The intent of this blog is to grow a new idea called "The Values Proposition". An economy where businesses are build around what people care about and not just what people will pay money for.
Somewhere between 1945 and 1946 Picasso got rid of the comb over and the difference is startling. It seems that by letting go of the frail and thinning stylistic shelter he was somehow released and free to be more playful. At least that is the story I took from the exhibit.
Just as striking as this transformation is the presence of play in his life. Ever the clown one sees Picasso play acting with his statues in the making. A clay baby is cuddled and offered to friends to hold. Bruce Mau talks about how he uses laughter: as a barometer of how comfortable they are at expressing themselves in the studio. When people laugh they are confident enough to be a little vulnerable. It becomes easy to be themselves. When I was at adidas I was always struck by how the top athletes would always turn photo shoots into a game. Haile had to strike the cross on the studio floor just right with his stride and wasn't happy if it wasn't so, Kobe needed to show off with the most ridiculous shot he could do. People at the top of their game seem to relish in what they do. You really have to love what you do to be the best in the world. Steve Jobs knew this, and I suspect just about everyone does by now, so why do so many people ignore this?
A lot has been written about the use of play in the creative process and its importance to work. I wonder if there isn't more to Bruce Mau's assertion, that play and laughter could be used as signs of organizational vitality. Every person has a limited amount of energy. Doesn't it stand to reason that when that energy is not being channeled into protecting a fragile ego, where all efforts are not focused on protecting an image of yourself, more energy will be channeled into new ideas and productive contributions? Perhaps there is more to Picasso letting go of the comb over than meets the eye...
So what started with free tickets to the Art Fair, ended with a lovely night walk with Aritake and his dad through Cologne. Not only was it nice to see Aritake as a proud father, it was surprising serendipity to meet with his dad on the subject of a values proposition.
The project Hyena Life aims to investigate and support "life strategies that create autonomy rather than dependency from large trans-national entities". One of the key groups featured is the Brooklyn based park slope food coop. A simple yet profound idea that removes the barrier between shopkeeper and shopper. (Like the realization in Juergen Durner's shop window, that the refection is you). The 14000+ coop members need to commit a certain number of hours to working in the store. This reduces their food bill by 20 to 40%. The supreme form of consumer activism as every coop member has a say in where the food is sourced from, how it is treated and sold. Isn't this the best way to protect your business from the risk of reading trends wrong,, and ending up with unwanted stock?
J Durner, Unity
How would it affect other businesses if they applied the same model, removing the separation between "us" (the company) and them (the consumer)? Design firms often start their process by trying to build empathy as a path to innovation. An artificial injection of "walking in each other's shoes". Surely it is far more sustainable to build this protection in from the ground up. How could a pharma company include patients and physicians in both the design of and execution of trials?
This mindset establishes the foundation for a far reaching community engagement, where interests are balanced and values can be shared. Besides that the company creates an instant, loyal consumer base. That's what I would call integral design.
Another example if integral design is The Keep a Breast Foundation. Earlier this year they started a new campaign focusing on the toxins and chemicals linked to breast cancer in our food, households and cosmetics. They simplify the huge amount of data and provide tools to make smarter choices when shopping for everyday things. Reminds me of Malcolm from the eco-store's mantra of "make it simple and easy to make a change".
Shaney has led her team over the years to produce interesting art and cultural events to not only raise awareness but get younger women to reflect on this topic. Most famously the breast casts that are then used as a canvas for artists often causes the celebrities featured to reflect just how much they take breast health for granted, and how much of their identity is related to it.
Shaney often takes cues from her team to identify new ways to connect with not only women but also sponsors and donors. When one of the team started doing tango, they quickly created a fund raiser event with dance as the theme. This not only gave her staff the opportunity to meet some amazing tango dancers in a more substantial way, it gave performers and enthusiasts another way to reflect on their health and bodies. This is a great example that builds on the "firm footing before extend" idea discussed yesterday.
Now off to the picasso exhibit at the Ludwig Museum, with thoughts of how a life in art shows itself through informal snapshots.
Being in Cologne reminds me of the dot.bust years, having lived here from '99 - '02. Seeing both pixelpark and frogdesign (the Gehry version) go to ashes.
It was also in Cologne that Julie taught me how to rock climb. Today in particular the second rule (the first being: "always ensure three points of contact") rings a particularly resonant tone. Julie put a lot of emphasis on the fact that you should always move your feet first, then your hands. Secure footing leads extension. This also means that you use less energy as you push yourself up the mountain, instead of pulling/dragging your body weight up. Improved reach and stability.
This is a really good metaphor for business. How often does a business, in the search of new markets grab at anything they see without ensuring that they are on good footing. Going beyond what they can sustain, ending in mid-air suspension, exhausted and confused (I am sure that hand hold looked a lot more secure from down there...) How often have you sat in focus groups where blind hands are stumbling through the dark in search of that one insight from which to hang a product launch?
The alternative would be to use the legs of the company to push you from a stable footing. What are the lives and interests of your sales force and marketing team teaching you about tastes and trends? How does the head of R&D's surfing fetish feature in your new technology developments? And how much of this knowledge is parked at the front door when they "check-in" (or "check-out" more like) for work.
By using the stronger muscles of personal interest and appreciating where your team's centre of gravity is, you'll find innovation far less stressful, and inspired.
And as for those over extended dot.busts, what a different story google and amazon tell today... do the leg work :-)
The friendly people at the next door breakfast table have given me free tickets to the art fair, so if anyone want's to come along, let me know.
Protests are rolling over the west, as a faint yet profound echo of the deep social change started by the arab spring. Inequality and distance between people is leading to greater levels of frustration and tension. Where will the "Occupy" movement lead us?
All of this has ignited my passion about something that I care deeply about, the purpose of organizations: The Values Proposition (R)
During the next six weeks I'll visit Germany, Sweden, Switzerland, the UK and South Africa to listen and learn. What do people care about? How can we reconnect people and their day-jobs in a way that reflects their values and leads to true, sustained innovation?
If you have thoughts on this, or would like to help, please mail me at: ferdi(at)f-vh(dot)com
