Unbridled passion is the key to success, right? In his conversation at APAP 2025 with Jill Robinson, Seth Godin suggested a different truth: while passion and authenticity are valuable, they can be overrated. Instead, disciplined consistency and the constructive use of tension are emerging as the real drivers of innovation and excellence in the arts. In other words, don’t be passionate, be professional. Let’s look closer at what Seth is talking about.
The Myth of Passion and Authenticity
Voices in the arts tend to emphasize the importance of passion. Yet passion alone isn’t enough. In fact, relying solely on raw passion can lead to burnout and inconsistent performance. As Seth points out, professionals in any field—from surgeons to attorneys—must deliver reliable, consistent results. Authenticity, while important in personal relationships, is less critical when the stakes involve quality and precision. In fact, Seth suggests placing too much of an emphasis on passion is an amateur trait because it ties performance to a variable, like energy and passion, instead of consistency – showing up to play a role like a professional.
Embracing Tension: The Engine of Innovation
While passion may lose its luster when overemphasized, tension—when managed effectively—can serve as a powerful catalyst for creativity and progress. Seth captured this sentiment by drawing an analogy to a stretched rubber band: tension builds potential energy that, when released, can drive extraordinary outcomes. Tension can be as simple as a leader saying, “here we are now, but we need to get there.” The team’s role is to then solve the challenges in getting there.
The Power of a Focused Strategy: Effective leadership is not about gathering endless opinions. Instead, strategy should be crafted by a small, dedicated group that understands the nuances of the task. This streamlined approach enables leaders to articulate a clear vision and create an environment where tension fuels, rather than stifles, creativity.
Tension vs. Stress: Unlike stress, which grinds us down, well-managed tension can propel us forward. In the arts, building and releasing tension is inherent in the creative process. It’s what challenges us to excel, innovate, and ultimately deliver performances that resonate deeply with audiences.
Aligning Through Tension: Leaders must learn to harness tension by defining clear objectives. When every team member understands the singular, powerful statement that encapsulates what excellence looks like, the energy that builds through tension is channeled into producing outstanding work. This approach not only sets high standards but also empowers individuals to take ownership of their roles.
Practical Resources for a New Era
The need to balance passion with professionalism and to use tension as a tool for growth rather than a source of stress is a paradox that every creative professional faces. The challenge lies in being consistently excellent without relying solely on the fluctuating forces of passion and raw authenticity. Instead, by establishing roles and processes that incorporate creative tension, teams can innovate in a structured, sustainable way.
As you navigate this paradox with your team, consider taking the following steps:
Join APAP: Engage with a community dedicated to advancing performing arts. APAP offers a wealth of resources, networking opportunities, and insights that can help you pivot in a changing environment.
Discover Seth Godin’s New Book: Dive into fresh perspectives on marketing and audience engagement. Godin’s latest work This is Strategy: Make Better Plans is a must-read for anyone ready to move beyond traditional outreach and embrace a more authentic, connection-driven approach.
Connect with TRG Arts: Explore innovative programming and transformative initiatives led by TRG Arts. Their work exemplifies how a focus on the smallest viable audience can spark broader cultural change.
You can turn disruption into opportunity. Embrace the challenge, invest in your core audience, and lead the way toward a vibrant, sustainable future for live arts. Transform your approach today—engage with APAP, be inspired by Seth Godin’s new book, and join the innovative community at TRG Arts.
Together, we can redefine the future of live arts and culture.