This week we noticed that sometimes you need to know rules to understand how to break the rules.

Rules for an art department that work for any department

In the 50s and 60s, Sister Mary Corita Kent ran the art department at the Immaculate Heart College. The rules that guided that innovative program are relevant today for any organization committed to innovation, growth, and creativity.

A manifesto for small teams doing important work

The always clear and articulate Seth Godin’s rules of engagement for collaborators. Some of our favorites: “Overcommunicate.” “Question premises and strategy.” “Don’t question goodwill, effort or intent.”

What software developers can teach managers about agility

Gil Broza shares his “top 10 lessons from almost 15 years of putting people before processes“. They’re smart lessons like” “focus keeps you going,” “nurture the joy of delivering value,” and “high performance teams require investment.”

How to be a photographer in 18 lectures

As an amateur photographer, Todd wishes he had known a lot of this stuff from the beginning. Stanford professor of photography puts his entire course online.

You can’t grow or improve your programs without supporting your core mission first

Article: A Graphic Re-Visioning of Non-Profit Overhead.

The next Clarity DIY Brand Camp is just 2 weeks away

The next gathering of change makers will convene on September 28 at the Smith College Conference Center. It’s not too late to get your seat. Learn more.

Playlist

This week, Florence Joelle’s new album Life is Beautiful has been stuck on replay on Mitch’s iTunes screen. It feels like a smokey, basement club in the Village circa 1965. Cool, cool jazz.

Image of the week

The silkscreens in the headers are reproduced from a gallery show of Sister Mary Corita Kent’s work at the Zach Feuer Gallery October 23 – December 5, 2009.