Did you know that February of every year has been declared as National Arts Month (NAM)?  Presidential Proclamation 683 designates the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) as the lead agency in the NAM celebration which for its 31^st this year has the theme “Sining ng Pag-Asa” (Art of Hope).  The celebration intends to highlight flagship projects in Architecture and Allied Arts, Cinema, Dramatic Arts, Literary Arts, Visual Arts, Music, and Dance… all of which will carry an essential message emphasizing the invaluable role of the arts amid difficult moments.  You may want to visit the NCCA Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/NCCAOfficial) or its website (www.ncca.gov.ph) for a more detailed discussion of the celebration programs.  

So what is the link of the “National Arts Month” and for that matter, the “arts” as a whole in relation to the respective functions and work we do in our organization?  It has been said that “art” plays a big role in translating experiences of individuals and society at large in a way that it preserves but at the same time expresses them with values at a particular place and time.  In this sense, “art” is communication… enabling people to communicate with each other through images, sounds, and stories.  Taken from these contexts, “art” becomes relevant in the workplace for one as we translate our company policies and processes in different formats and channels.  Its importance is likewise highlighted when we exchange communications across different levels pertaining to directions, objectives, plans, and even aspirations of the group.

But in viewing “art” as a communication enabler in our workplace, there is another perspective I hope we all take into consideration.  This perspective is based primarily on “SEEING OTHERS and CUSTOMERS” which strive to understand the challenges, needs, and objectives of others most especially those of our customers in order for our actions to be guided.  Incorporating the principles of “seeing others and our customers” in the “art” of our workplace means we translate our efforts and resources to address the voices of our internal and external stakeholders with particular emphasis on the pain points of our customers.  The “art” in our communication could and should also enable a level of creativity and innovation to reinforce the key messages of placing others and our customers at the forefront of all our undertakings.                        

Driven by an earnest desire to enhance the overall conditions of others and the customers we serve, the “arts” in our workplace through the different communication platforms can undeniably be a force to instill our core values throughout the entire organization!