Creatives often ask if implementing systems will spur creativity or stymie it. We have worked with many creative entrepreneurs who have shared this concern - and found that their creativity is enhanced once they implement business systems.
In this article, we share pointers about how to do this from an interview with Adi Klevit and Joe Public’s Group Chief Creative Officer Pepe Marais.
Building Systems with A Purpose
What is the first step to building an effective system? According to Pepe, it is establishing a purpose.
The team here at Business Success Consulting Group has to agree.
An effective system that speaks to the creative mind must have a well-established purpose. Otherwise, the process or procedure won't fit in with a creative person's vision for the company.
Here are a few questions to ask yourself as you establish purpose:
1. What is the big-picture reason for this company?
2. What is the purpose of my business - beyond profit or product?
3. What kind of culture do I want for my business?
4. What values do I want to express in my business?
And finally, how does this system forward or otherwise support the company's purpose?
Finding the answers to these questions will help you build better, more effective systems that will continue to support your company's growth and bolster your company values for years to come.
How Implementing Systems Spurs Creativity
As you build and implement systems in your business, you may feel more free to use your creativity in other areas. Here’s why:
Systems allow you to narrow your focus.
Your business has many moving parts. If you are concentrating on every department of your company rather than the creativity that spurred it into existence, then you aren’t going to have the focus to be as creative as you like. Fewer parts are in flux when systems are in place so you can focus your creativity.
A system provides a framework for creativity.
Building rules can provide a space for creativity. For example, a painter has baseline rules; they use a particular canvas, specific types of paint, and an established set of brushes/palette knives. Because they have these rules, they do not have to make a long series of decisions before creating beautiful art.
The same goes for your business. If you have SOPs, you and your employees know how to handle everyday tasks without overthinking. You can even automate aspects of your business. This frees you up to be creative in your area of expertise.
Systems keep the company moving toward its purpose
Building systems based on purpose means you can keep the company moving without stunting your creativity. Both the systems and your creative work can be geared toward the fundamental goal of your company, inspiring innovative solutions that aline with your basic purpose.
Systems support creative work.
Finally, automating and systemizing anything you can will free up time and energy for creative work. Constantly making decisions about every little action taken in your company is draining. Building systems removes the need for constant decision-making and consultation, reinvigorating your creativity.
Creatives need business systems to support their creativity and grow their business. If you are ready to build processes and procedures into your company, get in touch with the team at Business Success Consulting Group.
