Archive for Communication
November 21, 2008 at 10:55 am ·
In September and October, I’ve had the privilege of working with sixteen visionary leaders from South Australia’s Eyre Peninsula, who met in the remote Gawler Ranges on Mt Ive Station for the first session of a nine month initiative, “Strengthening Eyre Peninsula”, and then in Whyalla for Session 2.
It is a collaborative project between the Eyre Regional Development Board (ERDB) and the Eyre Peninsula Natural Resources Management Board (EPNRM Board), who have also identified leadership succession as a key priority and is supported by the State and Australian Governments.
There is increasing evidence to show that regions that perform best are those with strong, diverse and innovative local leadership. Such leadership is a key ingredient of effective community capacity development, which in turn has been shown to be an important foundation of economic development.
Building the capacity of the community to be involved in leadership roles is critical to the ongoing increase in the regions long term viability and sustainability.
Typically, in regional areas the volunteer workload on community leaders is high and the same individuals are often involved in multiple organisations and networks. Leadership “burnout” and succession amongst industry, business and community groups and networks are important issues and are serious impediments to the process of regional capacity building and therefore sustainable economic development. Hence, Strengthening Eyre Peninsula was conceived!
The enthusiasm, passion and resilience of the sixteen participants is inspirational, and each person has a project that they are responsible for introducing and implementing in their local regions. I invited one of the participants to write about his experiences, and he says:
“In early August 2008, I was successful in gaining a place in a leadership program on Eyre Peninsula, South Australia. 16 participants attended at a remote sheep station in the Gawler Ranges. “Mount Ive,” is the station, and is close to the centre of the geological formation of the “Gawler Craton,” a relatively unexplored mass of land with immense mineral promise. No mobile phone reception, no news papers, no television.
It was an ideal choice of venue. The 16 participants, 2 project coordinators, 2 camp cooks and facilitator Karynne Courts were all captive together.
It was a fascinating 4 days.The participant’s background ranged from farming to fishing to government and to volunteers. All were people who wanted to help their own communities.
The quality of the program, together with vibrant presentation led to openness, to such an extent, that the musician in the group created our own song, “You’ve got to have passion.” How good is that? In addition to the amazing course content, we had the bonus of early morning kangaroos, magnificent colours as the sun set, the endless expanse of Lake Gairdner and the camp oven cooks having a smile at people clipping their own ears as they tried whip cracking.
Mt Ive Station will be remembered with great affection by those who willingly shared part of their lives with complete strangers.
Late in October 2008 a second session was held in an industrial town on Eyre Peninsula. The content was again brilliant, and the passion to lead was rekindled. The leadership program has been mentally stimulating and I will convince others to follow my lead.” - Jack Bourke, Wanilla, Eyre Peninsula
In times where prevailing conversations are about doom and gloom, it is refreshing and encouraging to know that there are passionate leaders who are getting on with building and expanding the capacities of their community, with optimism, humour and bucketloads of encouragement and collaboration. We’ll be posting more about this wonderful project in early 2009.
Filed under Leadership, Communication, Values/p
September 27, 2008 at 4:32 pm ·
What a privilege that it is “my turn at last” to host the magical, practical, life-changing and unable to be categorised book “Life Is A Verb” as it tours the world!
After much anticipation, Patti Digh’s masterpiece began showing up in mailboxes at the end of August and officially launched on 2 September. Since then readers around the world have been called to Action, and this is how we’ll change the world – one intentional day at a time.
Patti didn’t set out to write a bestseller. She wasn’t filled with grand visions for saving the planet, or being famous. She doesn’t pretend that her life is perfect, and that she has the answers to the “big” questions. Patti writes about the detail of her day that for many of us in the hustle and bustle of busy lives goes by unnoticed. She shares her life with her readers from a place of humour, joy and love and invites us to feel into our hearts to discover the richness of our own lives.
Patti’s intention was to write her stories for her daughters so they could live their lives fully – she wanted them to know what to care about, how to treat others, what to stand up for and why they should tell stories and listen to the stories of others. You don’t just read this book – you soak it in, eat it up, drink it deeply. It is designed to move you. It does.
I have been reading Patti’s blog for almost two years, which I discovered at a time in my life where I was needing a huge reminder to Say Yes, to Be Generous, to Speak Up, to Love More, to Trust Myself and to Slow Down. These six practices are the essence of Life Is A Verb, and Patti shows us how to embrace them instantly in the day we are living right now!
With essay titles like “Dance in Your Car”, “Carry a Small Grape”, “Consider the Flea”, “Polish Your Mud Balls”, “Bust your Toast Rules”, “Save a Grocery List” “Go See the Tiny Ninjas”, this unique work can’t be explained in words on this page.
Order your copy today. Order fifty copies and give them to everyone you know.
Start doing this book! You don’t have a minute to waste.
