Orbiting the Giant Hairball by Gordon MacKenzie

Last updated: Jul 22, 2023

Summary of Orbiting the Giant Hairball by Gordon MacKenzie

Orbiting the Giant Hairball by Gordon MacKenzie is a book that explores the challenges and opportunities of creativity within a corporate environment. MacKenzie, a former creative director at Hallmark Cards, shares his experiences and insights on how to navigate the "hairball" - the complex and stifling bureaucracy that often hinders creativity in organizations.

The book begins with MacKenzie's personal journey as a young artist and his initial struggles to fit into the corporate world. He describes the hairball as a tangled mess of rules, procedures, and expectations that can suffocate individuality and innovation. MacKenzie emphasizes the importance of breaking free from the hairball and finding one's own creative orbit.

Throughout the book, MacKenzie presents various strategies and principles for nurturing creativity. He encourages readers to embrace their unique talents and ideas, even if they go against the grain of the organization. He emphasizes the importance of taking risks, experimenting, and learning from failures.

MacKenzie also emphasizes the value of collaboration and teamwork in fostering creativity. He encourages readers to seek out like-minded individuals and form "tribes" within the organization to support and inspire each other. He also emphasizes the importance of creating a safe and supportive environment where creativity can thrive.

Furthermore, MacKenzie challenges the notion of success and encourages readers to redefine it on their own terms. He argues that true success lies in finding fulfillment and joy in one's work, rather than simply climbing the corporate ladder or chasing external validation.

Throughout the book, MacKenzie shares numerous anecdotes, illustrations, and exercises to engage readers and help them apply the concepts to their own lives and work environments. He provides practical advice on how to navigate the challenges of the hairball and offers a refreshing perspective on creativity and success.

In conclusion, Orbiting the Giant Hairball is a comprehensive guide to navigating the complexities of corporate culture and unleashing one's creative potential. MacKenzie's insights and strategies provide a roadmap for individuals seeking to break free from the constraints of the hairball and find their own orbit of creativity and fulfillment.

1. Embrace your creativity

In "Orbiting the Giant Hairball," MacKenzie emphasizes the importance of embracing your creativity and not conforming to societal norms. He encourages readers to tap into their unique talents and ideas, rather than suppressing them to fit into the "hairball" of corporate bureaucracy. By embracing your creativity, you can bring fresh perspectives and innovative solutions to any situation.

MacKenzie suggests that creativity is not limited to artistic endeavors but can be applied to all aspects of life. He encourages readers to think outside the box, challenge the status quo, and take risks. By doing so, individuals can unlock their full creative potential and make a meaningful impact in their personal and professional lives.

2. Embrace mistakes and failures

In a world that often stigmatizes mistakes and failures, MacKenzie encourages readers to embrace them as valuable learning opportunities. He argues that mistakes are an essential part of the creative process and should be celebrated rather than feared. By reframing failures as stepping stones to success, individuals can overcome the fear of making mistakes and take more risks.

MacKenzie believes that mistakes and failures are not signs of incompetence but rather indicators of growth and progress. He encourages readers to view setbacks as valuable feedback and to use them as opportunities for self-reflection and improvement. By embracing mistakes and failures, individuals can cultivate resilience, adaptability, and a growth mindset.

3. Break free from conformity

One of the key takeaways from "Orbiting the Giant Hairball" is the importance of breaking free from conformity and embracing individuality. MacKenzie argues that society often pressures individuals to conform to established norms and expectations, stifling their creativity and unique perspectives. He encourages readers to resist this pressure and embrace their authentic selves.

MacKenzie believes that true innovation and creativity can only flourish when individuals have the freedom to express their individuality. He encourages readers to challenge the status quo, question assumptions, and think independently. By breaking free from conformity, individuals can unleash their full potential and make a meaningful impact in their personal and professional lives.

4. Foster a culture of experimentation

In "Orbiting the Giant Hairball," MacKenzie emphasizes the importance of fostering a culture of experimentation within organizations. He argues that innovation and creativity thrive in environments that encourage risk-taking and embrace failure as a natural part of the process.

MacKenzie suggests that organizations should create spaces where employees feel safe to explore new ideas, take risks, and learn from their mistakes. He believes that by fostering a culture of experimentation, organizations can unlock the full potential of their employees and drive meaningful innovation.

5. Embrace the power of play

MacKenzie highlights the power of play in unlocking creativity and fostering innovation. He argues that play is not just for children but is a vital component of adult life as well. By embracing playfulness, individuals can tap into their imagination, explore new possibilities, and approach challenges with a fresh perspective.

MacKenzie encourages readers to incorporate play into their daily lives, both personally and professionally. He suggests that play can be a catalyst for breakthrough ideas and can help individuals overcome creative blocks. By embracing the power of play, individuals can cultivate a sense of joy, curiosity, and openness to new experiences.

6. Embrace the messy process of creativity

In "Orbiting the Giant Hairball," MacKenzie emphasizes that creativity is a messy and non-linear process. He argues against the notion of a linear path to success and instead encourages readers to embrace the chaos and uncertainty that comes with the creative journey.

MacKenzie believes that creativity requires a willingness to explore different paths, make mistakes, and iterate on ideas. He encourages readers to let go of the need for perfection and embrace the messy process of creativity. By doing so, individuals can unlock their full creative potential and make meaningful contributions.

7. Cultivate a sense of wonder

MacKenzie encourages readers to cultivate a sense of wonder and curiosity about the world around them. He argues that by approaching life with a childlike sense of awe and curiosity, individuals can tap into their innate creativity and see the world through fresh eyes.

MacKenzie suggests that cultivating a sense of wonder involves being present in the moment, observing the world with an open mind, and asking questions. By embracing a sense of wonder, individuals can break free from routine thinking and discover new possibilities.

8. Find your own orbit

One of the central themes in "Orbiting the Giant Hairball" is the idea of finding your own orbit within the constraints of the corporate world. MacKenzie argues that individuals can maintain their creativity and individuality while still being part of a larger organization.

MacKenzie encourages readers to find ways to navigate the "hairball" of corporate bureaucracy and carve out their own unique path. He suggests that individuals should seek out opportunities to express their creativity, challenge the status quo, and make a meaningful impact within their organizations. By finding their own orbit, individuals can maintain their authenticity and make a lasting contribution.