Category: Writing

I’ve written before about the importance of being in alignment. When the alignment is off, even the smallest misstep can throw the system out of whack.

A system that is working is often ignored. This can be anything throughout the day that operates exactly as it’s supposed to, or as it has been doing constantly over time.

We notice when it breaks, though. That computer that suddenly won’t power on. The cellphone that doesn’t hold a charge. The warm and tepid contents of the refrigerator.

Were there warning signs? Probably. Did we pay enough attention to notice? Now that is a good question.

Sometimes it feels like our personal beliefs are being assaulted. We get that gut reaction that, this person we’re talking to, their so different from me, in the way they think, what they believe, what they want – either for themself or for the country/world/whatever – that not only are we on different footing, but if this person’s footing is to stay strong, mine will be weakened as a result.

Thus, we become combative.

It happens time and again, that from the viewpoint of maintaining our beliefs, we need to put down the beliefs of others.

But, like so many things in life, it’s not that simple. Putting down one’s beliefs won’t change them, just as someone putting down my beliefs won’t affect the way I think. There’s common ground to be found among some things, and disparate views that must be accepted if a conversation is to start.

Being understanding, even in the face of uncertain results, is what is important when communicating. But communication is necessary and, in these turbulent times, more important than ever.

“With the internet, it’s like a road map,” says Hackett. “You know exactly what you’re looking for and you go there. Whereas with books – and this is true of cookbooks, too – they’re alive.” – Kathleen Hackett, from the book Bibliostyle。

Carey Grant said something along the lines of, “Life is simple. In the morning I get up, at night I go to sleep. In between, I try to keep myself occupied.”

Choosing how to fill your life is now less important than it used to be, while at the same time being ever so more important. Spend time wisely, and enjoy the life you have – no matter what sort of lemonade you have to make.

Yes, still tinkering with this one. Anyhoo…

1. Esquire‘s 100 best movies of all time, if you believe in ranking… I’ve seen a few of them, but actually many less than I would have imagined. I’ve got 61 to go.
2. An interesting segment from the NY Times, tracking viral misinformation across the internet.
3. Some facts you may not have known about Tim Burton’s Nightmare Before Christmas. Because, you know, it’s that time of year.
4. An interview with Aaron Sorkin about Trial of the Chicago 7. Coincidentally, Sorkin was also one of the writers on Moneyball, which I hadn’t realized the first time I saw it.
5. And, lastly, a quote to consider this week: “The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes but in having new eyes.” – Marcel Proust

“What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.” – Henry Stanley Haskins

Haskins observed this in the 1940 work Meditations in Wall Street. The book itself is surprisingly difficult to find, but the sentiment, and others contained therein, remain true – as far as aphorisms can go.

The capabilities possessed in each of us can bring us out of circumstance, can propel us into future endeavors and successes. But first, you must acknowledge that capability and, secondly, perhaps most importantly, you must not be afraid to use it.

There was a time when all you needed to succeed was a handshake and a smile. Or, so they say. But the way of the world now is data. 

I recently rewatched Moneyball, the 2011 film starring Brad Pitt and Jonah Hill. It depicts the Oakland A’s 2002 season, which manager Bille Beane based largely on statistical analysis vs. traditional roster-building. Data replaced the common practice of what was seemingly gut instinct on what the players were capable of. The film was from the book of the same name, written by Michael Lewis.

Nearly all organizations currently in business perform some kind of data analysis. Sales figures vs. previous year. Inventory on-hand and shrinkage. Performance metrics and average call times. All these are important when figuring value vs. cost.

And while the numbers don’t lie, they may fail to reveal certain aspects of the human element. Even when following all the prevailing wisdom that the data can provide, you still have to make decisions based on the preferred outcome.

The prevailing thought is that political races have winners and losers. But it’s not so simple. We’re not voting for a winner at the expense of a loser – we’re selecting someone to lead based on on shared principles and values.

When the position is filled – and it will only be filled for a short time in most cases – we expect work to be completed and responsibilities upheld.

After an election we may disagree with an official’s position, but we should believe that what that person is representing will be beneficial to the whole. It isn’t about you or me. It’s about us.

One breakdown I’ve seen of leaders is into three categories: autocratic, participative, and free-reign.

In certain organizations, one may be preferable to the other. In the US Military, for instance, autocratic leadership is not only preferred, it’s in place to save lives.

But in most corporate settings, autocracy doesn’t go so well. Input from employees can shed light on problems that management may not even know exists. And that’s how those problems get addressed.

The arts are most frequently a communal experience. This is entirely true for performing arts, but even visual art enjoys an added benefit from exhibition space. Museums are designed to highlight pieces and collections, and the gallery space feels an energy from the possibility of gathering crowds, even if none are present.

The act of making art can be an individual experience or shared, but its enjoyment is almost ubiquitously communal.

In the age of a pandemic, organizations committed to offering shared experiences are facing an uncertain future.

The bright side, of course, is that at the other end of this health crisis, you can be certain that the public will resume arts-going activities. The organizations may change as a result, but there will be those committed to bettering the lives of all through the arts.

Estimates are that millions of small businesses will close as a result of the pandemic, and this includes arts organizations as well. The challenge for an organization is to survive. Recent news about Warner Bros. bringing their films to HBO Max same day as theatrical release was met with heavy criticism from theatrical venues, and some questions from filmmakers.

Producers of plays and musicals across the nation are trying to decide how to move forward, some offering public performances, others trying streaming, either newly performed or from their catalogue of prior productions. Museums have tried virtual tours and online Q&As, to name a few.

For the first time in likely a century, arts organizations are fundamentally required to innovate – the alternative is facing a closure.