Jackson Pollocks famous drip paintings were created within a 3 year period of intense focus during his career, considered now as his "hot streak" and celebrated the world over. Before that, he did - well......other stuff. I would like to think that my "hot streak" or "best work" is yet to come - and somehow everything I am doing now, that I am observing, learning and experiencing is leading me towards it. As many do, I often feel pulled in two different directions - towards 'that which I know extremely well' (things I’ve done for years, could be considered an expert in - brand strategy, content, media, marketing, PR, launch and go to market), and 'that which I wish to know more about' (shiny new things that I have a growing interest in - startup & ventures, investment, web3, experience design, product development, the merging of physical and virtual brands and more). After studying thousands of career pathways and artistic / scientific works, this research reveals the careful balance required between exploration and exploitation, recognising a pattern of exploration and refinement before one reaches a “hot streak”, or career highlight - Jackson Pollock’s ‘drip paintings” for example, or Peter Jackson’s LOTR trilogy. To exploit is to stay within a comfortable particular space - and probably earn the most money right now, to explore is to diversify and try something new - with financial payoff delayed for the future. Evidence now shows with 100% certainty, these two are best enjoyed together.
Whilst a movie trilogy and / or artwork of historical importance is unlikely to pop out the other end for me whatever approach I take, I take from this the need to more consciously frame time spent on the exploitation (as horrible as that word sounds) of skills and knowledge I am certain of, within proven areas of competence - alongside time spent on exploration of concepts, ideas and areas that I want to strengthen knowledge and expertise in, thus extending myself beyond where I am now. I guess I have done this instinctively, through a commitment to lifelong learning, and placing importance on ‘knowing what you do not know’. However, consciously framing it as ‘explore / exploit’ gives real structure and inspires a future focused plan.
For clients we work with, it means supporting them to consider, quite simply, “things that we do (or have always done)” vs “things that we could do (to future proof and grow)”, then consciously nurturing both so as to facilitate breakthroughs. Can we help you explore new frontiers for your business, or better leverage those in front of you?
You can read the full research here - it is a great read https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-021-25477-8
Comments