Painting New Landscapes in the New Work World
“One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things.” —Henry Miller.
And what new interesting places I saw on my recent trip to France! Travel is a way to see new destinations and learn how to see the world differently. The iconography of Paris, Versailles and Normandy is nothing short of majestic. After this trip, my view of this area of the world is forever changed!
One of the most memorable experiences I had was visiting Claude Monet’s gardens in Giverny, a small village on the banks of the River Seine. The famous waterlily ponds and colorful gardens created by the father of impressionism at his home in Giverny, close to Paris and Rouen, gave him his greatest artistic inspiration and have made this tiny village famous all over the world. His paintings are known for their innovative style and technique, which helped define the impressionist art movement. He used expressive brushstrokes and blurred shapes and colors to capture natural light and forms. His objective was to give the “impression” of what he saw.
As a recruiter for many years assisting candidates and corporate heads with making good hiring decisions, I believe these overwhelmingly beautiful and symbolism-filled gardens offer important lessons that might allow us to paint our own new canvas of beauty in the New Work World. Let’s take a look at how we can translate some of Monet’s techniques into our own landscape:
1. Embrace Change and Have a Positive and Determined Mindset
It all starts with the right mindset. After many years as a recruiter, I am amazed by the number of applicants I have placed who did not have the exact background, skill set or experience. What they did have, however, was a mindset that was positive, strong and determined to bring value to a company. Just like Monet’s different style, their mindset came to be appreciated. I cannot stress enough how the right mindset should be at the center of any quest you pursue. It makes all the difference in the result and will play a major role in how people will take notice of your character and attitude.
2. Be Open to Experimentation and New Perspectives
Monet broke away from traditional art styles, illustrating the value of taking risks and exploring new approaches. He was meticulous in his observation of nature, emphasizing the importance of paying attention to details and nuances in our own lives. If the corporate head is interviewing a prospective candidate who doesn’t check all the boxes on the job order, look for items on the résumé that demonstrate experiences that might be transferrable and pay attention to areas that might be a plus or minus in the execution of the duties of the position. And to that job candidate who is ready for a change, why not experiment with taking a class in an area that might be very foreign to you but could open new doors to a new field? Just as Monet’s techniques were very different, they opened up a totally new artistic style.
3. Value the Power of Observation and Personal Interpretation
Monet’s deep connection to the natural world highlights the importance of spending time in the outdoors and appreciating the beauty of our surroundings. Look for the beauty in the natural world around you and let it inspire you to create your own masterpieces in the New Work World. Sometimes just sitting around a campfire with friends and family or watching a butterfly land near you can touch something inside you to want to be even more creative in your everyday life.
Let’s all choose to move forward on our own fertile ground with our bountiful gifts and trust that the fruits of labor can be manifested if we operate with a positive and determined mindset, are open to experimentation and new perspectives, and value the power of observation and personal interpretation. We can fill our own canvas with beauty in the New Work World. Let’s all be determined to let our light in and shine all around us. I am of the belief that better days are ahead. It all starts with the right mindset and belief system. And as part of your own adventure, check out the Monet’s gardens! Their wisdom is as deep as the oceans.
