Life Musings

Today, my boss was talking about how he deliberately attempts to foster an environment of open communication. This includes providing a coffee machine and a visual atmosphere that is homey and comfortable. The idea is that he wants people to feel comfortable, to sit around, to talk and to exchange ideas.

This is one reason why I appreciate him. Some employers view this as wasted time, but he doesn't. He understands the importance of such an environment.

On a related note, I know that he also tries to foster creativity. Some people think that product development means simply chugging away. In other words, you simply sit down until the job gets done. That may sound good, but it displays a great naivete of how creativity works--how the human mind operates.

I've known many programmers, for example, who say that their best work often happens during times of quiet reverie--when they've stepped away from the keyboard. I like to talk about how Leonardo da Vinci would often stare out for hours on end before commencing on his work. From personal experience, I know that my best work -- the work that has received rave reviews -- was often created by giving ideas time to percolate for a while. If I had simply jumped in and started coding or designing, I guarantee that the results would have been less spectacular.

As some musicians say, their most creative work occurs in between the notes. There is great wisdom in that adage. I'm glad that my boss understands that, which is why he doesn't balk when people appear to be chilling and relaxing. Mind you, he has complained about such people when urgent projects needed to get done, and that's only fair; after all, a certain balance is necessary. However, he also understands that creative percolation is often essential if one wants to be creative and innovative.

Good for him.


Here's a related article, BTW. It's somewhat tangentially related, as the article doesn't really talk about the need to let ideas simmer and develop. There is some commonality though, and I just felt like linking to it.