What would you be doing today if you only had 37 days to live?
What will you say Yes to?
Who will you share your time with?
What are you waiting for?
Filed under Communication, Values, Different Thinking, Guest contributors/p
June 2, 2008 at 9:53 pm ·
Last Friday, I was in Macau. After eschewing the glitz and empty promises of the many casinos, I chose instead to explore the historic heart of the island, starting with a visit to the Protestant cemetry, housing the souls of the earliest settlers of Macau, with headstones dating back to the early 1700s.
Wandering the cobblestoned streets, open-mouthed and wide-eyed, I paused at the entrance to a little antique shop, “Jimmy’s Treasures”.
An elderly man came to the door, and gestured to the watches with the waving hands of Mao. I smiled a “no thanks” and he invited me into his shop. Surrounded by the ancient pottery horses, chickens and other significant figurines, along with the famous Ming vases and distinctive ceramics that China is famous for, I was captivated by Jimmy’s command of English and extensive knowledge of Australia. He even knew about the dingo fences!
An hour passed like ten minutes as he shared his stories of growing up in Macau. Now eighty years old, he has had his shop for forty of those years, proudly displaying photos of dignitaries and celebrities who have been to his shop and taken home their works of art. He lovingly spoke about his family, his work ethic, his shop, his love of learning and his self-education. His sense of humour was wonderful, and I knew I was in the presence of great wisdom.
We exchanged cards, with Jimmy laughingingly suggesting his last name, Ng, stood for “Jimmy No-Good!” I prefer to think of him as “Jimmy Noble-Gentleman.”
Jimmy spoke of the recent earthquakes in Burma and China, and said “we give to these people, not because we are Chinese, or Macau, or Australian, but because we are HUMAN!”
This precious hour reinforced the unity we have as humans on this magnificent planet. That no matter where we are born, or which language we speak, we share universal values of love, freedom, humour and belonging. Unexpected encounters such as this remind me of why I love to travel. I didn’t need a Ming dynasty vase, or a Tang dynasty horse to remind me of the timeless and priceless nature of connecting with another human heart.
“Jimmy’s Treasures” indeed.
Filed under Communication, Values/p
February 6, 2008 at 8:36 pm ·
Recently I had the pleasure of meeting two inspiring women, Jill Johnson & Barbara Beccari, who have written a fabulous book for children, parents, and teachers called “Salurri and The Way Train”. It is an elegant and powerful message that brings to life seven key values for healthy relationships.
It introduces us to Salurri, a little girl whose name is an acronym of the first letters of Support, Appreciate, Listen, Understand, Respect, Responsibility, & Independence. The story unfolds with her experiences at a Train Station, taking us through very practical examples of how we can be more conscious or each of the Seven Ways to “stay on track”.
We can all be more mindful of these values to enable more satisfying relationships – not just with our children, also with each other – personally and professionally. Jill and Barbara are passionate about their work, and have launched an innovative parent-coaching business, www.parentscope.com.au
The book also comes with a bonus CD, a song to go with the story - a great way to learn and reinforce an essential message. It is thoughtfully written and beautifully illustrated. I’d recommend it for any bookshelf.
Read it aloud at your next team meeting! You can purchase copies here
Filed under Communication, Values/p
January 3, 2008 at 9:42 pm ·
Yesterday morning I woke up feeling a little glum – possibly the post- Christmas sugar withdrawals, or the realisation that another year has gone, and I’d better make this new one “count”. How will I measure that anyway?
Will I let my Ego set my direction for another year, or will this be the year I finally find the courage to follow my heart?
As if hearing my inner call for help, my friend Sandra magically appeared on my doorstep – bearing presents and presence… both at which she is truly gifted. Our conversation led me dancing into the office to unearth a copy of my favourite childhood book, which I was awarded as a prize for spelling in 1972. At the tender age of eight, attending Weilmoringle Public School, I was a master speller – and these were the days where children received books at the annual prizegiving. If you were really smart, you’d go home with an armful!
Reading the book together, I recognised that my life work and purpose was mapped in this beautiful children’s story –it is clear that if there was ever a “recipe” I had been seeking, I’d had it all along… in this beautiful prize.
Seven Roads To Happiness by Desmond Marwood and illustrated by Richard Hook, is about Prince Piccolo, a little boy born into a Kingdom cursed with a 100 years of sadness by a wicked witch! He promised his father that he would discover the secret of Happiness and break the spell. He sets out with his puppy named Petal on a journey of discovery only to find resistance every step of the way. Just as he was about to give up, he met a caterpillar called Claudius. He wasn’t from the Kingdom, so had escaped the spell of sadness. He offered to help Piccolo restore Happiness to the Kingdom if Piccolo would assist him along his own journey to Happiness (a lesson already – the best way to happiness is to help others).
