This is Who We Really Are
One of the art projects/experiments that I've been trying to do at work is to collect pictures of my co-workers as small kids. I believe that if everyone knew what everyone looked like as a small child it would profoundly affect the way we interact. Most of us are coming from a little kid place anyway--especially during conflict. How would we change the way we interact with our co-workers if we saw them as small children. What if you looked at your boss and saw this:


Because this is who we really are on some level--beyond the titles and the things we own. We started like this and somewhere this little person continues to exist, as we go out into the world and make plans or do nothing. What if we had to wear this image around our necks as a reminder? What would change? Who would you see and who would everybody see when they looked at you?

If you were angry that someone lost a report or did something annoying or even spilled coffee:

What if you had observed someone having a bad day and was grumpy or they said something rude to you how would you react if you looked over and saw not how they look today, but this:
Because this is who we really are on some level--beyond the titles and the things we own. We started like this and somewhere this little person continues to exist, as we go out into the world and make plans or do nothing. What if we had to wear this image around our necks as a reminder? What would change? Who would you see and who would everybody see when they looked at you?Labels: art at work, projects



7 Comments:
What a brilliant idea! I think this is excellent, one of the coolest ideas I have seen anyone come up with in a long time. Also, you seem to be a generative person who is concerned with having a positive impact on others, and I really admire this.
-MP.
Wow, I love that idea. And while we probably can't mandate that everyone wear a baby picture around their neck (what a cool, cool idea!) we can still imagine that reality...
That's interesting!!
The 7-year-old-myself and I haven't been talking to each other for a lot of time, that's why in a certain period I became so bored, naughty, scared about anything... then I touched the bottom of all that situation and understood that if I wanted to be happy I had to make all possible to let her (the 7-year-old-myself I mean) wishes come true. Now I am happy! :)
(I think that tomorrow I'll start looking my boss in a different way...)
I love this!
This is something I can't help but see, when I'm sitting at a conference table and wondering about the dynamic, I suddenly SEE people as the children that they were, and how they interacted with others! I haven't ever sought it out per se, I love that you're putting it out for your whole office to see!!
We are *absolutely* still the people we were in kindergarten.
I personally am bossy, and I share and want everyone to have a great time, and the things that interest me most is art, making applesauce, and nap time.
Thank you!
What a great post! I teach yoga in corporate settings and it's always fun to see managers and their employees take a class together (and it happens!) You see your boss somewhat differently if you've watched her stand on her head, or struggle with a difficult arm balance. Yoga levels the playing field, 'status' is not acknowledged. In many ways, it's a playful, almost child-like atmosphere. I admire the compassionate way you approach your work environment - your co-workers are so lucky to work with you! :-)
BRILLIANT ! What a brilliant idea ! This should be mandatory in every work place ! Keep thinking...you're on to some excellent stuff...
HA! I have a photo of my that I LOVE because when I see it, I want to protect the girl in the picture - so it reminds me not to be mean to myself. And I have a copy of it that has been waiting for me to get off my ass and get out my soldering stuff because I was going to make it into a necklace!
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