Review by Larry Reynolds, Kaizen Training(Nicholas Brealey, 2001, ISBN 1-85788-275-X £14.99 [£18.57 inc. p&p]*))
If I were to ask you: ?How important is learning and development to your career as an arts manager??, what would you say? "It?s not really important at all, Larry. Everything I need to know I learned many years ago, and rehashing the same old knowledge seems to serve me very well thank you very much." Not a very convincing answer is it? The problem is, in the hurly burly that is most arts organisations, many arts managers neither have the time nor the inclination for learning. Which is a shame, because without learning, all too many arts managers get tired and burnt out, and either leave the arts altogether (a shame) or become a consultant (even worse).
But this excellent book is exactly what busy arts managers need to renew their commitment and ability to learn. It?s an easy-to-read guide on how you can learn more effectively and more quickly. Some of its key messages are:
? You are only going to learn if you are motivated to learn. The book has a lot of practical tips on how to get in a good learning state.
? You are only going to learn if you approach learning in a way that suits you. Different people learn in different ways.
? Learning isn?t just about exposing yourself to new ideas ? it?s also about making time in your life for reflection.
Nothing very new in any of this, but the book is generally well written and does an excellent job of presenting common sense ideas in a very practical and engaging way.
It is a bit of a hotch potch ? one minute he?s talking about using mnemonics to remember better, the next he?s on about the role of muttering in creative visualisation. But the book is none the worse for this eclectic approach. Sadly, almost all the examples of learning in the workplace are taken from large private sector organisations, and this book would have been all the better for a few examples of how arts organisations have enriched private sector organisations by helping them to access their more artistic intelligences. But don?t let this put you off. It?s a good book and well worth buying.
* SAM?s Books is a specialist supplier of books for arts professionals. For further information and invoicing, contact: SAM?s Books, Chaldon Court, Church Lane, Chaldon, Caterham, CR3 5AL, t/f: 01883 345011 e: books@sam-arts.demon.co.uk, w: http://www.sam-arts.demon.co.uk