Back to it with baby steps

Back to blogging!

It's been a while since I last blogged, or at least since I last published one! I'm often thinking, regularly writing and occasionally sharing my ideas. But, I've been doubting that what I've got to say could be said better than someone else is already saying it.

But, I've made a decision. I'm going to say it/share it anyway.

Last week I lead a creative writing session at our wellbeing week, and I've been thinking since about some of the fab presentations I saw.

Several people hesitated to share their writing, but did it anyway. And there was lots that was really good. And more than that, it was inspiring.

To feel the fear and do it anyway is something I've tried to apply to doing things. But I've not been so brave of late. Last week I decided to up my game, and today I went for it. Maybe not in a big way, but who said it had to be in a big way?!

I ran a meeting that was a little out of the norm. I wasn't sure it would work, and some might say it didn't. It was good to try though - same is often too safe and too boring. Afterwards, my fab internal comms colleague Kofi Kramo complimented me about my willingness to do something different, to just to something. Whilst some are busy talking about the hold-backs and hold-ups, I (he reminded me) do something.

All these little experiences of late have lead me here, so that's it for now, I'm just putting it out there. My lessons of the last few weeks are to:

- allow yourself to be inspired

- harness what you've done before (you must've taken some bold decisions in the past and survived!)

- listen to your champions

- do something different or brace, but mainly...

- just do something.

It's not really even a blog I suppose, just some rambling, but it is a (re-)start.

And, it might just inspire you to (re-)start something. Please share if it does.

Dx

PS - I am not ruling out blogs on the creative writing session (it wasn't all plain sailing) and the madness of my meeting (when I'm over the madness!)

Hope in the workplace

Is hope enough?

The word 'hope' has been following me this week.

Last night I watched the brilliant (but often painful to watch) Shawshank Redemption*, which amongst so many great messages covers 'hope' with central character Andy Dufrense saying...

On winning her 19th slam title yesterday, Serena Williams said in an inspiring speech** "I walked on court with a ball and a racket and hope" to describe the start of her journey.

These quotes reminded me that earlier this week, I'd had a conversation with a jobseeker who said they 'hoped they'd find work soon'.

Also this week, Langley House Trust said farewell to their departing Chair Anthony Howlett-Bolton. At the celebration, we were reminded of some of his key phrases/teachings. One, not mentioned, that stays with me is his perspective on 'hope' as whenever Anthony attached hope to an expected outcome - he rephrased his statement. Not because he is a man without hope but rather because he recognised that hope alone doesn't get the job done, which was at odds with the manner of the jobseeker I mentioned.

How often, however, do we (you, I!) talk about hope as if it will get us a result? We need to be careful of using hope as a driver especially in our communications, eg giving instructions, with others. I know in my HR career, I've often talked to managers who've said 'we hoped the situation would improve' for example. What, that's it - you just 'hoped'?!

So whilst positive, what place (if any) does hope have in the workplace?

Taking the Shawshank and Serena examples actually helps us answer this. Because, whilst Hope is an inspiring message, in reality it wasn't hope alone that ensured Andy's escape or secured Serena's win. Yes hope was a strong ideal, a factor, but it wasn't lazy!

• Andy's hope was backed by knowing his truth, using his skills, and a patient, well executed plan. 
• Serena's hope was backed by talent, self-belief, practice, and hard work.
• Both show(ed) absolute determination and dedication, took their knocks and got up again defying the odds, and ensured they had company on their journey in order to achieve the goal(s).

In other words, Hope needs backing!

Sure, inspire people with hope in business but don't forget to communicate all that goes with it if you want it to get you results.

* Based on a book by Stephen King
** See Serena's speech here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qgw4F90oFRQ (2.05 minutes)

Thanks for reading, I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Denise x

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Nelson Mandela - Lessons from bed!

This year three leaders have dominated headlines - two, Margaret Thatcher and Sir Alex Ferguson were, in my opinion, either too controversial or too painful to blog about (you guess which is which!) and both split opinion. The third, Nelson Mandela, largely unifies opinion and is (now) seen almost universally as a great role model.

It's been a long while since I've blogged but I couldn't resist this one as my social media timeline is today full of good wishes for Madiba, who I agree, is indeed an inspiration. There is so much to admire about the man over the years but I'm just going to focus on what I am learning from the great man now - even without him speaking to us - as he lies in his hospital bed... 

