"Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up." 

Pablo Picasso

Never lose the artist in you

Children are incredibly curious, creative and not afraid to try new things. They ask lots of questions and love to learn new things. Children are little artists. But how is it that as adults we lose our artistic and free childlike?

That we get stuck in patterns and 'old' systems. Because this is the way it is 'supposed to be', the way we have been taught and the way we have been taught from home. These systems have helped you and brought you to the place in your life where you are now and where you are now. But if you feel that you are stuck, that you are not in the right place and that you are missing your curious creative and free life. That you have to let go of those "old" systems and start setting up new ones in their place. 

By thinking like a child again - with fresh eyes, lots of curiosity and a playful attitude. By discovering new opportunities and ideas and growing again on a personal and business level. 

After all, wouldn't life be much more fun if we went through life playing and dancing? Having fun in what we do and wouldn't take everything too seriously?  

You cannot change the past, the future is in front of you. And now is the time to live, to enjoy the things we do, the people around us and the opportunities we are offered. 

As leaders, managers, entrepreneurs, we can learn a lot from children about building a culture of innovation at work and in your own company.

Doing what energizes you and enjoying life

Last week we were on winter vacation in Austria. My greatest passion - you can't make me happier. A wonderful week of outdoor sports, having fun and most importantly being together again. Enjoying with the three of us. And also to see and experience again how children play, have fun and learn by trial and error. 

So does our Pim of almost 8 years. How proud can you be of your child. Within a few hours in our hotel he had already made his first friends. Swiss boys with whom - so he said - he could speak English and German. They just understand me haha, great. And the rest of the week every day full of fun going to master Ties' ski lessons. 

And another great lesson and mirror that Pim made me realize again. Receiving your reward - in Pim's case the medal after the ski race - full of pride and showing it. Playing and dancing as a true artist in the snow, full of jokes and antics and above all...not so serious for a moment 😉. 

8 insights for greater creativity and innovation

What can we learn from children and keep you the artist in your life? Herewith 8 insights I learned from my son as a mother. 

1. Asking questions and being curious. Children are naturally curious. They ask many questions and are always eager to learn new things. 

>>In our position, we should also keep the people we work with/the teams curious. Instead, encourage them to ask good* questions, come up with new ideas and not be satisfied with how things are. 

*See my Empowered Letter On the power of asking good questions.

2. Playing freely: Children play with freedom, full of fun and don't worry about making mistakes or looking foolish. 

>>Create for yourself and your people/team a fun familiar environment where employees can try things, take risks and think differently.

3. Imagination: Children have a great imagination. They see possibilities where others see problems. Managers, tell your teams to dream big and think creatively. Hold sessions where they can come up with ideas and let their imaginations run wild.

4. Making mistakes: Children are not afraid to fail because they see it as an opportunity to learn and become better. Managers should see failure as a normal part of trying new things. Tell your team that it is okay to experiment, take risks and learn from mistakes.

5. Collaborate: Children like to work together. They share ideas and make fun things happen. Managers, make sure your teams across the company work together to solve problems and come up with new ideas.

6. Understanding and empathy: Children naturally understand how others feel. Get your teams to listen, ask for feedback and understand what customers and others need.

7. Sample Features: Children observe, imitate and learn from adults.

>>Show others/your clients/your team how to be curious and creative and take risks. Be open to new ideas, show that change and the resistance it initially brings is okay. Who is a role model for you? 

8. Continue to develop and learn: Children love to learn new things every day. 

>> Don't stop learning. Help yourself, others and your team get better by giving them opportunities to learn and grow. Stay eager to learn, wanting to know more about what is going on around you.

Alone you go faster, together we get further

Embrace differences and welcome all differences - gender, race, age, background and ideas. After all, the power of cocreation and collaboration is great. Alone you go faster, together you go far. Together we are better at coming up with new ideas and solving challenges and changes in our lives and in business.

Because change is a constant. And it is up to you how you deal with it and what opportunities you will take advantage of. Change creates resistance at first. And once you get through that, then you see the new opportunities and growth possibilities. Keep dancing and playing on your stage. In your position where you can be fully yourself - the artist of your life.

 One Life. Lead it. Live it.

Have a great week,

Gerdi

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