Holding the Brush

Imagine a blank canvas. This represents the potential of your team. Now, imagine each team member holding a brush, dipped in different colors and ideas. Together, you paint a story – your team's narrative.

Imagine your team as a collective artist, standing before a blank canvas. The world expects a masterpiece, but the pressure to conform to external expectations can stifle creativity and ownership. Here's where the power of holding the brush comes in – the ability to collaboratively paint your own narrative, a story of success defined by your team, on your terms.

Why Own Your Narrative?

External narratives can be limiting. They may not capture your team's unique strengths, values, or goals. By holding the brush, you:

• Fuel Innovation: You break free from following pre-defined paths, unleashing creative problem-solving and fresh approaches.
• Boost Motivation: Owning your story fosters a sense of agency and purpose. Team members feel invested in the success of the "painting" they're creating together.
• Build Resilience: When challenges arise, your team narrative provides a shared framework for navigating them with confidence.

How to Hold the Brush Collectively

Here's how your team can become a collaborative artist, each member wielding a brush:

• Define Your Colors: Start by establishing your core values - the guiding principles that define your approach. These values are your paint palette, influencing every stroke on the canvas.
• Sketch Your Vision: Develop a shared vision – a clear picture of what your team aspires to achieve. This becomes the outline of your masterpiece.
• Embrace Diverse Strokes: Individual strengths and perspectives are your unique brushes. Encourage healthy debate and collaboration to ensure every stroke adds depth and vibrancy to your narrative.
• Celebrate Each Brushstroke: Acknowledge and celebrate achievements, big and small. Every step forward contributes to the overall masterpiece.

The Power of Shared Ownership

Holding the brush isn't about painting in isolation. It's about fostering a collaborative spirit where every team member feels empowered to contribute. This builds a culture of shared ownership, where everyone is invested in the team's success story.

Key Points to Note:

• The Canvas is Never Finished: Be adaptable. As circumstances change, your narrative might need to evolve. Embrace these changes and keep painting.
• The Power Lies in Collaboration: A shared narrative is more powerful than the sum of its parts. By working together, your team can create a masterpiece that surpasses individual limitations.
• The World is Your Audience: Once your narrative starts taking shape, share it with the world. This inspires others and attracts collaborators who align with your story.

By holding the brush collectively, your team takes control of its own destiny. You paint a narrative of success, one that reflects your unique voice and resonates with the world. So, pick up your brushes, unleash your creativity, and get ready to paint a masterpiece together.

Charles Muthui is the Founding Partner at Adept Advisory - Africa . He is also a keynote speaker, business mentor, adventurer and avocado lover.