Book Report: Rise of the Creative Class by Richard Florida
This is a very deep book and deserves to be read, and reread, as I've done. Instead of trying to summarize the entire book, I'm simply going to summarize the motivations, the work needs and life of the Creative Class.
Motivation of the Creative Class
They are motivated by respect from piers
find status in merit
want to get ahead because they are good at what they do
need organization that values input, lets them be creative, challenging, can mobilize resources
driven by internal motivators
find it difficult to deal with bullying bosses and incompetent managers
cultivate qualities that confer merit like technical ability & mental discipline (those are socially acquired traits)
value active outdoor activity highly
have a passionate quest for active, authentic and participatory experiences
motivation is much like that of the volunteer, motivation has to come from within
motivators are challenge, enjoyment, to do good, to make a contribution, and to learn
Work of a CC
a domain expert, even their boss doesn't understand their work
bail out as quickly as possible if unhappy
favors hard work, challenge and stimulation
value Diversity and Openness
upgrade their own skills, in NYC they spend 13 hours per week doing it
Organization stifles creativity
put their best foot forward
respond well to organizations with solid values, clear rules, open communication, good working conditions and fair treatment
do it for the responsibility, challenge, recognition and respect
needs to work with talented peers
trade job security for autonomy
Life of a CC
Identify myself by the experiences I have (cyclist, clubber, community organizer, photographer, electronic & female vocalist lover) Create a unique creative identity
Work and play is blurred.
have a creative community
form few close ties, they form more loose ties
have strong preference for individuality & self-statment
most valuable resource is their time
Time Deepen / Speed up activities. substitute shorter, faster / multitask / time planning
realize everything interesting happens at the fringes
To summarize the summary:
Satisfying & meaningful work has to have Autonomy, Complexity and Relation of effort to reward
