Cooperatives are designed around specific organizational principles and values. The phrase people helping people is the classic assertion of the credit union difference. But how can this value distinction, if real, be communicated?
Many organizations face this challenge, especially, those committed to doing “good” in society. Take the example of showing love.
Everyone has a love in their life. In many instances this is another person-spouse, friend or soulmate. In other circumstances it might be a longtime pet. Or a passion so intense that it animates everything a person does-a lifetime committed to living a specific truth.
Imagine Love
The word love is used in many circumstances and about many activities.
How can this concept be communicated in art?
He Gets Us created an AI animated video with the prompt “imagine love”. The result is a series of impressionistic heart shaped valentine-like drawings overlapping the page.
The program’s users then added a series of prompts. These directed that love be shown the way Jesus talked about it-to feed the hungry, help the sick etc. The result is a compelling series of tableaus that show specific scenes any viewer would recognize.
This artificial translation communicates. Some drawings may even inspire. In these visualizations, love becomes an act, not just a feeling.
This brief video’s AI interpretation vividly contrasts the difference between belief and action.
Is It Art?
Are these creations art? Or merely automated serial productions? Do they have meaning?
If this exercise seems too artificial, then ask, how is it you show your love? For that is the question presented.
The AI exercise illustrates the difference between what we say and what we do.
This is a challenge all face daily, especially when leading values-based organizations.
Leaders in families, in organizations, or in life’s many daily roles know the difference illustrated in the video. For credit unions that is when people helping people is more than a slogan. It becomes the animating spirit motivating interactions with members.
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cUngI7QyeHY&t=3s)