Finding Success in Art and Business Beyond the Messy Middle

When I elected to choose an early retirement, it was always with the intention of pursuing a more creative life. I have a strong belief that creativity is a fundamental human quality, one unfortunately, we have chosen to extinguish in both our educational system and in the corporate world. Indeed, I would argue it is a human trait many feel they do not possess and yet I am convinced it is a seed within all of us waiting to be cultivated. If I may be so bold, I would even go so far as to say the absence of human creative expression, no matter the outcome, creates a void that only a creative endeavor can fill.

In my own creative journey, be it photography, stained glass, creative writing or more recently pottery, I have frequently encountered the dreaded moment of the creative process that inevitably results in what I perceive to be failure. More importantly the resulting mess confirms my internal talk track, that “I can’t do this” and perpetuates the collective belief in many of us that, only people born to paint, play music, write lyrics or be creative can do so. The very idea of learning to be creative seems foreign to us all, and yet as children, in many ways this formed the foundation of our development. Just put a crayon in the hands of a five-year-old and witness the power of human creativity.

Art and Business are Strange Bedfellows

It is not an accident, having always been creatively curious, that I looked at both my business and personal life through the same lens (pardon the obvious pun). The similarities in process (idea – exploration – construction – execution) are not merely coincidental, they are inextricably connected. I came to realize that building a long-term quality initiative or profit & loss strategy followed the same basic rubric that I used when I made a tea pot or framed a photograph from a landscape I traversed.

The journey to creating something beautiful, whether it's a piece of art or a refined business process, is fraught with challenges and chaos. This messy middle, however, is a critical phase that holds the potential for profound transformation and innovation. By embracing this tumultuous stage, both artists and business leaders can uncover the true essence of their work, leading to unexpected outcomes that are not only efficient but also inspiring.

The Artistic Process: From Chaos to Masterpiece

Creating art is rarely a linear process. It starts with a blank canvas, a multitude of ideas, and a lot of uncertainty. The initial strokes may seem disjointed and chaotic, often leading to frustration and doubt. However, it is in this mess that the magic begins to unfold. Each stroke, each color choice, and each mistake contributes to the evolution of the piece.

Artists often talk about the "ugly phase" of their work, a stage where nothing seems to fit, and the vision is far from clear. This phase is essential as it allows for exploration and experimentation. It's a time when boundaries are pushed, and new techniques are tried. The messiness is not a sign of failure but a necessary part of the creative process. It is through this chaos that artists discover unexpected connections and insights, leading to a final masterpiece that resonates on a deeper level.

The Business Process: Navigating the Turmoil for Improvement

Similarly, in the business world, designing and implementing processes to improve outcomes involves navigating through a period of disorder. Whether it’s streamlining operations, enhancing customer service, or developing new products, the initial stages of process improvement can be daunting. Teams may face resistance, unclear objectives, and unforeseen challenges.

However, just like in art, this messy middle is where the real growth happens. It's a phase of intense brainstorming, testing, and refining. Business leaders must be willing to embrace the uncertainty and encourage their teams to think creatively. This often involves breaking down old paradigms, challenging existing methods, and being open to radical ideas. Ego, fear of failure and impatience are the enemy of this integral part of the process. Vulnerability, patience and faith in an uncertain outcome are the fuel that is needed to plough through the mess and arrive at what will inevitably be an unexpected and delightful outcome.

During this period, failure and setbacks are inevitable. Yet, each failure provides valuable insights and lessons. By analyzing what went wrong, teams can adjust their strategies and move closer to the optimal solution. The process may seem chaotic, but it is this very chaos that fosters innovation and leads to improved results.

Finding Beauty in the Mess

The messiness of both the artistic and business processes is not something to be avoided or feared. Instead, it should be seen as an integral part of the journey towards creating something beautiful and effective. Embracing the mess means accepting that uncertainty and disorder are necessary for growth and innovation.

In art, the messy middle allows for the expression of raw emotions and ideas, leading to a piece that is authentic and impactful. In business, it fosters a culture of resilience and adaptability, enabling teams to develop processes that are robust and efficient.

By shifting our perspective and valuing the mess, we can unlock new levels of creativity and effectiveness. The next time you find yourself in the midst of chaos, whether you’re holding a paintbrush or leading a team, remember that this is where the beauty begins. Embrace the mess, trust the process, and watch as the final masterpiece reveals itself.

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