Introduction
In "Orbiting the Giant Hairball," Gordon MacKenzie takes readers on a journey to rediscover their creative genius. This book is a refreshing take on how to maintain creativity and individuality within the corporate world. MacKenzie, drawing from his experiences at Hallmark Cards, presents a compelling argument for why we should resist the pull of corporate normalcy and instead embrace our innate creativity.
The Creative Genius Within
MacKenzie begins by asserting a powerful idea: everyone is born a creative genius. This might seem like a bold claim, but he backs it up with observations from his interactions with children. When asked if they consider themselves artists, almost all first-graders enthusiastically raise their hands. However, by the time children reach sixth grade, only a handful still identify as artists.
This decline in self-identified creativity isn't because children lose their artistic abilities. Instead, it's a result of society's suppression of creative tendencies. As we grow older, we're taught to conform, to follow rules, and to fit in. This societal pressure to be "normal" gradually erodes our natural creativity.
MacKenzie argues that this suppression of creativity is a significant loss. He encourages readers to reconnect with their inner "fool" – that part of us that's curious, spontaneous, and unafraid to take risks. This foolishness, as he calls it, is the key to unlocking our creative potential.
The Corporate Hairball
A central metaphor in the book is the "corporate hairball." MacKenzie describes large corporations as giant, tangled masses of rules, procedures, and policies. These hairballs grow over time as companies add layer upon layer of guidelines and standards.
Using Hallmark as an example, MacKenzie explains how even creative companies can become hairballs. What starts as a few necessary rules can quickly spiral into a complex web of procedures that stifle creativity and innovation.
The gravitational pull of the hairball is strong. Just as larger objects have a stronger gravitational pull, larger corporations exert a more powerful force on their employees, drawing them deeper into the tangle of corporate normalcy. This pull can be comforting – after all, following established procedures is often easier than forging new paths. However, it can also be suffocating for those who want to express their creativity.
Orbiting the Hairball
MacKenzie doesn't suggest that we should completely abandon corporate structure. Instead, he introduces the concept of "orbiting the giant hairball." This involves maintaining a connection to the company while also keeping enough distance to preserve individual creativity.
Orbiting requires a delicate balance. Get too close, and you'll be sucked into the hairball, losing your creative edge. Drift too far, and you'll lose your connection to the company altogether. The key is to find the sweet spot where you can contribute meaningfully to the company while still maintaining your unique perspective and creative abilities.
MacKenzie shares his own experience of transferring from Hallmark's editorial department to the Contemporary Design Department. This move allowed him to remain within the company's orbit while giving him more freedom to express his creativity.
The Dangers of Corporate Hypnosis
One of the most memorable anecdotes in the book involves hypnotized chickens. MacKenzie recounts a story from his father's childhood where chickens were hypnotized by being placed on chalk lines. This serves as a metaphor for how corporations can "hypnotize" their employees into conformity.
When new employees join a company, they're often inundated with information about the company's history, philosophy, and procedures. While this onboarding process is necessary, it can also serve to draw that metaphorical chalk line, immobilizing employees within the confines of corporate culture.
MacKenzie warns against falling into this trap. He encourages readers to hold onto their uniqueness, to resist the hypnotic pull of corporate conformity. By maintaining your individuality, you can contribute to the company in ways that others can't, bringing fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to the table.
Breaking Free from Job Descriptions
Another key idea in the book is the limitation of job descriptions. MacKenzie compares job descriptions to small, enclosed spaces that restrict movement and creativity. While containers were a revolutionary invention for our ancestors, allowing them to store water safely, job descriptions often serve only to confine employees to narrow roles.
MacKenzie argues for a more fluid approach to work. He suggests that companies should "let their employees free on the dance floor." This doesn't mean chaos or confusion, but rather a more adaptable and responsive workforce.
Just as dancers on a crowded floor can move freely without colliding, employees freed from rigid job descriptions can work cooperatively and adapt to changing needs. This flexibility benefits both employees and companies. Employees have more opportunities to use their diverse skills and interests, while companies can more easily assign tasks to those best suited to handle them.
Embracing Responsible Creativity
Throughout the book, MacKenzie emphasizes the importance of what he calls "responsible creativity." This isn't about disregarding the company's mission or goals. Instead, it's about finding innovative ways to contribute to those goals.
Responsible creativity involves thinking outside the box while still remaining within the company's orbit. It's about challenging the status quo, but doing so in a way that adds value to the organization. This might mean proposing new ideas, finding more efficient ways to complete tasks, or bringing a fresh perspective to long-standing problems.
MacKenzie encourages readers to look for opportunities to exercise their creativity within their roles. This might involve reimagining processes, collaborating with colleagues in new ways, or even just bringing a playful attitude to daily tasks.
The Power of Foolishness
One of the most counterintuitive ideas in the book is the value of foolishness. MacKenzie argues that being a "fool" – in the sense of being willing to take risks, ask questions, and challenge assumptions – is essential for creativity and innovation.
