FRIDAY THOUGHTS: THE CREATIVE WORKPLACE

You know what you're capable of, and you may not be the very best on Earth at it, but you still endeavor to do your best. 

You're also (if you're wise), always keenly aware that at any time, someone else can arrive on the scene and do, replicate, enhance, improve upon, or completely replace what you've done, leaving no trace of your efforts. Being okay with that is one of the healthiest and most liberating feelings.  

(If you've already cashed the check, it's even better...lol...Ask any actor whose scene ended up on a cutting room floor.) 

To harmoniously work with others; be supportive, complimentary, and genuinely inspired by them, is a wonderful thing. 

The company of secure, creative people is magical. Those who can't tap into that kind of harmony, will expose and spread their own ills, envy, or inadequacy if they can. 

You, however, don't ever have to be drawn into the fray.

  
Recognize when people are comparing you or your abilities to those of others, not in a genuinely complimentary way, but to blow smoke up your butt, gain compliance, get something for nothing, or exert control. Don't ignore that flag. 

Pitting people against each other is a desperate, psychological attempt at achieving power. Those who do it, don't ever expect you to call their bluff, take your proverbial marbles, and go happily play where those kind of mind games don't exist. 

If someone is continuously suggesting, insinuating, or reminding you that someone else can, and is willing, even desperate, to do your job, you may have to be bold enough to suggest that they contact and contract that "someone else", politely excuse yourself, and move on to the next stress-free opportunity. 

There always is one, you know, even if you create it yourself.

Always be in a position to encourage creative individuals. No. Encourage everyone. 

When you have the capacity, maturity, and willingness to admire, share and even promote the gifts and talents of others, no one can manipulate you, puff you up, or launch you into pointless, destructive competition with your peers.

 

The goodness, or greatness of another person's ability takes absolutely nothing away from you. Catty imps may attempt to sow seeds of discord or insecurity, but, hey-- that's what catty imps do. 

You just keep genuinely applauding what's worthy of appreciation. 

Warm your own heart. It's positively therapeutic. 

It also honors and acknowledges God. 

He's made sure that everyone is good at something. Find out exactly what that is, in yourself and others, and glorify Him with and because of it. 

Celebrating, and not coveting or despising the abilities of others, is one of life's highlights--and it makes for a remarkable, productive workplace environment.

Strife is an enemy of creativity. Don't get caught up in it. 

You'll find that your greatest alliance is not with the instigator--the person desiring or exerting control, but with the individual(s) from which (if you're not thinking clearly) you'll distance yourself, begin to see as a threat, or begin to treat unkindly, disrespectfully or unfairly. 

It's usually the person who sees themselves as less valuable, who sows seeds of discord in creative situations. 

There are enough legitimate enemies, without allowing others to create new ones for you. 

If opportunists will manipulate them, don't think that you're not next in line. 

When it comes to those who see others as disposable, you can still do a good job for them, but you should never, ever get too comfortable or cozy.

Know why you do what you do, be crystal clear about it, and determine if the payoff--whatever it is--is truly worth your time, contributions, sacrifice, effort, and energy. 

Once you're darned sure; once you have established the parameters of your participation, you can carry on and deliver consistently good work.

Many are often grossly mistaken about how hard-pressed you are to do one thing or another. Maybe it's your work ethic, attitude, or enthusiasm on the job that makes people think that "No" is not in your vocabulary.

When people switch from friendship mode to business mode, you'd better switch too--with all deliberate speed. When people show you who they are, don't daydream in the land of what you wish they'd be. 

Don't be the deer caught in headlights because you weren't paying attention. 

Even if the work is fun, it's still work. 

Details can't be dealt with casually. 

You get what you permit. 

Don't be afraid to say what you want. If it's rejected, you haven't lost a thing. 

Know your worth and the value of your time. Differentiate employment, recreation, socializing, and volunteering. 

It's too late to try and make those distinctions when the work is done.

Mind the employer who sings your praises while simultaneously bashing someone whose praises they used to sing. 

One day, you may meet that person who was cast aside, and find you're not as special or indispensable as you were led to believe, and your days, too, have always been numbered. 

Loyalty is learned, and so is deception. 

Refuse to be bought and avoid a "groupthink" mentality. Speak up if you have to. 

People will use you, and attempt to silence you if you allow it. They'll try to make you think your skills are a dime a dozen, too. It's your choice to accept or reject the thought.

On the job, you may see people taking on roles that have nothing to do with the principal thing; jockeying for position; bragging about or fabricating relationships; inflating their importance. They are always frustrated when, in the end, all of their efforts don't get them what they really want. 

There's a difference between a conscientious person and a brown-noser. Sucking up always backfires when dealing with people who have a documented habit or history of regarding things, profits, their reputation, or the finished work more than the people who labor to get a thing done. 

Unhealthy competition backfires, too. Take flattery with a grain of salt.

Make sure your working relationships are strong and respectful, however, recognize the difference between coworkers and friends. 

Cherish the rare times when they are one in the same, but even then, focus on the job. 

Setting boundaries and knowing expectations is important. You always have a choice to remain or go. It's when you feel you don't, (often because of finances) that the dynamics of working relationships can seem abusive, stressful, tiring, frustrating, unfair, unclear, tricky, or shady. 

Know who you're working for.

Always remember that people matter, and God opens all windows and doors of good opportunity. 

He is your source--even when people begin to labor under the misapprehension that they are, and endeavor to convince you of it.