Embrace the Chaos, Control the Process
In the world of creative operations, chaos is an ever-present companion. A name place in my boss's office reads "Chaos Coordinator". Tight deadlines, changing briefs, unexpected obstacles, are all part of the daily grind. However, how we respond to this chaos defines our success. As Marcus Aurelius wisely said, "You have power over your mind, not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength."
The Nature of Chaos in Creative Operations
Creative operations sit at the intersection of art and organization. It’s a balancing act where creativity must be nurtured while ensuring that projects are delivered on time and within budget. This balancing act can often feel chaotic, with competing priorities and unforeseen changes threatening to derail even the most carefully laid plans.
But here's the thing: chaos isn’t something we can control. Clients will change their minds. Deadlines will shift. New challenges will arise. What we can control, is our process, how we respond to the chaos.
Controlling the Process
The key to thriving in creative operations is to focus on the process rather than the chaos. By establishing clear workflows, setting realistic timelines, and maintaining open communication, we create a framework that can withstand the unpredictability of creative work. If you don't have the tools in place to manage this process then it's imperative that you put them in place. There are many SAS tools out there for all size of organization.
Workflows: Establishing robust workflows ensures that everyone knows their role and what is expected of them. When chaos strikes, having a clear process allows the team to stay on track and adapt without losing sight of the end goal. Tie these processes closely into your project management systems. There should be one source of truth for everything.
Timelines: Deadlines are non-negotiable in our industry, but they should be realistic. Building in buffer time for potential setbacks allows the team to manage unexpected challenges without compromising the quality of the work. There will be those times when the client changes or delivers last minute and there is nothing to be done. But there is, you can always plan for this and have a contingency in place. A night team, a freelancer ready to jump on a finish. Whatever it is you can add it to your timeline.
Communication: Open and consistent communication is the glue that holds the process together. When everyone is informed and aligned, the team can respond to changes quickly and efficiently. Tools for communication are continually evolving with tools like Slack and Teams. Take advantage of this power. Using email is like walking to the mailbox or getting a fax. There are newer and better tools.
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Finding Strength in Stoicism
Marcus Aurelius’ teachings remind us that strength comes from within. We cannot control external events, but we can control our reactions to them. In creative operations, this means focusing on what we can influence, our process. By doing so, we create a sense of order within the chaos, allowing us to navigate challenges with clarity and purpose.
This approach not only improves our ability to deliver projects on time and within budget but also fosters a more resilient and adaptable team. When we embrace the chaos and focus on controlling the process, we empower ourselves and our teams to succeed in even the most challenging circumstances.
So...
Chaos in creative operations is inevitable, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By focusing on the process and controlling what we can, we can navigate the unpredictability of our work with confidence. As Marcus Aurelius said, "Realize this, and you will find strength."
Further Reading
For those interested in exploring Stoicism further, I recommend Ryan Holiday's book, The Obstacle Is the Way, which delves into how Stoic principles can help us turn challenges into opportunities. [Link to The Obstacle Is the Way](https://www.amazon.com/Obstacle-Way-Timeless-Turning-Triumph/dp/1591846358).
Also for those that are using OpenAI's tools I have designed a chat bot to bounce your questions about stoicism off or get a daily dose of wisdom. Give it a try!