Opportunities For Creativity
SOLUTIONS
Creative solutions come from one’ s being, not textbooks.
Cole Fulkerson is the young, confident, long-haired, high-energy district manager for the local Jersey Mike’ s Subways franchises. He comes to that world with a degree in political science. He does not have the typical“ look” or background of an experienced district fast food manager, but his ways work because they are based on who he is and his belief system regarding work; this is where creative solutions come from.
“ I like new challenges that I haven’ t seen before,” Cole said during the interview. He has been watching over two shops already open in the area, and navigating the challenges of opening a third shop at the end of August. New challenges arise every day, ranging from construction-related issues, to customer service, to helping train a new team of employees. A firm believer in maximizing opportunity, he expects the same of his team as he does of himself: when opportunity arises, you have to work it. Whether the opportunity is a creative solution for a new customer question, or that of capitalism’ s ability to build success( or anything in between), he cites challenges as opportunity and opportunity as growth.
Cole does not cite management gurus or college classes. He develops solutions based on all the experiences he can look to and a natural desire to learn by experience.
“ Some people think I am overly confident, but that is who I am. I’ m doing a good job, and I expect my team to do so, too. I tell them,‘ When you are outworking me, you should have my job.’” He punctuates the statement with a smile. Some key takeaways regarding creative solutions in a fast-paced time of change include:
Be Clear About Expectations
Expectations should be clear to your team, your boss( or investors), customers and yourself. Keep in mind that expectations go both ways; make sure that they are clear and communicated in both directions.
From Creative People
By Dion McInnis, Empowered Creativity Institute
Dion @ Dionmcinnis. com
Be Generous With Time and Opportunity
It is easier to be generous with opportunity than time, but often managers and leaders limit both. Cole’ s approach of empowering a team to grow quickly in their confidence and skills is to continue to add more opportunity when they are ready.“ Some are ready when others aren’ t, and that is okay with me. But they need to work the opportunities they get,” he said.
Be Hungry to Learn
During the interview, Cole received a call about a problem that had come up.“ I’ ve never had one like that before,” he said,“ but I’ m looking forward to it. I like new challenges so I can learn new things.”
Challenges provide opportunities to learn and to use one’ s creative abilities by integrating and applying knowledge.
Keep Your Eye on the Ball
Training teams, overseeing construction, managing community relations, troubleshooting issues … despite the abundance of distractions, Cole maintains focus on deadlines, budget lines and timelines.
Keep Smiling
No matter what, keep smiling. Studies have shown that smiling improves one’ s own attitude and spirit, as well as of those around you. Besides, life’ s too short to not go through it smiling.
MOMENTUM / September 2016 21