You never know who is going to show up at the Catalyst offices. Recently, we were surprised by some of the folks from Chick-fil-A who brought by some chicken biscuits and gift cards for the Catalyst staff.
Of course, as we always do, we had to capture this on video and create some memorable moments to share. Enjoy.
embedded by Embedded VideoCreating an environment for “being creative” takes work. It takes energy and preparation. You don’t just show up and flip the creative switch on immediately.
There is a reason that certain groups and organizations are ultimately more creative than others- it’s because they are on purpose when it comes to creating the right kind of environment for creativity. They are intentional with creating the creative environment.
Here at Catalyst, we are very intentional about our creative process. It’s part of our DNA. See this post from last year about “turning ideas into reality.”
When it comes to creating the right kind of environment, we’ve established some “rules” (suggested behavior) for our “creative” meetings:
1. set the expectations for the meeting up front. be very clear, even if there are no rules.
2. there is no bad answer
3. “yes, and” and never “no or but”
4. respect everyone’s participation and their thoughts- no one can dominate the conversation
5. allow for movement- standing up, walking, sitting down, whatever works for people- especially those with shorter attention spans!
6. provide creative “extras”, such as toys, sports items, collectives, visual effects and other “enhancers”
7. Take mental breaks every 30-40 minutes, and physical breaks every 90 minutes
8. take VERY detailed notes. capture everything. gotta have a dedicated notetaker.
9. always allow for rabbit trails, but have a facilitator who keeps things moving.
10. Keep the fun meter above 50%. If it drops below that, stop and re-establish the fun factor.
Hopefully these are helpful as you create in your own environments…..
LV Hanson recently sat down with my good friend Darren Whitehead, one of the teaching pastors at Willow Creek Community Church, for a quick video interview in his office.
Check it out.
embedded by Embedded VideoLV is out on the road over the next several months visiting leaders from all across the country- hearing their stories and connecting with them in their environments.
“It is a terrible thing to look over your shoulder when you are trying to lead — and find no one there.” - Franklin D. Roosevelt
“It is amazing what you can accomplish if you don’t care who gets the credit.” - Harry S. Truman
“Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.” - Howard Thurman
Check out the most recent issue of the Catalyst Podcast, featuring an interview with TOMS Shoes founder and Chief Shoe Giver Blake Mycoskie. Blake has an amazing story, is a true inspiration, and throws down some solid business and leadership principles as well.
You can stream live here or download from itunes.
We are also joined in studio by Ben Rough from Compassion International, discussing our most recent trip to Rwanda and the great work of Compassion in lifting children out of poverty all over the world.
Here at Catalyst, we have the opportunity to partner and work with a number of leading organizations focused on different areas of “doing good.” We’ll be highlighting a number of these organizations and their initiatives at Catalyst Atlanta, but I thought over the next several weeks I would list them so you could check them out and see more of the great work they are doing.
I’ll be listing 4 per week over the next 8 weeks, in no particular order.
1. Compassion Art- an initiative founded by Martin Smith, lead singer and founder of the band Delirious. Their Compassion Art music project has already raised over $120,000 from the sale of the CD towards poverty initiatives around the world.
2. Advent Conspiracy- started by good friends Chris Seay and Rick McKinley, this campaign encourages consumers to forego putting money into gifts at Christmas, and instead give that money to clean water projects and other worthy initiatives, fighting against the grip of consumerism on our culture.
3. Gift Card Giver- started by Jeff and Andre Shinabarger. Focused on collecting gift cards that still have credit on them, and turning that credit into money that can be used for worthwhile projects. You can host a Gift Card Giver House party in your community, or just simply send in your unused gift cards.
4. Hope International- the leading microfinance Christian organization. Providing small loans to individuals around the world to help lift them from poverty and give them a job and sustainable income. Peter Greer is doing a great job leading this top-notch initiative.
Let me know if you are aware of charitable organizations, businesses or initiatives that should be highlighted. List them in the comments section and I’ll add them to the list.
Chick-fil-A, Zappos, Burton, Apple.
These companies have an incredibly devoted employee base. Staffs are committed. Their businesses are successful. They’ve become legendary. Why?
One reason: a cult-like crazy culture. They are 110% in. To those outside of the organization, it may seem a bit weird or over the top. But to the employees working for these types of organizations, it is normal. They wholeheartedly believe in what they are doing, and it permeates throughout everything they do- their culture, their identity, branding, marketing, customer service, etc.
Simply put- it is part of who they are.
Other companies that come to mind?
Really excited about Michael Hyatt’s soon to release book on the power of WOW. In fact, he had a great post on his blog recently about “learning to recognize WOW.” It’s worth the read. Inspiring.
As I was thinking about WOW moments in my life, a couple of thoughts came to mind in explaining why a moment is considered a WOW moment:
1. expectations were exceeded, not just met.
2. a deep emotional connection was created.
3. it was “picture worthy,” meaning the aesthetics, environment, conditions and surroundings justified capturing the moment for long term reflection.
4. outside the norm; different than what I’m used to; distinct.
5. I wanted to tell everyone I could about my experience.
Now, think about your business, church, organization or initiative….. do people say these things about what you offer?