Lessons: 

it ain't over until its over, so don't write people off* 
it is possible to unify and inspire people just by being who you are
you will most likely be 'judged' by your achievements and the manner in which you achieved them, long term 
your innate spirit and sheer determination not to quit will carry you through... he survived jail, he is currently surviving illness
a 'negative' trait like stubbornness can work to the good in the right context 
actions, words and values have to be congruent whatever the circumstances
in the end, we will look back and appreciate there is a time for everything 

Just think, only a few short weeks ago the World was thinking about mourning him* and yet here we are celebrating his 95th birthday.

Happy birthday Mr Mandela, and thank you - not just for the old lessons but the ones you are still teaching us.

Please check out these wonderful images and quotes:  http://www.un.org/en/events/mandeladay/gallery/

Lighting the flame!

Danny Boyles programme notes for the opening ceremony of the Olympics have been circulating on the internet.... The last paragraph reads:

“But we hope, too, that through all the noise and excitement you’ll glimpse a single golden thread of purpose – the idea of Jerusalem – of the better world, the world of real freedom and true equality, a world that can be built through the prosperity of industry, through the caring notion that built the welfare state, through the joyous energy of popular culture, through the dream of universal communication. A belief that we can build Jerusalem. And that it will be for everyone.”

The amazing view from Karl Brocker's seat!

As talk begins to turn to the closing ceremony, as I continue to enjoy the London Olympics 2012, and as I anticipate the events of the Paralympics – my memories remain of a few Fridays gone as I watched the opening ceremony. Whilst some have debated the political element of the ceremony, I have chosen to reflect on what we can learn from it. Whatever your view about all, parts of, or who did what at the ceremony I think it should be recognised that this was a huge task, well done; and if you’ve ever organised so much as a kids party or a work Christmas lunch you’ll appreciate that you can’t please everybody so you just have to be true to your convictions and go for it!

Here are some of my reflections:

• The first lesson is that of a clear vision, but not just one about the end result – for me the above excerpt evidences a clarity and a passion for the journey.
• I think it is also fantastic that from the outset, this vision was inclusive.
• From this vision (of little value if not achievable) to the ceremony itself, it is clear that this vision was translated into a clear plan and that hours of preparation went into the final show.
• The choice of ‘players’ in the performance was also important. The use of volunteers including children and members of the health service through to high profile cast members such as Kenneth Branagh, JK Rowling and Rowan Atkinson was in keeping with the UK having a range of diverse talent, but with no one professional dominating the show over the non-professionals (which included HM The Queen)!
• And then there is Danny Boyle himself who demonstrated great leadership skills (along with others) – it was his vision, he clearly got a great team around him, and most impressively he shared of the glory, and recognised the role of the volunteers in his post event speech.

Personally, I think it was a great show – it was very British (authentic), gave a nod to history without staying there, celebrated talent and achievement, and was creative and forward thinking but not so much so that we abandoned fireworks!

And when comes time for the closing and Paralympic ceremonies, I hope the handing over of the baton is as innovative, smart and smooth as the approach to lighting the flame...which, to me, was genius.

All lit up... Another Karl Brocker view - Thanks for sharing!

Lessons from Lizzie!

Well done to Lizzie Armistead who yesterday won Team GB's first Olympic 2012 medal, earning silver in the women's road race. 

We often learn through things that don't go well, but we should also learn from, as well as celebrate, sporting success. Here's what I'll take from Lizzie - (aside from the obvious being good and working hard!):

• Scenario: Lizzie (and the women's team in general) were not the headliners - the men's team were.
• Lesson: Success does not always come where you expect it, so look at talent all around and don't be too concerned with being the 'favourite'

• Scenario: We were meant to get gold for the men's road race. This sadly didn't happen due, apparently, to the tactics of others and a lack of plan B.
• Lesson: Learn from what happens to others, and have a plan B 

• Scenario: Lizzie took the initiative to break away from the team
• Lesson: Timing is critical. Trust your instints

• Scenario: Lizzie was originally a track star, but chose to concentrate on the road rather than the track for this Olympics
• Lesson: Don't limit your options too much, too soon; but know when to streamline and focus

• Scenario: When the eventual winner, Marianne Vos, went for it... so did Lizzie
• Lesson: Stick to your own game, but don't let the competition out of your sight!

• Scenario: Lizzie played a key role in helping Nicole Cooke win gold at the 2008 Road World Championships as part of the team
• Lesson: Be a good team player, and your time to shine will come

• Scenario: Lizzie apparently took up cycling relatively late, only taking up the sport 8 years ago.
• Lesson: It's not when you start, it's where you finish!

Here's what business should take in addition to the above:

• Scenario: Lizzie was spotted through a talent identification scheme
• Lesson: Introduce one of these, spot and support talent, reap the rewards (obviously)!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/olympics/2012/athletes/dd0770e0-c266-11e0-962b-0800200c9a66