In corporate settings, there's often a fear of appearing foolish. We worry about asking "dumb" questions or proposing ideas that might seem outlandish. But MacKenzie suggests that this fear holds us back from our full creative potential.
He encourages readers to embrace their inner fool. This doesn't mean being reckless or irresponsible, but rather being willing to approach problems with a fresh, unbiased perspective. It means being curious, asking why things are done a certain way, and not being afraid to suggest alternatives.
The Importance of Play
Another key theme in the book is the importance of play in fostering creativity. MacKenzie argues that playfulness is not just for children – it's a crucial element of adult creativity as well.
He shares examples from his time at Hallmark, where the most innovative and successful work often came from teams that embraced a playful, chaotic approach. This doesn't mean these teams weren't serious about their work. Rather, they understood that creativity flourishes in an environment where people feel free to experiment, make mistakes, and have fun.
MacKenzie encourages readers to bring a sense of play to their work. This might mean taking short breaks to engage in creative activities, approaching problems as if they were puzzles to be solved, or simply maintaining a lighthearted attitude even when facing challenges.
Cultivating a Creative Environment
While much of the book focuses on individual creativity, MacKenzie also addresses how organizations can foster a more creative environment. He argues that companies need to create spaces where employees feel safe to express their ideas and take creative risks.
This involves more than just having a "creativity room" or scheduling occasional brainstorming sessions. It's about creating a culture that values and rewards creative thinking. This might involve:
- Encouraging employees to question established procedures
- Providing time and resources for experimental projects
- Celebrating failures as learning opportunities
- Promoting cross-departmental collaboration
- Recognizing and rewarding innovative ideas, even if they're not immediately implementable
MacKenzie suggests that leaders play a crucial role in establishing this kind of environment. They need to model creative thinking, be open to new ideas, and create a safe space for employees to express their creativity.
The Balance of Creativity and Practicality
While "Orbiting the Giant Hairball" is a passionate plea for creativity, MacKenzie doesn't ignore the practical realities of business. He acknowledges that companies need structure and processes to function effectively. The challenge is finding the right balance between creativity and practicality.
This is where the concept of "orbiting" becomes particularly relevant. By maintaining a connection to the company's core mission and values (the hairball) while also preserving individual creativity (the orbit), employees can contribute in meaningful ways without losing their unique perspective.
MacKenzie encourages readers to look for ways to inject creativity into even the most routine tasks. He suggests that by approaching work with a creative mindset, employees can find innovative solutions to problems and potentially transform their roles and their organizations.
Overcoming Fear and Resistance
One of the biggest obstacles to creativity, according to MacKenzie, is fear. Fear of failure, fear of ridicule, fear of stepping outside our comfort zones – these all hold us back from expressing our full creative potential.
MacKenzie shares personal anecdotes and strategies for overcoming these fears. He emphasizes the importance of creating a personal environment where it's safe to take risks and make mistakes. This might involve seeking out supportive colleagues, setting aside time for personal creative projects, or simply giving yourself permission to experiment and fail.
He also addresses the resistance we often face when trying to implement creative ideas in a corporate setting. MacKenzie offers strategies for presenting innovative concepts in ways that are more likely to be accepted, such as tying them to company goals or demonstrating potential benefits.
The Journey of Creative Self-Discovery
Throughout the book, MacKenzie frames the pursuit of creativity as a journey of self-discovery. He encourages readers to reconnect with their innate creative abilities and to rediscover the joy of creating for its own sake.
This journey involves questioning assumptions, challenging the status quo, and being willing to look at the world from new perspectives. It's about rediscovering the curiosity and wonder that we often lose as we grow into adulthood.
MacKenzie suggests various exercises and thought experiments to help readers tap into their creativity. These range from simple drawing exercises to more complex challenges that involve reimagining familiar objects or situations.
Final Thoughts
"Orbiting the Giant Hairball" is a call to action for anyone who feels creatively stifled in their work environment. Gordon MacKenzie's unique perspective, honed through years of experience at Hallmark, offers valuable insights into maintaining individuality and creativity within a corporate structure.
The book's central message is clear: creativity is not just a luxury or a special talent possessed by a few. It's an essential part of being human, and it's crucial for personal fulfillment and professional success. By reconnecting with our innate creative abilities and learning to "orbit the hairball," we can contribute more meaningfully to our organizations while also leading more satisfying and authentic lives.
MacKenzie's approach is not about rebellion or disregarding corporate needs. Instead, it's about finding a balance – staying connected to the organization's goals and values while also maintaining enough distance to preserve individual creativity and perspective.
In a world that increasingly values innovation and out-of-the-box thinking, the ideas presented in "Orbiting the Giant Hairball" are more relevant than ever. Whether you're an employee looking to inject more creativity into your work, a manager seeking to foster a more innovative team, or an executive aiming to transform your organization's culture, this book offers valuable insights and practical strategies.
Ultimately, "Orbiting the Giant Hairball" is a reminder that we all have the capacity for creativity. By embracing our inner "fool," resisting the pull of corporate normalcy, and finding our unique orbit, we can rediscover our creative genius and make more meaningful contributions to our work and our world.