The Art of Applause at Work

The love of applause is intrinsic to most performers. There is nothing more validating than that noisy sense of appreciation following the accomplishment of something. Relishing the recognition of a job well done doesn’t make us selfish, it makes us human! Even the most introverted person likes to feel not only a sense of completeness after doing something special, but also that others have responded in a positive way.

Applause, or any public recognition of achievement, is as important in a business setting as in a creative one. The opportunity to celebrate each other’s accomplishments with real or symbolic applause is a way of exerting the important values of respect and gratitude in the workplace. We can find many ways to support our peers by expressing our appreciation directly to them for something they have done or by letting their manager know when they have gone above and beyond. Even taking a moment to validate a new idea that has been shared is a way to celebrate new ideas and initiative.

Storytelling in Business

“Having spent my life believing in the dream of reason, I was startled to find that an appropriately told story had the power to do what rigorous analysis couldn’t: to communicate a strange new idea and move people to enthusiastic action.” — Stephen Denning, author of The Leader’s Guide to Storytelling

Let’s continue to explore artistic processes as a means of inspiring and helping catapult you and your organization to positive business outcomes and a more inspiring work environment.  I’d like to examine here an art that is a regular practice in the business landscape, bringing it front and center for a deeper look: the art of storytelling.

The Art of Listening to Lead

“Most people don’t listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply.” ― Stephen Covey

Of course, listening is a critical skill for anyone in a work setting. Employees who know how to listen to feedback and respond accordingly have a much better chance at success in their professional endeavors. But, I believe there is an art to listening. Leaders who know how to really listen to their employees can help promote innovative thinking, spur productivity, and stimulate creative action.

Art and the City — An Actor’s Story

“New York!” he said. “That’s not a place, it’s a dream.” ― Ralph Ellison

Welcome back! Before we explore more about the intersection of art and business, I’d like to take a bit of a detour to explain why this concept speaks so loudly to me.

If you know me, you know how much I love a good story. I particularly like those that work as a tool to understand something better, help provide clarity or enlightenment, or reinforce a principle or idea. My story may give you a glimpse into how this blog’s concepts about work and art crept into being. So here goes.