Pixar is one of the companies I have tremendous respect for. From its ground breaking work starting from Toy Story all the way to Wall-E, it has continually pushed the envelope to pursue the highest level of excellence in the merger of art and cutting age technology. Recently, I came across an interesting article from Harvard Business Review about Pixar and its strategy about collective creativity. It started me thinking of how, even in a small but meaningful way, that some of these ideas can be placed in the context of our school.
Pixar has 3 Operating Principles:
1. Everyone must have the freedom to communicate with anyone.
2. It must be safe for everyone to offer ideas.
3. We must stay close to innovations happening in the academic community.
The first principle recognizes that the decision-making hierarchy and communication structure in organizations are two different things. Inter-department communications should not be restrained and that means managers should not feel uncomfortable being surprised in meetings about ideas which did not come about through the so called 'proper channels'. This freedom must be built on trust and the objective is always for the good of the organization.
The second principle refers to safety in communication. This is really important as only when people feel safe, will meaningful discussions arise, where ideas can be communicated freely and be critiqued without being personal. This safety is as true of meetings with teachers as with peer critique sessions with pupils. To arrive at this freedom to exchange ideas is a precious skill of a facilitator and time is needed for trust to be built.
The third principle refers to the awareness of development in innovations in the education landscape. Although our education scene is largely different to those Pixar is associated with in the Silicon Valley, the idea of sharing and being aware of possible opportunities out there holds true nonetheless. Being connected to friends in the education service outside school helps, and sometimes a few phone calls can work wonders.
Pixar, its passion, drive and unrelenting attitude towards excellence in quality, is truly an inspiration.
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1. The free flow of ideas generate spontaneous actions. Care must be taken to ensure the loop is closed with others for effective implementation.
2. This safe environment can be created with role modeling a no-blame culture which recognises contributions and honour efforts. A safe place to try and be allowed to make mistakes.
3. Being updated on informed practices is a core part of professional and personal development. Structured time and space is need.
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