Art is a personal gift that changes the recipient. the medium doesn’t matter. ~ Seth Godin (Linchpin, p.83)
It is popular now to talk about our reputation in terms of our Brand. Just this week I received an email touting a class to define and grow your brand. Coincidentally this week has also been a big week for another brand that is working hard to salvage its reputation. Have you read anything about Livestrong?
Inherent to every coaching or development conversation I have is focusing on the foundational understanding of who you are, what you bring, and the experience you are creating for others. I don’t like using the word brand because it is a word that too easily moves into the area of spin and perception. I follow Seth Godin’s quote (fyi – he is also a world class marketer, among other things) to use the word Art. Inherently, Art is personal and carries with it a passion for creation and sharing. In the age of flat organizations, fuzzy job descriptions, and leaders too busy to provide daily care and leadership to their people – the world needs more artists. An artist sees their gifts and finds ways to practice it because they love it. An artist finds community naturally because they understand other artists and express sincere appreciation for what they do.
The other quote that Godin shares on the same page is from Roy Simmons ~ Most artists can’t draw.
Quit worrying about your brand. Worry about your art and your medium.
(If you want to explore this further is to read Linchpin by Seth Godin. I also use a model called trUYou to help clients frame this conversation.)
For a full list of books/resources I recommend here is my library.