her energy and enthusiasm for trying creative things squashed. So, you’re on the right track here, Jared.
In magazine publishing, where I work now, things are a bit different, and the business/marketing execs come down to see what we’re working on, and try to give some input on what they see—for better or worse! The comments are mostly on how things will be perceived from an advertiser’s viewpoint, but there is some personal feedback too. It’s a step forward at least, but I know this isn’t the case in other industries. There should be a “Rework” type book on this topic alone, and business schools should address it if they don’t already—perhaps you could guest lecture?
Some great points Glenn. Why do you think it’s “low key?”
I think in publishing, there is a lot of creativity going on there – so I’m guessing they’re a lot more receptive to the creative sides of things. Great point with business schools trying to teach these kinds of things. The only thing is, the people that are in a lot of these positions are a lot more “old school.” So even if we teach these types of things in school, I almost feel as if the current people in “power” would need to leave. It’s that old point, “You can teach an old do new tricks.” You know?
BUT the newer companies no doubt would probably be most receptive. You know?
Well put, Jared!
On the basic level you are so right about this. I think it stems from people just not caring to know, appreciate or understand other people. It’s easier to stay afraid, not empower others or remain ignorant.
I appreciate hearing your voice out there and talking about this stuff because it’s a reality. And we all know, perception is reality.
Thanks Sharon for taking the time to comment. Isn’t it easier just to take that B.S. laquer off of things?
Why is this honest form of communication in the workplace not there? I think you’re right – it is easier to stay “afraid.” But the economy doesn’t create great companies/services with scared people working there. Why is that?
@Jared Matthew Kessler
I think the presentations were low key since they were shown to clients/prospective clients, who were probably even more conservative, especially those thinking of spending large sums of money on consulting work. My guess is they put more trust in a company that more than likely reflected the not-too-creative culture within their own companies. Even though I was a creative type and had no interaction with outside clients, I had to conform and wear suits everyday. If I remember correctly, Wednesdays was red tie day-Yay! I forgot my jacket one day for a meeting and got the evil eye from people! LOL
Classic Glenn. Classic.
You need to realize that the job you are doing requires a designer not an artist. A designer solves problems. An artist creates new ones… Your role is to communicate the concept clearly and directly. If this requires a unique, clever approach for that client base then great go for it. If it is needed to be heard simply and directly then that is what needs to be done.
Could you imagine you Doctor coming in with a bright red clown nose and telling you, “Hey here’s a riddle what use to be here and now isn’t…your Dad…” rim shot sound follows….
The point is the message is dictated by the environment. That is what a designer does….an artist may very well choose to wear the red nose God bless… but it may not be the right approach for return business..