Pirates, Fire, and Not Being Heard

A colleague tells me that a metaphor of mine resonates with people she shares it with. She just spoke about it on Claire Brown’s (very good) The Art Engager Podcast. It’s a slightly broader topic than the normal MtM beat. Here it is:

There are pirates attacking the ship. Also, the ship is on fire.

The captain is frantically running around above deck, fighting pirates and putting out fires.

But the crew, below deck, don’t see pirates or fire. Instead, they feel that they are not being heard by the captain.

The captain is a little busy. The crew has an understandable grievance. 

But the ship is in existential danger. 

The metaphor is about museums today. At several recent conferences, director sessions were about existential threats: pandemic-accelerated attendance problems, financial issues, competition. While staff sessions were more about the staff wanting to have a voice.

Both perspectives are real.

Here’s the thing:

Existential issues — pirates, fires — have to come first.

But maybe if everyone on the boat rowed fast together, and found some buckets, maybe working together on the existential issues would also solve the communications problems.

Best of all, the boat wouldn’t sink.

Arrr.

Warmly,
Jonathan