I haven’t worn a Mood Ring since the late 1970’s but it’s time for that fad to return.
I know, I know… they never really worked all that well. Regardless of how I was feeling inside (and as a teenager, well, you know…) the color remained a murky green.
Still, I recall how friends would playfully grab each other’s hands and exclaim, “Let’s see how you’re feeling!”
So go ahead and slip an imaginary mood ring on your finger right now. What color does it show?
- Black – Fear, Nothing, Angst, Serious, Overworked, Stormy, Depressed, Intense
- Yellow – Anxious, Cool, Cautious, Distracted, Mellow, So-So
- Orange – Stressed, Nervous, Mixed, Confused, Upset, Challenged, Indignant
- Green-Peridot – Mixed Emotions, Restless, Irritated, Distressed, Worried, Hopeful
- Green-Light Green – Normal, Alert, No Great Stress, Sensitive, Jealous, Envious, Guarded
- Blue-Green – Upbeat, Pleased, Somewhat Relaxed, Motivated, Flirtatious
- Blue – Normal, Optimistic, Accepting, Calm, Peaceful, Pleasant
- Indigo-Darker Blue – Deeply Relaxed, Happy, Lovestruck, Bliss, Giving
- Violet-Burgandy – Love, Romance, Amorous, Heat, Mischievous, Moody, Dreamer, Sensual
- Pink – Very Happy, Warm, Affectionate, Loving, Infatuated, Curious
Now slide that imaginary mood ring off of your finger – and place it on the “virtual finger” of your arts or cultural organization. How does it assess the mood of your organization?
However you feel – and however your organization feels – it’s certainly understandable.
But here’s what’s unacceptable… Whatever your mood, it’s not okay to dwell in it. This goes for you AND your organization.
Your mood must not define your world. It must not isolate you or cause withdrawal from people who feel differently than you. If anything, these times demand that we build connections in new & meaningful ways.
We humans are social creatures. We exist in families, groups, and communities. We rely on each other for comfort, security, and assistance. We support and inspire each other. We learn from each other. We commiserate and celebrate with each other. When someone is down, others lift them up. Cue the music: “Lean on me, when you’re not strong…”
Let’s go even further.
As arts administrators, we are champions of arts & cultural experience. By definition, those experiences are connections between audiences and artists. Whether entertaining, educational, thought-provoking, nostalgic, emotional, memorable, engaging, beautiful or whatever, our cause is grounded in people-gathering & mood-influencing.
So, whatever your personal mood, and however your organization feels, take a moment to acknowledge it – then set it aside. It is unreasonable to expect that your existing audiences and your stakeholders all share that mood – and it is unproductive and dangerous to allow your mood (and the actions that result) to become an obstacle to the engagement of new audiences.
Here are 3 practical suggestions for ways to set aside your mood:
- Reach beyond the “low-hanging fruit.” – Fearful companies care more about conserving resources and achieving immediate goals. Reach higher by making an investment whose benefit may not be immediately apparent. For example, try addressing a new constituency or initiate an unconventional strategic alliance. Instead of acting upon what you already know, start more sentences with, “I wonder if…” or “How would…”.
- Start (and don’t stop) asking, “How will our world be different in 5 years?” Make this your mantra and use it to inspire your team your Board and your stakeholders. Insist that the question be answered without cynicism. Keep everyone’s focus on the positive future that it is your collective power to create. It’s much more fun to play offense than to play defense.
- Learn something new. Pick up a new hobby. Read 3 different books addressing the same non-fiction topic. (I’ve been reading about “Resilience” recently – can you tell?). Volunteer for another organization. Take a day trip. Invite a stranger over for dinner. Do something that helps you see the world through fresh eyes or from someone else’s perspective. Allow those new skills and insights to inform and refresh your perspective to whatever challenges you’re facing.
Your mood – and the mood of your organization – is merely an effect. A mood is the feeling that results from all that you’ve been doing. Being mindful of your mood, but allow it to be the cause of just one thing – a purposeful decision to change your actions.
Now’s the time.
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Credit: The mood ring color descriptions in this post come from this website: http://www.bestmoodrings.com/blog/mood-ring-color-chart-meanings
