“Once you get going, all sorts of things begin to open up. Sometimes something just falls into place, like piano keys that every now and then just seem to be right where your fingers happen to come down. But there are also times you have to keep trying something over and over, and when you finally get it you wonder what took so long. And of course, there are times when you have to give it up and try something else, which sometimes turns out just as great, as the beginning of another totally different picture”.

 

This quote is from Romare Bearden (September 2, 1911-March 12, 1988) a highly acclaimed artist, author and songwriter born in North Carolina. He refined his artistic skill in New York, particularly in the Harlem jazz scene. His primary art medium was collage. It has been said that Romare Bearden’s artwork is the “visual equivalent of the blues”.

Mr. Bearden was known for improvisation, working with what was on hand and creating something distinctive and worthwhile.

 

Romare Bearden’s approach to creating a work of visual art can be applied to the art of creating leadership solutions in the following ways:

Both of these “arts” involve imagination, innovation, creativity and persistence.

 

How can you apply Mr. Bearden’s approach to your life?