Creative Evolutions

As our ecosystem evolves, we'd like to thank you for supporting two years of Radical Access & Actionable Solutions. When Calida Jones, M.M. and Douglas R Clayton started Creative Evolutions, it was rooted in a true prioritization of equity and awareness of power dynamics. In just two years, and partnered with a trusted team of Collaborators, we've been honored to uplift and, when necessary, invent innovative solutions to systemic challenges in the arts ecosystem. ? *One such innovation includes Value-Based Ownership, which means we only operate from a position where all arts consultants have clear and transparent compensation and autonomy for any initiative or engagement. All team members involved with projects facilitated by Creative Evolutions equitably share in the direct fees and build equitable financial stakes in the company for the future. *We knew that as long as our approaches to hiring require investments of time and labor from candidates, it is significantly beneficial to pay individuals directly for the value they provide to us. We created a system and compensation agreement with clients to pay over 25 finalists and 60+ semi-finalists for interviews, plus those who recommended them. ? Other highlights from 2022-2023 include: *Co-curated the Arts Track at the annual Yale Innovation Summit with the Midnight Oil Collective *Collaborated with the Sphinx Organization *Worked closely and collaboratively with great organizations since 2022, culminating in the hiring of over 12 brilliant individuals. *Presented plans for staff transitions at TYA/USA *Collaborated on innovative ideas and actionable strategic pathways with boards, staff, or leaders of organizations. These encounters resulted in more expansive opportunities, Such as Calida Jones, M.M. and Douglas R Clayton teaching a graduate course at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design. ? *Welcomed two of the newest CE Collaborators, Abby Ferree and Asia Palmer! For more about CE's latest Collaborators, Placements, and Visioning, read and subscribe to our quarterly newsletter: https://lnkd.in/ecVZezBS Do you have ideas or solutions to share with creatives ready to take action? Let us know below!

?? Let's chat about Ghosting Job Candidates. To be clear, Creative Evolutions is not perfect at this however, we recognize the importance of human to human contact. It takes an extraordinary amount of guts and confidence to press submit for applying to a position. Many companies and organizations utilize recruiters, and firms to find their next leader which is great! And.... There are some practices, and behaviors that are really frustrating for individuals applying for jobs. Being "ghosted" by a potential employer can actually sour people's perception of your company or organization. Is it extra work to respond to every person who applies? Absolutely. Is it extra work to provide feedback on their interview, cover letters (which are unnecessary but more on that later), resume? Absolutely. It's an additional layer of human reciprocity of respect, dignity, and care of others. Here are some other reasons firms, organizations, corporations, and anyone else that has human contact should avoid ghosting candidates: ? Respect- Any individual who makes a conscious decision to put time, thought, and energy into following the requirements needed to submit their materials for a role deserves acknowledgement regardless of the outcome. There is a direct psychological affect of being responded to, acknowledged, and validated on any level. Take the time. Be intentional. ? Relationship Building- We never know how people show up in our lives. Often, our past runs across our future. Maintaining open lines of communication nurtures goodwill, and can strengthen the ecosystem you exist within. ? Enhancing your Brand: What are you known for? Candidates rarely forget their experiences and they share. A reputation for communication, transparency, and respect can set your company or organization apart in the job market. Remember, positive candidate experiences can lead to referrals, and a healthy strong pool of talent. ? Valuable Feedback: Sharing feedback, even if it's brief not only benefits them, but also reflects positively on your organization or company as one that values human development. We've got to commit to better systems and processes in hiring individuals. Remember, we are all human. Every human provides value to a process even if they aren't offered the position. It's not just about the bottom line. It's also about valuing people over profit. #hiring #searches #candidatesbringvalue #leadership #care #dignity #creativeevolutions #humancentered #flexibility #adaptability

Today is our second birthday!! We are so humbled and grateful to continue doing important work in arts and culture. We will continue to center the people having impact in our field across the nation. #creativeevolutions #artsecosystem #access #inclusion #intentionality #innovation #businessmodels #humancentered #grace

