In this video, Beth Kanter, discusses the prominent resistance to using failure in the nonprofit sector to our benefit or as a learning mechanism. It is helpful to move out of a ‘fixed’ mindset into a ‘growth’ mindset in order to use failure in a productive way. Rather than fixating on a tough situation, think about it in terms of growth! By being open to growth and change, you can use failure as an opportunity to improve. It takes some practice to get into this mindset though. Our first reactions to failure are typically negative. Beth … [Read more...]
Leading Change
“How can we do it better and should we even be doing it in the first place?” Does your organization look the same as it did five years ago? What about your creative practice? As individuals and organizations, we are constantly changing. We change because we encounter new ideas and recreate old ones. We think critically about how we are working and how we can make it better. But, change can be hard. Heck, change is hard. Fear of failure relates to fear of change. Aaron Dworkin, Dean of the University of Michigan’s School of Music, Theatre … [Read more...]
What is failure?
What is failure? How do you define it? Is it really the worst thing that can happen? Does fear of failure prevent you from innovation and opportunity? Watch Ekaterina Walter’s Ted Talk on redefining failure and how it can lead to success. Walter says that our definition of failure is affected by three things: Passion, Attitude, and Purpose. Your passion and your purpose control your attitude. This affects your reaction to failure. If you have a strong passion and purpose, as many in the arts do, you will be much more resilient in the face of … [Read more...]
Leftovers? Again?
Last Thursday when I came home from work, followed by a two-mile run and high intensity circuit workout, I was not in the mood to make the chickpea turmeric soup I had planned to whip up for us to eat that night. It was the middle of the week. The dark, winter days were getting to me. I was not prepared to spend an hour of my evening in the kitchen when the couch and my book were looking at me, calling my name. To paint the picture more clearly, I ritually cook a meal from scratch every night of the week. I simmer sauces. I roast vegetables. … [Read more...]
What are the qualities of a strong arts leader?
This week on Field Notes, we're talking about career paths. We've broken this conversation down into five steps. We'll dive into a different step each day this week. Today, we're focusing on the importance (or lack there of) in having or thinking about a career path. What makes a successful arts leader? This is perhaps the most important question as you think about your own career path in the arts. What does success look like for you? What do you need to get there? Everyone will have their own definition. As an executive search consultant … [Read more...]
Designing Your Life
This week on Field Notes, we're talking about career paths. We've broken this conversation down into five steps. We'll dive into a different step each day this week. Today, we're focusing on the importance (or lack there of) in having or thinking about a career path. Executive Director of the Design Program at Stanford University, Bill Burnett shares his thoughts on one of the toughest questions we all face in life: "What do you want to be when you grow up?" Burnett believes that “the notion that you need to have a passion and follow it is a … [Read more...]
How have you engaged your staff to cultivate new leaders?
NAS produces publications, videos and other management tools to inspire those working in the field to take a fresh look at their work and the challenges they face. Over the last few years we have amassed quite a large catalog of content. We’ve sent NAS staff members into the archives to pick their favorites and share them here. This week NAS Director, Dallas Shelby, shares one of his favorite NAS videos. Full disclosure: I conducted this interview. It was a fascinating chat, not only because I got to see the incredible artifacts in the … [Read more...]
Civic Health. Civic Equity. Civic Capacity.
Michael Rohd, Founding Artistic Director of Sojourn Theatre and Founder & Director of The Center for Performance and Civic Practice shares the values that guide both organizations: Civic Health. Civic Equity. Civic Capacity. Rohd conveys how these values are integrated into every decision made by both organizations and the approach taken to support equity conceptually through their work and literally in the community. … [Read more...]
On Values & Building Community
Inclusivity. Creativity & Innovation. Integrity. These are the values that Irfana Jetha Noorani thrives on through her work with the 11th Street Bridge Park. Each day is about bringing communities together around a civic space and it is these values that serve as the thread stringing all the aspects of her work together. … [Read more...]
Scott Kratz: Values
The intentionality of our actions, the generosity of our time and the creation of an authentic space. These are some of the ways that Scott Kratz, Director of the 11th Street Bridge Park, brings his values into his work. … [Read more...]
The Commons
Growing up, the public library was a place that allowed Polly Carl, Director & Editor of HowlRound: A Center for the Theater Commons, to find belonging and access imagination. This introduction to a commons model is something that s/he's continued to carry and that influences all that s/he brings as a leader to the organization. The commons model is all about inclusivity. Carl honors and encourages this through her/his work at HowlRound. Inclusivity is so engrained in the organization, Carl says that the staff must have buy-in to this … [Read more...]
It’s a work in progress, but it’s crucial work
"It's about them." "We're all alive." "We're all going through this crazy path of life." Jeff McCarter, Founder & Executive Director of Free Spirit Media shares how the values of the organization surround human dignity and the people their programs serve. McCarter challenges organizations to really own their values, but believes that it is always a work in progress. … [Read more...]
Clyde Valentin: Values
Clyde Valentin, Director of the SMU Meadows Arts + Urbanism Initiative shares how values appear in his work through acknowledging equity and inequity, acknowledging people everyday and recognizing that mistakes happen. … [Read more...]
Ari Weinzweig: Congruency & Values
We promised a video this week featuring Ari Weinzweig, co-founder of Zingerman's and here it is! Weinzweig shares the difference between values and beliefs and the importantance of having congruency between the two, in any business environment. Share your reactions with us in the comments section or at #ValuesNAS. … [Read more...]
Taking Down the Hedges
Respect. Access. Inclusion. Transparency. Authenticity. These are the values held deeply by Hope McMath, Executive Director of the Cummer Museum of Art + Gardens. McMath shares how these values are part of the decisions she makes both internally at the museum, through hiring and organizational culture, as well as externally in the community. She tells the story of literally taking down the hedges that surround the museum and what physical and symbolic meaning a row of bushes can have. … [Read more...]