“Time is Clay. Make something.” ~ Barbara Sher

Clay? Even though it’s tennis season, we’re not talking the French Open. This kind is the one you get your hands and fingers into. And, I’m here to let you in on a secret: not only can working with clay be fun, it can change how you view your whole life (including your work and people around you).

Have you ever felt stuck?  You want to open yourself to new ways of thinking or of doing, but are not sure how.  Many leaders look for mentors, coaches, books, and colleagues for that. Yet, sometimes they may not be the answer for you. There are other less traditional ways of getting at the same thing, like trying a new craft. One option to choose is pottery or sculpture. Clay.

Giving your analytic mind a break and allowing the other side of your brain a chance to express itself through a craft opens new ways of thinking about completely different things when you least expect it. It also encourages you to be in the moment. Creating something using your senses shuts down the “should” mind and opens the “could” mind.

I experienced this. I have wanted to take pottery classes for many years.  And I really had no excuse, there is a pottery studio half a block away from me where they gave lessons.

However, I reasoned taking a pottery class seemed frivolous.  It wasn’t “work” or “physical activity.” Nor was it particularly social or spiritual.  And I was so busy. But it was difficult to avoid. I would constantly pass the studio while walking the dog every morning, or going to the grocery store. Also, I would receive emails about each semester of new classes. Constant reminders.

After going on a retreat which caused me to realize I was feeling stuck, I started speaking with an interior designer about changing my apartment: my living and work space. Yet that would take a while. Then, the pottery studio crept into my mind as a way to refresh my routine. I said, “Why not try something new: something I could start sooner.” Forgetting the flimsy excuses, I signed up.

Besides bringing me back to my childhood and feeling like the only thing that mattered was the smell and feel of that wet mushy goodness and what I could do with it.  It surprised me with unexpected things.

Here’s some of them. I started writing again. Also I began to dress more like I did before the pandemic; less lounge-wear – more style, even without having a scheduled meeting.  Along with these, I left my home-office more to work elsewhere and be around people. Another consequence, I laughed more. And  allowed things to pass that weren’t important whereas before my ego would have gotten the best of me. Furthermore, I was able to appreciate other people’s way of doing things even if they wouldn’t necessarily work for me. Like the clay, I became more flexible; this included being more open to gather insights and provide compassion and appreciation for my clients and team members.

Is it because I’ve discovered I’m really a world class potter? No, far from it. I’ve made a lot of messes and squished vessels. Yet, I didn’t realize how satisfying it could be to just enjoy something regardless of the outcome. And the novelty of trying something different.

How does this all relate to leadership?  What practicing a new craft has to do with leadership is that the process can give you a new perspective.  And only you can understand how that will affect your life.  Perhaps it will cause new or healthier habits in your personal life. And, give you brand new eyes into understanding your team members, colleagues or family. Or allow you to problem solve a stickling challenge in a new way. You can only find out, if you try.

Do you want to have a new perspective of your work? Are you feeling tired or frustrated?  If you want to brainstorm about the possibilities for changing your view and moving away from stuck, email me: susan@susangoldbergleadership.com

Imagine the impact you could have if you fully stepped into your role as leader, mastering the skills you need to lead in a multi-generational workplace. This is where I can help you. My work as a leadership and team expert has me go into organizations, as an outside unbiased view to look at information gaps. With 25 years of executive search consulting and coaching experience, examining the behaviors around developing and retaining talent at companies, I am prepared with knowledge and resources to support you. I bring with me trademarked solutions, including a team mapping tool, Collaboration Beyond Words™, to effectively leverage the skills and personality traits of each member of your team, making the department/team and you more productive. I identify what you may have missed in your organization that’s holding it back. Have practices become too entrenched? Or no longer fit your plans for today’s goals? Contact me: Susan@SusanGoldbergLeadership.com Let’s talk.