What I have noticed is the lack of writing on the subject of organization for creative types. Perhaps, this goes with the common belief that creative people stereotypically, Right-brainers, lack the organizational chops that are domain of Left-brain Accountants and Manufacturing MBAs. The original studies that put forth the theories on cortile hemispheric dominance are decades old. And much scientific study since the days of Nobel laureate Roger Sperry’s initial discoveries has shed light on the fact that left and right brain sensibilities can coexist in anybody. Sure, we all may have our leanings, but it’s not to say a musician by virtue of innate musical ability is deficient in the organization and logic department.

Here are a few books that provide different paths and insights to organization. Not just for you creative types, for anybody.

First off is Making Ideas Happen by Scott Belsky.  Although you may hear echoes of David Allen’s Getting Things Done in Belsky’s writing, Belsky does put allot of pithy anecdotes on the table gleaned from his interviews with creatives and creative teams. Things like “The way you organize projects, prioritize and manage your energy is arguably more than the quality of the ideas you wish to pursue,” and “The truth is, creativity isn’t about wild talent as much as it’s about productivity. To find a few ideas that work, you need to try a lot that don’t. It’s a pure numbers game.”

Besides the business focus at a glance some of these titles might conjure, all these books provide suggestions and insight on organization. After all, managing and marketing a music project takes the same organizational disciple as bringing any widget to market. Then again, you might argue it takes more!

Yes! There are many classics not represented here. These are just a few chosen from my bookshelf.

Making Ideas Happen, Scott Belsky

Getting Things Done,  David Allen

Manage Your Day to Day  99U, Edited by Jocelyn Glei

The Power of Focus, Jack Canfield

The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People,  Stephen Covey

The Eighth Habit,  Steven Covey

The New Leaders 100 Day Action Plan, George Brandt

You’re In Charge-Now What,   Peter Citrin

The Effective Executive,  Peter Drucker

MBA In A Book, Leslie Pochell

HBR Guide to Project Management,  HBR Press