Claudius’ first step was to wake Piccolo very early in the morning, the little Prince’s first experience of the sweet morning air. Their jubilation was noisy, waking the villagers – whose consternation at being woken so early turned quickly to joy as they also enjoyed the morning breeze tickling their noses – hence the First Road – inhale the fresh morning air.
They continued along the road, coming to a sad and despondent gypsy camp. Claudius fashioned a musical instrument from a reed, and started to play. It was contagious, and soon the gypsies were dancing, singing and making music – rekindling the “Happiness Overture” which was to drive away evil spirits. The Second Road – play beautiful music – dance and sing every day.
Satisfied that the gypsies would keep the music playing, the trio continued up into the mountains. They set about making paints from plants mixed with oils from the villagers lamps, and brushes from the goats hair, and painted a huge picture of happiness. The mountainfolk all come out to see what was happening – and were filled with happiness at the sight of the vibrant colours, and started painting their own houses and cleaning up their streets. The Third Road – have a vision & surround yourself with pictures of what makes you happy.
On the other side of the mountain, they arrived in the village of Minestrone, once famous for its fine food prior to the sadness spell. They dusted off the dishes, went to great lengths to find the recipe and ingredients for a big pot of Happiness Soup. You guessed it, after the villagers had all tasted the special soup, Happiness was restored and everyone started cooking and partying again. The Fourth Road – beautiful food shared with family & friends.
Meanwhile, back at the palace, Piccolos’ father, King Merry, was still under the sadness spell, despite hearing all the tales of Happiness spreading through the Kingdom , and tasting the Happiness Soup. Prince Piccolo, Petal and Claudius made haste back to the castle. As soon as he saw his little son again, and gave him a huge embrace, Happiness was restored to the King – Road Number Five – hug the ones you love.
Now the trio were back at the palace, strange things started happening to Claudius. He was given the Royal treatment for his contribution to restoring happiness to the kingdom, but his health declined and soon he was confined to bed, with a Do Not Disturb order from the King’s Physician. By the time Piccolo worked out a way to climb into the window to visit Claudius, the little caterpillar had disappeared. He thoughtfully left a note, advising he had turned into a chrysalis. He asked Piccolo to guard his chrysalis, saying “A wonderful thing will happen very soon and then you will know that I have at last found my own Happiness”. The days seemed long, but one day when everyone was trying to work out how first the caterpillar and then the chrysalis disappeared, a beautiful butterfly appeared – yes, it was the transformed Claudius! The Sixth Road – Be willing to go through the struggle to become your real Self.
Claudius was then appointed the Special Royal Envoy of Happiness for the Kingdom. Before flying off to the four corners of the Kingdom to keep his eye on the Happiness levels, Prince Piccolo asked him why he had said there were seven roads, yet he’d counted them and there were only six? Ahh, The Seventh Road – Each of us must find our OWN Happiness!
May you travel the seven roads in 2008 –
- get up early and breathe in the fresh morning air
- enjoy beautiful music
- clarify your vision and keep the picture of it close
- eat a big helping of Happiness Soup every day in good company
- hug the ones you love
- be your Self
- follow your own bliss!
Remember that happiness is always within you, no matter which road you travel.
Filed under Communication, Values, Musings/p
December 18, 2007 at 9:35 pm ·
As we draw to a close of another calendar year, there are prolific messages for us to reflect and ponder the year that’s passed, and anticipate what we will create in the year to come.
We can beat ourselves up for the card unsent, the presents unbought, the myriad of “stuff” incomplete, or we can simply welcome the chance to pause, take a breath, and know that where we are right now is exactly perfect! So, if you haven’t received my card yet, don’t hold your breath - I didn’t send any. If you haven’t received my “me-mail” about all the exciting things I’ve accomplished this year, don’t blame your internet provider - I didn’t write one!
What you can be certain of is that I am holding each of you in my thoughts as I reflect on all the people who made 2007 memorable and special. There are so many things to celebrate, to acknowledge and to be thankful for.
I trust that 2007 has been all you planned and you are filled with excitement, enthusiasm, inspiration and joy as we prepare to welcome a brand new year.
My wish for you is prosperity - such a rich and delicious word.
What does prosperity mean for you?
May it manifest for you in 2008.
Filed under Communication, Musings/p
December 16, 2007 at 9:19 pm ·
I just love the way H B Gelatt thinks - and presents his ideas. He often puts into words just what I’m thinking, and he generously gave me permission to reproduce this thought-provoking article:
Beware of Your Dogma - by H B Gelatt
The truth is that we cannot avoid uncertainty. This not-knowing is part of the adventure. It is also what makes us afraid. Pema Chodron
Niels Bohr, one of the founding fathers of quantum physics, tells a story about a young student attending three lectures by a very famous rabbi. The student said the first lecture was very good — he understood everything. The second lecture was much better — the student didn’t understand it but the rabbi understood everything. The third lecture was the best of all — it was so good that even the rabbi didn’t understand it. Bohr tells this story because he says he never understood quantum physics, even though he helped create it.
