Artists for the Job!

I am nearing my 16th year in the customer service and food industry. I have been everything from the peon FNG all the way to "The Man." Now, there are so many things I have learned from being in every position over the years as a server, bartender, manager, trainer, fitness instructor, business owner, trainee, my list goes on and on. My experience is clear, but one thing I never realized before today was simply this - if you want a great worker, hire an artist. Yes. An artist. 

You're thinking painter, aren't you? You're largely limiting your scope; an artist is anyone who's creative. Musicians. Actors. Writers. Fashion designers. Photographers. Dancers. Teachers. Here is why we in fact make better workers, from my personal experience over the last decade and a half. 

1. OUR BRAINS function and see things differently. For instance, playing the piano helps you compartmentalize because your left hand is doing something completely different than your right hand. You have to focus, think, read, analyze and sometimes even be vocal. That is a lot for the brain to handle all at once, but it can happen. It does happen, everyday. 

2. PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT because we repeat everything we do out of passion to perfect it. If we are put in the right position and given the right tools and tasks we can accomplish anything you ask us to. But don't micromanage us! NOBODY GETS WORK DONE BEING PRESSED UNDER A THUMB. Given the allotted time and trust we are more productive than someone put under pressure of a constant watchful eye.  Let us do our thing and you won't be disappointed. 

3. AN EYE for detail. I have had many managers and higher ups tell me over the years that I have a great eye for detail. I can see the small things that most would overlook. Often times being a meticulous artist has saved the paperwork and someone's job. One small error that may have been overlooked but caught by the eye of an artist. Small things matter most when you are drawing, painting, posing a model, picking the right notes for the song. They can make or break any deal. 

4. STRESS often times is much easier for us to handle because of the way that our brains function. Compartmentalization comes slightly more natural to an artist but it is something we practice every time we touch the keys of a piano, pick up our paintbrush, or flex our foot forward ready to create and present our best. Since artists are often performers as well, we are used to pressure and deadlines. Time is different for us. It feels different and it flows different. Often times, for me, time is slower even though I move quickly. Art and meditation have taught me how to utilize time, something I have no control over in the end. 

5. PRODUCTIVITY is often higher from artists and those that aren't micromanaged or forced to be taught only one specific way. We often times see other ways to do the same thing but more effectively and/or more efficiently. But when stifled and muffled before we are ever heard we can become frustrated and lethargic internally. Affecting the quality of our work. 

With these things in mind, it is important to remember that mixing personalities of artists and non-artists can create conflict. Artists are often times much more open minded individuals and accepting of others viewpoints. Communication barriers may form causing emotions and tensions to rise bringing into play the trickle down of vibenomics. 

In the end we should all be mindful of the unique ways one another thinks and approaches the same tasks that we do. 

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