Style is a concept that is used in many areas. In arts, for example, a certain characteristic or typical form of… painting is called. In fashion it is used to describe a certain trend when it comes to dressing. And the style is also used in architecture to express more or less the same way a building is made: classical, modern, gothic, etc. And even organizations have their style in organizing activities.
This is less visible, but equally significant, because the style gives (shape) identity and authenticity.
Knowledge of style differences in other areas, such as painting, could help to understand the differences and importance of style in organizations. For example, the difference in style between the two Spanish painters: Pablo Picasso (from Malaga) and Salvador Dalí (from Catalonia).
Both have had their own style, which we cannot easily express in words, but which stands out when looking at the painting of each of the artists. Style and arts (in painting) can mean different things: the painter’s own style and the style of a movement that dominates a certain period.
Dalí, for example, has always been favorably associated with the Surrealist movement in the arts. Picasso on the other hand has been associated with cubism but also with many other styles.
In fact, the main differences, in style between the two masters, is perhaps that Picasso has altered his style and his preferences to express himself, while Dalí has mainly been faithful to one style; surrealism.
Picasso has always been more valued in the market than “Dalí” and probably for the same reason. Where the market is capricious and doesn’t just focus on one style, it will value more the artist who is able to switch from one style to another. At one point, the market turned its back on surrealism for being outdated. This happened with all style periods like in philosophy, where a period like existentialism is “backward” to a moment in time. The hype or trend is over and if you continue betting on this style the market will ignore you.
It is said that Picasso was always an outsider, never committed to a style, always looking for a new way to express himself. Dalí had found his “way” and was neither willing nor eager to open up to new developments and innovations.
Style is even present on a personal or psychological level. Myers and Briggs have crafted this theme with a set of personal preferences; in this case, Judging versus Perceiving preferences.
“This fourth pair of preferences describes how you like to live your outer life: what are the behaviors that others tend to see? Do you prefer a more structured and purposeful lifestyle (Judging) or a more flexible and adaptable lifestyle (Perceiving )?(http://www.myersbriggs.org/my-mbti-personality-type/mbti-basics/judging-or-perceiver.asp)
It seems that Picasso would be more Perceptive (P) while Dalí would prefer a Judging (J) lifestyle.
Style is the peculiar way things are done: made, designed, etc. It is ubiquitous, also in business, but less visible than the style of a painting. But give it some attention. Focus on the way you organize your life or your business.
© 2006 Hans Bool