A Journey Through Photography and Management-Simplexity!

After 5+ years, I decided to join a photography walk on 25th Aug. I was confident that I would pick up right where I left off. I had all the gear with me, dressed appropriately for the weather, reviewed my past work, and refreshed my memory with some tips and tricks shared by photography legends on social media.

When I arrived, about 17 other enthusiasts, armed with fancy and legacy gear, were waiting for instructions. I felt in the groove, assured that I knew what I was doing. After all, I had done this with Greg in Auckland for many years. The excitement was palpable.

Once the instructions were given, everyone set off. I eagerly took out my camera, ready to capture the moment. But to my shock, I couldn’t focus on the objects. My pictures came out shaky and hazy. I was dumbstruck. I tried different settings and options, but nothing seemed to work. It hit me—I had lost my eye for capturing what I needed. It felt like writer's block—I couldn't see anything unique or different, and I struggled for over an hour.

Realising I wasn’t getting anywhere, I decided to stop taking pictures and instead talked with fellow photographers, sharing experiences and discussing our mutual love for the art. After almost two hours, I tried again with some long exposures, but I missed the settings and lost some great captures.

By the end of the event, I managed to get only two decent long-exposure shots.

As I processed my pictures later, I reflected on what went wrong and the lessons I learned:

1. Lost the Eye for Details or to See Different Perspectives In Photography: Losing the ability to spot unique angles and details results in mundane, uninspired photos. It reflects a dulling of creativity and a lack of fresh perspectives. In Management: This translates to missing finer details in projects, operations, or team dynamics. A manager too focused on routine tasks might overlook innovative opportunities or fail to recognize issues before they escalate. Like photography, seeing things from different perspectives is crucial for problem-solving, innovation, and effective decision-making.

Actions to Overcome in Management:

1. Diverse Team Engagement: Encourage diverse thinking within your team by involving people with different backgrounds and viewpoints in decision-making processes. This fosters a culture where multiple perspectives lead to more creative and effective solutions.
2. Active Observation: Regularly step back to assess the big picture. Observe team dynamics, workflows, and outcomes closely to catch details that might have been overlooked.
3. Encourage Creative Thinking: Foster a culture that values creativity and out-of-the-box thinking. Encourage your team to challenge the status quo and bring new ideas to the table.

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1. Theory Alone Won’t Work—Trial and Error is Key In Photography: Relying solely on theoretical knowledge without practical application can leave a photographer unprepared for real-world challenges. Hands-on practice and the willingness to experiment are essential for mastering the craft. In Management: Similarly, in management, theory alone isn’t enough. While frameworks, models, and strategies provide a foundation, real success comes from applying these concepts, learning from failures, and adapting strategies based on real-world feedback.

Actions to Overcome in Management:

1. Pilot Projects: Before rolling out new initiatives, start with pilot projects. This allows for trial and error, helping you refine processes and strategies based on real-world results.
2. Iterative Processes: Implement an iterative approach to projects, where plans are constantly reviewed, adjusted, and improved based on feedback and outcomes. Encourage your team to experiment, knowing that not every attempt will be perfect, but each one is a learning opportunity.
3. Reflect and Learn: Conduct retrospective analyses after every project or major decision to evaluate what worked, what didn’t, and why. Use these insights to improve future initiatives.
4. Overconfidence in My Diploma and Past Experience In Photography: Relying too heavily on past accomplishments can lead to complacency, preventing growth. Photography evolves, and staying stagnant means missing out on new techniques, trends, and tools. In Management: Similarly, in management, relying too much on past successes, qualifications, or methodologies can lead to a lack of innovation and adaptation. The business environment is dynamic, with new challenges and opportunities constantly emerging.

Actions to Overcome in Management:

1. Continuous Professional Development: Stay updated with the latest trends, technologies, and best practices in management. Engage in lifelong learning through courses, certifications, and industry conferences.
2. Set New Challenges: Don’t rest on your laurels. Set new, challenging goals for yourself and your team that push you beyond your current capabilities. This prevents stagnation and fosters continuous improvement.
3. Seek Feedback and Mentorship: Regularly seek feedback from peers, superiors, and subordinates. Engaging with mentors or joining a community of practice can provide fresh perspectives and prevent complacency.
4. Stay Humble and Curious: Acknowledge that there’s always room for improvement. Approach each new project or challenge with the mindset of a learner, eager to discover new insights and solutions.

By applying these principles, you can ensure that your management style remains dynamic, responsive, and effective—just as a photographer maintains their creative edge through continuous practice and adaptation.

Please let me know your thouths!