Orbiting the Giant Hairball

Name: Orbiting the Giant Hairball
Rating: 4.70 (1 reviews)
Author: Gordon Mackenzie

224 pages, 1998

Gordon Mackenzie

business & management

1082 books

Takeaways

Description

Gordon McKenzie worked at Hallmark Cards for thirty years. Many of these he spent inspiring his colleagues to rise above the rubber-stamp confines of the administrator mindset and become innovators, using techniques in which he had been schooled by the legendary artist and thinker W. Eugene Smith--a mentor to a generation of photographers, including Garry Winogrand, Lee Friedlander, Robert Frank, Duane Michals, Joel Meyerowitz, and Gordon Parks. McKenzie's experiences form the basis for Slipping the Bonds of Corporate Normalcy, a uniquely entertaining look at the intersection of creativity and corporate life that reveals how to avoid being stifled by non-creative opponents--those who have lost their ability to dream or feel--and instead be liberated by them. It is both personally empowering and an entertaining blueprint for corporate success.

Embrace Creativity

In Orbiting the Giant Hairball, Gordon Mackenzie encourages us to embrace our creativity. He believes that everyone has a creative spirit within them, and it's up to us to let it shine. So, take a look at your own life and see where you can inject a little more creativity.

Avoid the Hairball

The 'Giant Hairball' Mackenzie refers to is the bureaucratic red tape and corporate culture that can stifle creativity and innovation. He suggests that we should try to 'orbit' this hairball, meaning we should find a balance between conforming to the rules and maintaining our creative spirit.

Value of Individuality

Mackenzie emphasizes the importance of individuality. He suggests that we should not be afraid to stand out and be different. So, explore your unique qualities and don't be afraid to show them off. Remember, it's our differences that make us special.

Creativity in the Workplace

Orbiting the Giant Hairball isn't just about personal creativity, it's also about fostering a creative environment in the workplace. Mackenzie shares his experiences and provides practical advice on how to encourage creativity and innovation in a corporate setting. So, if you're a leader, take a look at your team and see how you can inspire them to think outside the box.

The Power of Storytelling

Mackenzie also highlights the power of storytelling. He believes that stories can inspire, motivate, and teach us valuable lessons. So, whether you're a writer, a teacher, or a business leader, take the time to dig into the art of storytelling. You might be surprised at the impact it can have.

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