Amateurs

I recently visited the Herman Miller headquarters outside Grand Rapids, Michigan as part of a board retreat for the Nursing Institute for Healthcare Design (NIHD).    Herman Miller has been an innovator in the furniture business for over 80 years.    I left the retreat with a copy of the book, Leadership Jazz, which was written by Max DePree, the former chairman of Herman Miller's board.   An inspiring read, I finished the book before my flight landed in Minneapolis.  

I especially enjoyed the chapter about amateurs.  Frankly, I think we are all amateurs -- curious individuals who like nothing better than learning something new, often with unexpected results.   DePree calls it the "beneficial surprise" that celebrates the amateur's fresh point of view and which often produces a "stunningly elegant solution."    One of my NIHD colleagues likens amateurs to disruptive innovators, the roving leaders who defy definition.  She is spot on.

In addition to my work as a health care consultant and professor, I delight in my work as an amateur. Of course, there are my Wabi Creations that I design as an aspiring maker/artist.   I also enjoy several volunteer roles.  In most cases, the organizations have invited me to the table and welcomed my commitment, my curiosity, my talents.   On occasion, I need a quick "integrity check" when someone refers to me as a "self-taught" in contrast to their formally trained, "professional" status.  Stay the course, Susan.  Stay the course.

Indeed, let's celebrate amateurs of all types.  Let's also celebrate the wise leaders who know enough to seek out, welcome and empower amateurs in their organizations.  According to DePree, "leaders can make a college, a business or any organization hospitable to the person without the usual credentials.  The trick is simply to look at merit naked.  Learn to hear the tune despite the noise."

Thank you for the pep talk for us amateurs, Mr. DePree.  Leadership jazz, indeed.