Creativity & Emotional Intelligence Linked to Expand Leadership Skills

Spring Green, WI, February 8, 2024  “Do you consider yourself creative?” This was the opening question asked at the February 8th gathering of SCIL in Spring Green. When UW-Madison Extension Sauk County Educator Morgan McArthur asked this question, less than half of the 20 participants said yes. The conversation continued and participants soon realized that problem solving is a form of creativity, often required in the workplace. Soon, everyone was realizing the important role creativity has in their lives.

The blending of artistic abilities and problem solving in the workplaces were evident as the SCIL team toured the American Players Theater.  APT is a prominent cultural institution dedicated to the promotion and preservation of performing arts, and is proud to showcase its commitment to preserving creativity and fostering Emotional Intelligence (EI) among its members and audiences alike.  

SCIL members were impressively overwhelmed by the large-scale operation that occurs each season to employ over 250 people working together to produce 8 full theater productions for an annual audience of more than 100,000 people from around the region. The skills required by these professionals go beyond acting, and also include skilled tradespersons including wig makers, milliners, carpenters, welders, drapers, stylists, crafters, sound engineers, wood workers and many more skilled craftsmen. 

Emotional intelligence was another main focus of the day. In a world increasingly driven by technology and innovation, one factor remains constant as a key determinant of success: Emotional Intelligence (EI). Today, Morgan McArthur and his team launched an initiative aimed at highlighting the importance of Emotional Intelligence in both personal and professional spheres.

Emotional Intelligence, often abbreviated as EI or EQ, refers to the ability to recognize, understand, and manage one's own emotions, as well as effectively navigate interpersonal relationships. As the global landscape continues to evolve, the significance of EI has become more pronounced than ever before.

Studies have consistently shown that individuals with high levels of Emotional Intelligence are more likely to excel in various aspects of life, including leadership, teamwork, communication, and conflict resolution. Furthermore, organizations that prioritize EI in their culture tend to experience higher levels of employee engagement, productivity, and overall success.

However, despite its undeniable importance, Emotional Intelligence is often overlooked or undervalued in traditional educational and professional settings. This oversight inspired the SCIL team to launch a comprehensive campaign aimed at raising awareness about the critical role of EI and providing resources for individuals to enhance their emotional intelligence skills.

American Players Theatre is proud to showcase its commitment to fostering Emotional Intelligence (EI) among its members and audiences alike.At the heart of every theatrical production lies a profound exploration of human emotions, relationships, and experiences. As such, APT recognizes the inherent value of Emotional Intelligence in the creative process and actively incorporates EI principles into its operations and performances.

Erin Milleville and Sara Young explained how APT embraces emotional Intelligence through:

 Actor Training: APT provides comprehensive training programs for actors that go beyond honing technical skills to emphasize the importance of emotional authenticity and empathy on stage. Through exercises and workshops, actors learn to connect with their characters on a deeper level, understand their motivations, and convey complex emotions effectively to the audience.

 Collaborative Environment: APT is inherently a collaborative art form, requiring actors, directors, designers, and crew members to work together seamlessly towards a common goal. The Theater Guild fosters a supportive and inclusive environment where open communication, active listening, and mutual respect are encouraged, enhancing interpersonal relationships and promoting teamwork.

 Core Values:  At APT Core values and Emotional Intelligence (EI) are deeply interconnected, as both play integral roles in shaping individual behavior. In summary, core values provide a framework for individuals to cultivate Emotional Intelligence by fostering self-awareness, self-regulation, empathy, social skills, and resilience. By aligning their actions with their values, individuals can enhance their Emotional Intelligence and contribute to a more empathetic, collaborative, and resilient society. interpersonal relationships, and organizational culture. The beauty of their Core Values is Art in itself. 

That afternoon the SCIL group gathered at the Spring Green Community Library where Morgan McArthur and Alan Anderson teamed up to explore Creativity using functional art.

Alan Anderson, community leader and master artisan, gave many examples on how the pioneer artists’ of many mediums positively influenced those they taught, and soon were surpassed in talent and fame, even after they died. The characteristics of a strong leader and artist have many parallels: passion, vision, self confidence and problem solving are just a few that Alan mentioned. 

Leadership is often described as both an art and a science but viewing it through the lens of functional art adds a compelling dimension. Functional art refers to objects or creations that serve a practical purpose while also embodying aesthetic qualities and evoking emotional responses. In much the same way, effective leadership goes beyond mere management or direction; it involves crafting a vision, inspiring others, and achieving meaningful outcomes—all while infusing the process with creativity, empathy, and authenticity.

Leadership as functional art involves weaving together vision, harmony, and emotional expression to create meaningful impact. By embracing creativity, empathy, and authenticity, leaders can inspire greatness, foster collaboration, and leave a lasting legacy that resonates far beyond their time in leadership roles. Just as a timeless masterpiece captivates generations, exemplary leadership stands as a testament to the transformative power of art in action.

“Do you consider yourself creative?” When the same question was asked at the end of the day, the majority of the SCIL team identified as such. The sessions of the day helped to show the importance of creativity and Emotional Intelligence on individuals. SCIL member Emily Herritz summarized the importance of the SCIL experiences as  “not so much to teach us information, but as a self-discovery process, allowing us to look within ourselves and grow so that we can become better people, leaders and residents of Sauk County.”

Written by Stacy Parsons and Michael Randles