We are smack dab in the middle of a work environment in chaos.
So many questions and ideas are filling the space with “I don’t know” or “what’s next?”
Do we bring people back into the office, do we go completely remote or will a hybrid situation work? Why are people leaving the organization, or better yet why are people staying?
The answer may not be easy, and neither is the conversation. If you are not looking inward and staying curious about a win-win resolution, then there is a lack of business-savvy awareness. The work environment is already in the corporate culture, good or bad. In speaking with people of all ages, career functions, and hierarchical levels, it is indecisiveness that is causing the chaos and angst.
To take it a step further, it is up to the individual organization to create a unique environment that is cutting-edge and balanced. It’s about creating an environment that is both accountable and kind, one that is diverse and has symmetry, and one that is profitable with notable talent. So how do we do that in business? It’s about co-creation, not collaboration.
I recently talked with Bonnie Baker, award-winning songwriter, producer, and owner of bker MGMT, and Daniel Claremont, songwriter, producer, and owner of SCARS. I asked: when musicians, songwriters, and producers enter a studio to write and produce music, what does that look like? It was interesting that two people from different genres, locations, and generations, produced nearly identical lists. They saw the most success from creators that had:
- Open and reflective personalities
- Trust
- No judgment
- A lot of active listening
- Heart
- There is no right answer. There is no wrong answer.
- Each creator needs to know what their strengths and weaknesses are.
- NO ego. NO victims. NO shaming. NO blaming.
- The best idea wins every single time.
- Connecting with creators who will move the product to the finish line with integrity.
- All creators are equal participants.
- A balance of masculine/feminine energy. (Great art always has a balance of both)
- Put energy into the work and not into who has more input or influence.
If this is what it takes to produce an award-winning song, then surely the same rules apply to co-create an innovative, balanced, and winning environment in business.
Let’s begin with what we know:
Employers and C-Suite want their product, service, or solution sold. They want their employees to solve something, sell something, create something, add instant value, and be fiscally responsible. Would you agree this is a good start?
Employees & Mid-level Managers want a company that offers professional development, gives them the ability to grow in responsibility and contribute to other people’s success, and they want respect and long-term stability. All of which led me to ask: how do we replicate the co-creation present in the music world for the corporate world? The answer became extremely clear: by intentionally unlocking the “studio” and inviting mid-level leaders to equally participate in the conversation and actively listen to all ideas, resolutions will begin to unfold. Yes, sometimes, it takes a little “remix” to leverage, balance, and produce harmony within an organization. Those businesses who are in tune and ready to innovate will cross the intersection of retention and profitability where industry leaders are innovators and people want to work!
