Not so long ago when business management teams wanted to improve their performance they dressed up in combat jackets and traipsed around a muddy field carrying machine guns filled with paint. These days, however, the arts world is keen to introduce managers to a range of other stimulation. As a result, people are writing plays, composing poetry, painting murals and playing musical instruments in an attempt to unlock their hidden potential.

Courses have been developed which can address almost any given business situation, including developing a customer base, coping with cashflow problems and learning to delegate. It may, at first, seem unlikely that a Shakespearean actor, a poet or painter would have any useful knowledge of running a business but they all pursue their artistic goals by constantly questioning everything. Take the case of the actor: actors work together in small, highly skilled teams to deliver great theatre and in creating their work need a real awareness of others in society – just as in all businesses.

The idea behind the arts and businesses working together is about unlocking those things that are hidden in all of us and raising confidence through better understanding. It’s about bringing people out of their shell or ‘box’. As the techniques used remove our fears and break down inhibitions we become more prepared to share ideas with others. The combination of improved confidence and self-awareness raises problem-solving abilities.