I think this story illustrates that what we are learning about the world nowadays is “so good” that nobody really understands it all. This is the certainty of uncertainty. In fact here is the opinion of the “new sciences:” Reality may not be structured in any way the human mind objectively discern.
This article is part of my Process of Illumination, creating a collective worldview that is open and inclusive. The basic premise is that uncertainty is certain and the illumination strategy is: Beware of your dogma. I probably should say that I don’t really understand everything I am writing about in this article. But I will say that I am certainly uncertain.
Say Hello and Goodbye to Your Dogma
Absolute certainty is dogma. I believe dogma is a major deterrent to growth, development and learning … and to a collective worldview that is open and inclusive. However, as Swami Beyondananda puts it: Dogma is truly man’s best friend. This is because certainty feels so good … yet you can’t grow clinging to the status quo.
However, there seems to be an emerging collective worldview that acknowledges the uncertainty of our reality and the reality of uncertainty. This comes from Niels Bohr’s and Werner Heisenberg’s quantum physics, and from the cybernetics, and constructionist work of Gregory Bateson and Heinz von Foerster, among others. And from some of the “old” eastern philosophies. Yet some of us, at times, still reject the possibility of uncertainty.
If you are certain about the security of your current job or certain that your country will always protect your freedom, it might be dangerous because you may not pay attention to signs that your job is becoming obsolete or that your personal freedom is being restricted. Are there someareas of your personal life where you are so comfortable with knowing for sure that you might be unable to “see” beyond your sureness? The answer is probably yes. Recognizing it and its dangers is the beginning of illumination.
Years ago Emile Chartier warned us, Nothing is more dangerous than an idea, when it is the only one you have. Today I would say that nothing is more dangerous that a dogmatic belief, no matter how many you have. Get acquainted with your dogma and then say goodbye. Mark Twain points out a problem with such sureness. It ain’t what you don’t know that gets you in trouble; it’s what you know for sure that ain’t so. How do you live without certainty? Here are two suggested illumination methods. Read the rest of this entry »
Filed under Leadership, Communication, Different Thinking, Guest contributors/p
July 26, 2007 at 11:49 am ·
We know the importance of taking time out to reflect, re-energise and connect with other like-hearted people, so put this date in your diary.
On 29th August, the Shoalhaven Women’s Conference will be held in Bomaderry. Inspirational speakers, exceptional value and fabulous food. Take the opportunity to have a day in the beautiful Shoalhaven and come along to share ideas and learn with businesswomen from diverse sectors. I promise you’ll have a fabulous day.
Filed under Leadership, Communication/p
March 30, 2007 at 7:12 pm ·
This week I stumbled upon a local artist who teaches - and before my self-doubt could get in the way, I booked into his Wednesday class. I had never painted with oils before, and it was with some trepidation and much excitement I opened the little wooden gate and entered his studio. All the places were set-up with paint on palettes, boards on easels, ready for his students to take their places. The love and care that had gone into the preparation was evident, and as the 6 other students arrived, I could hardly contain myself. I was the “newbie” - a little over dressed, and naively under prepared for how messy the process can be. A delightful lady was quick to give me a painting shirt, and I was all set.
Under the expert guidance of a master teacher, I watched in awe as 7 masterpieces unfolded. We were all painting a scene from Hinchinbrook Island and Peter patie
ntly and lovingly made every student feel like they were Rembrandt. Even when one person mixed far too much blue into the yellow, when another kept asking him questions he’d already answered, and yet another spilled their turps he stayed calm and positive. It was great to leave the lesson with a painting to be proud of, yet it was the energy and vitality that was residual for the rest of the day and into the next day that amazed me. I reflected on what it was that made it such an uplifting experience… it wasn’t the high from the smell of the oil paints, it wasn’t that the painting itself was pretty good, it wasn’t even the comraderie or conversation even though that was fabulous too. It was the energy that comes from positive acknowledgement, from being recognised as special, affection without affectation, and having someone hold the vision for me that success was possible whilst I struggled to imagine it for myself! Peter expected that everyone would do well. He sincerely believes in the genius in each of us.
In our leadership workshops, we state several key assumptions at the beginning of a program - one of which is “assume everyone is a genius”. This creates interesting reactions - from agreement to outright indignation and audible gasps of disbelief. Participants are so uncomfortable with this assumption, that we suggest they score the statement with a level from 1 - 10 (1 being totally disbelieving and 10 being in total agreement) on day 1. By Day 4, they usually adjust their score upwards and closer to 10!
How would your work and home life improve if you embrace this assumption? Try it for a week, and I promise you will be surprised and delighted.
Filed under Leadership, Communication, Values, Different Thinking/p
