Hi there,
I work both in the world of design and the world of live performance.
My question has more to do with situations I find myself in in the
world of performance, but I am posting here because I think what I
have to say has parallels in the design world.
How does everyone else out there cope with artistic personalities?
I lead an interdisciplinary performance group, and my experience is that
the actors, as a general rule, assume that acting is center stage at all
time, and that the other art forms - dance, music, visual arts - take a
back seat. It is not even a matter of personal arrogance - the actors
can encourage each other and the other art forms to support them - it is
more like a metaphysical necessity.
Another "type" is the nasty self-promoter. You know, you work on a group
project and this person jumps in to take credit and give public
presentations. Worse, this type also extends the project without getting
feedback from the rest of the group.
My strategy as leader has been to make sure I hit everyone's good points
when talking about the group, and to make sure everyone's interests are
considered in the decision-making process. I have also publicly criticized
members who speak as if on our behalf simply to promote their own agenda.
Sometimes my actions are effective, sometimes I just come across as
insecure as the others. And of course I have my own agends to worry about.
I also try to applaud members who accomplish things outside of the group.
Are there any good resources out there for managing these situations??
Perhaps I am more sensitive than most - I grew up in the South
and to take advantage of someone else, or to promote yourself ahead
of someone else is just a sin. I am always blown away when people I
work with do this.
Thanks!
Susan J.
jacobson@xxxxxxxxxx
I work both in the world of design and the world of live performance.
My question has more to do with situations I find myself in in the
world of performance, but I am posting here because I think what I
have to say has parallels in the design world.
How does everyone else out there cope with artistic personalities?
I lead an interdisciplinary performance group, and my experience is that
the actors, as a general rule, assume that acting is center stage at all
time, and that the other art forms - dance, music, visual arts - take a
back seat. It is not even a matter of personal arrogance - the actors
can encourage each other and the other art forms to support them - it is
more like a metaphysical necessity.
Another "type" is the nasty self-promoter. You know, you work on a group
project and this person jumps in to take credit and give public
presentations. Worse, this type also extends the project without getting
feedback from the rest of the group.
My strategy as leader has been to make sure I hit everyone's good points
when talking about the group, and to make sure everyone's interests are
considered in the decision-making process. I have also publicly criticized
members who speak as if on our behalf simply to promote their own agenda.
Sometimes my actions are effective, sometimes I just come across as
insecure as the others. And of course I have my own agends to worry about.
I also try to applaud members who accomplish things outside of the group.
Are there any good resources out there for managing these situations??
Perhaps I am more sensitive than most - I grew up in the South
and to take advantage of someone else, or to promote yourself ahead
of someone else is just a sin. I am always blown away when people I
work with do this.
Thanks!
Susan J.
jacobson@xxxxxxxxxx