LEADING SELF: Write Your Manifesto
Description
Image Credit: www.tinaleannphotographyblog.com
What is a manifesto? Most people are familiar with manifestos in the political context which articulate a platform and set out a strategic direction. Others might be familiar with artistic manifestos and their use in generating shock value through extreme statements. Yet others might know it as a declaration of principles or beliefs that serves as a guide to achieving a particular vision.
Simply put a manifesto is what you stand for. It can act as a compass in guiding everything from your consumption habits to your change-making to your career.
In 1998, the incomparable Bruce Mau put pen to paper and crafted a manifesto for his multi-disciplinary design firm. This manifesto articulates the principles, intentions and process Mau envisioned and cultivated over his note-worthy career that continues to guide him and his team in their work.
One of our favourite lines in his manifesto is as follows:
“____________________.
Intentionally left blank. Allow space for the ideas you haven’t had yet, and for the ideas of others.”
So how do you create your own manifesto? Start by answering the following focus questions: “
o What issues am I passionate about?
o What motivates me to act?
o What are my core beliefs or guiding principles?
Take a moment to outline a few guiding principles or intentions that you will take in life and work to affect positive change in your local or global community.
Task
1. Get inspired by reading “An Incomplete Manifesto for Growth by Bruce Mau”.
2. Use the focus questions below to help you brainstorm content for your manifesto.
3. Draft at least 10 guiding principles to form your own personal manifesto.
Learning Objectives
This activity is designed to help you create your own guiding compass for everything from your consumption habits to your changemaking to their career. By the end of the exercise, you will have your own draft manifesto which can evolve and grow throughout your Sprout Self journey. Featured skills and competencies include: writing skills, being visionary and being creative.