Embracing Employee Transitions for Organizational Growth Every single person will leave your organization at some point. It might be tomorrow or thirty years from now. And that's OK! When we deny this reality, we set ourselves up for frustration, confusion, and poor performance. Instead, we should embrace it. Acknowledging that every role and organization is a step along a career path for our team members allows us to create structures and expectations that promote stability, peace, and confidence during transitions. Imagine promoting an environment where staff transitions are not viewed with dread but as natural progressions. When we do this, we empower our employees to grow and move forward, which in turn strengthens our organization. 1. Open Conversations: Regularly discuss career goals with your team. Understanding their aspirations helps you support their growth and prepare for eventual transitions. ??? 2. Knowledge Sharing: Encourage a culture of sharing knowledge and skills. This ensures that no single person becomes irreplaceable and reduces disruption when someone leaves. ??? 3. Succession Planning: Develop a clear succession plan. Identifying potential future leaders within your team provides a roadmap for smooth transitions. 4. Celebrate Departures: Celebrate when someone moves on. Recognize their contributions and maintain a positive relationship. Alumni can become advocates or even return with new skills. By accepting and planning for the inevitability of change, we turn potential disruptions into opportunities for growth and improvement. Let's build resilient teams that thrive through every transition. ?#Leadership ?#CareerGrowth? #EmployeeEngagement? #OrganizationalDevelopment

In today's rapidly evolving professional scene, one principle stands out as a beacon of fairness and innovation:? "Regardless of engagement structures, value-based financial ownership also means a commitment to an individual's rights to the ideas they create." This powerful statement highlights the importance of recognizing and rewarding the intellectual contributions of individuals, no matter the context of their work. Whether you're a full-time employee, a freelancer, or part of a collaborative team, your ideas have intrinsic value and deserve protection and acknowledgment. Value-based financial ownership is about more than just profit sharing; it's about respect and ethical practices. It ensures that creators receive their fair share of the value derived from their intellectual property. This approach not only promotes a culture of trust and motivation but also drives innovation. When individuals feel secure in their ownership rights, they are more likely to invest their time and creativity, leading to breakthroughs and advancements that benefit everyone. As leaders and colleagues, we must champion these rights, creating environments where ideas are nurtured and properly accredited. By doing so, we not only uphold ethical standards but also pave the way for sustainable growth and a thriving, dynamic workforce. Let's commit to a future where every idea is valued, and every creator is respected. Embrace value-based financial ownership and witness the transformative power it brings to our professional world. #CreativeEvolutions #Innovation? #IntellectualProperty? #EthicalLeadership? #Management

Have you ever noticed how people's engagement changes based on how they're compensated? It's a fascinating dynamic: whether it's a job, a task, or an initiative, the type of compensation we offer can significantly alter who steps up to the plate. Think about it. Compensation isn't just about a paycheck. It can come in various forms: direct cash, status, practical benefits, relationships, or opportunities for self-fulfillment. Each type of compensation appeals to different motivations and attracts different people. When we offer direct cash, we tend to attract individuals who are looking for financial stability or growth. On the other hand, offering status or recognition might draw those who seek prestige and acknowledgement. Practical benefits, such as flexible working hours or health benefits, attract those who value work-life balance. Relationships and networking opportunities can lure individuals who thrive on social interactions and collaboration. Lastly, self-fulfillment opportunities attract those driven by passion and purpose. Understanding this can help us tailor our approaches to engage the right people. If we need creative volunteers for a community project, emphasizing self-fulfillment and relationships might be more effective. For a high-stakes corporate project, direct compensation and status could be key motivators. In essence, knowing the forms of compensation and how they influence participation is important for success. By aligning the right incentives with the right people, we can create environments where everyone operates at their best, driving both individual and collective success. Let's remember: how we compensate not only determines participation but also shapes the quality and enthusiasm of the contributors. #CreativeEvolutions #Leadership? #Motivation? #Compensation? #TeamBuilding

