Creative Myths - Chaos Theory

Do the best ideas come out of a high pressure chaotic environment?

This week I was listening to Mike Schur, (creator of Parks and Rec, The Good Place and Brooklyn 99 to name a few) talk to Amy Poehler about structure in the creative process.

He said that structure is essential to make people feel safe and secure, as that is when creative people do their best work.

I have definitely found this to be true.

Don’t get me wrong, good ideas can come out of a chaotic atmosphere, working in a creative pressure cooker can push people to great ideas, but the pay off is 100 bad ideas for the good one, and burn out waiting in the wings.

It is not easy to find the balance between structure and the flexibility to go after the best idea, but when you create with clear boundaries, it allows you to focus and have fun without anxiety.

To create a good structure, be clear from the beginning on:

• Boundaries - What are the non-negotiable that have to be in the final output?

• Timing - How long do you have for ideation vs when do you need to move on?

• Alignment - Who are the decision makers and when do they need to push the button?

With structure, your creative team prepare better when they know expectations. 

Ideas aren’t thrown around and forgotten, they evolve and are built on over time. 

High-pressure chaos gives you moments. Structure gives you momentum.