In her book Upstream, Mary Oliver wrote, "In creative work – creative work of all kinds – those who are the world's working artists are not trying to help the world go around, but forward." Forward is a beautiful and powerful word. It's a posture that people and companies desire: forward movement, forward momentum, forward thinking. But with the gravity of daily work forcing us to stay focused, how do we shift into "forwardness?"

Artistic Leadership's Collaborative Kintsugi offering is designed to give teams the opportunity to practice moving forward.

Kintsugi is the Japanese art of mending broken things with gold; an ancient and intricate fine art process that often deals with sacred family teaware. In a unique twist on this practice, Artistic Leadership guides teams through an experience where participants break their own tile and then have to let it go while their team members mend it in a sort of musical chairs approach to collaboration.

The somatic approach—defined as relating to the body, especially as distinct from the mind—leverages a powerful way to learn things that is all too often skipped over in knowledge economy jobs. When teams engage in hands-on activities, they activate multiple sensory pathways, creating a more immersive and memorable learning experience. This approach taps into the body's natural ability to process and retain information through physical engagement, leading to deeper understanding and longer-lasting impact on team dynamics and individual growth.

When teams engage in Collaborative Kintsugi, they create a profound sense of investment and care, as team members aren't just beautifying their own items but are entrusted with something special to their colleagues. The process reveals hidden talents and fosters a deep sense of connection, as exemplified by the demolition company owner's impressive super glue skills and another participant's rekindled creative energy.

By incorporating Kintsugi into team development sessions, organizations can cultivate a culture that values resilience, embraces imperfections, and promotes collaborative problem-solving. This artistic approach to leadership and team building encourages participants to view challenges as opportunities for growth and transformation, rather than insurmountable obstacles. It also reinforces the importance of supporting one another through difficulties and celebrating the unique strengths each team member brings to the table.

Companies looking to enhance their next team development gathering should consider incorporating Kintsugi for the following reasons:

Fosters a growth mindset by reframing failures as opportunities for improvement
Enhances empathy and trust among team members through shared vulnerability
Promotes creative problem-solving and adaptability in the face of challenges
Strengthens team bonds through collaborative artistic expression
Provides a tangible metaphor for resilience that participants can carry back to their daily work
Offers a unique and memorable experience that stands out from traditional team-building activities