Value-based financial ownership is a powerful concept that separates control and responsibility from financial rights. It recognizes that an individual's financial well-being goes beyond simply owning assets; it encompasses their ability to make decisions that align with their values and priorities. Under value-based financial ownership, individuals take ownership of their financial well-being by actively managing their resources and making informed decisions. They take control of their financial future by understanding their values, setting goals, and building a financial plan that aligns with their values. One of the key benefits of value-based financial ownership is the ability to make informed decisions that align with personal values. By understanding what matters most to them, individuals can make choices that align with their values, such as investing in socially responsible companies or supporting organizations that align with their beliefs. Additionally, value-based financial ownership encourages individuals to take an active role in managing their finances. This may involve budgeting, saving, and investing, all to achieve long-term financial goals. By taking responsibility for their financial well-being, individuals can take proactive measures to secure their financial future. In conclusion, value-based financial ownership is a vital concept that separates control and responsibility from financial rights. It enables individuals to take an active role in managing their finances and making informed decisions that align with their values. By embracing value-based financial ownership, individuals can take control of their financial well-being and achieve long-term success. #CreativeEvolutions #valuebasedownership #Leadership #Management #FinancialSuccess

When the work of a team generates revenue, those revenues are equitably shared with all team members. This quote resonates deeply with me, as it highlights the crucial importance of collaboration and fair compensation within teams. In today's competitive business scene, effective and intentional teamwork is necessary to achieve success in all forms. When teams work together and contribute their skills and expertise, they cannot only generate revenue and achieve their goals but also see the value they bring to all processes. However, these revenue-generating efforts need to be equitably shared with all team members. By recognizing the contributions and efforts of each individual, teams can create a positive and motivating work environment. This not only promotes a sense of ownership and pride among team members but also encourages them to continue performing at their peak. Additionally, equitable revenue sharing promotes a culture of collaboration and teamwork. When each team member feels valued and acknowledged for their contributions, they become more engaged and committed to the success of the team. This leads to increased productivity, innovation, and overall business growth. The quote "When the work of a team generates revenue, those revenues are equitably shared with all team members" serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of teamwork and equitable compensation. By recognizing and rewarding the contributions of all team members, organizations can create a culture of collaboration, engagement, and success. #CreativeEvolutions #Teamwork? #Equity? #Collaboration? #Success #Ecosystembuilding #Compensation #peopleaddvalue

Having a permanent right to a financial payout (However large or small) through SFI's is a very clear way to demonstrate to each person that they are part of the journey and are essential to all that follows. In our insightful work, we have highlighted the importance of having a financial payout as a permanent right within Creative Evolutions. We do our best to amplify the significance of each individual's contributions and how they are an integral part of our collective journey. By providing this financial reward, SFI demonstrates in no uncertain terms that each person's efforts and contributions are invaluable and essential to the success of the entire network. We hope that our recognition has a profound impact on morale. The SFI model serves as a powerful incentive to continue striving towards shared goals and aspirations. We believe that the knowledge that one's work is directly contributing to the collective success is a powerful reinforcement and fosters a sense of care and unity within Creative Evolutions ecosystem. This financial payout serves as a concrete demonstration of the value and importance of each individual's contributions. It is a tangible reward for hard work and effort, reinforcing the notion that each person's role is essential and valued. SFIs serve as an important mechanism to acknowledge and reward the contributions of every individual in our ecosystem. By providing this option to our ecosystem, we ensure that each person feels valued and as an integral part of the journey. This recognition not only boosts value and motivation but also reinforces the sense of care and shared purpose within the ecosystem. #CreativeEvolutions #stakesoffinancialinterests #SFI? #FinancialPayout #sharedpurpose #peopleaddvalue