Final Verdict: Big is Bad

For quite some time I have thought about big vs. small - as in big business vs. small business.

I have now reviewed all the evidence, heard all testimony and have reached a verdict: Big business is bad.  Yip, you heard me - big business is bad.  Before you decide to stop reading and read that other guy's blog about financial derivatives I would like to review the case with you.

I have had the opportunity to work with large businesses and also with small and there is something in the small business with a big heart that is not there in a big business with a small heart.  

What I'm getting at is that big business should not be defined by turnover, profit, number of people, etc.  Big business should rather be defined by the desire of the leaders and owners in the business to build something of great value for the rest of society on a large scale.  The other view is when the owners of a small business see their organisation and purpose through the eyes of social benefit and not for profit primarily - BIG heart!

This point of view is what truly differentiates big from small.  So, it comes down to a paradox: In order to have a big impact you need to think small.  Small not in terms of revenue, market capitalisation or stock price, but small in terms of not missing out on the detail of staying true to purpose.  I have personally been part of organisational growth and corporate buyouts and the obvious pattern is one where there is a desire to become bigger it is ultimately driven by quarterly numbers - "BIG"!

Bottom line: Once the desire to do good is substituted for a desire to have more we all loose.  It is the story behind the shift in the global economic landscape, and perhaps a good time for it to happen.  It is a shift in the dominant global paradigm happening right now.  This is a complex, interesting and challenging world and I am happy to be alive.

So, I am calling to leaders and owners of businesses everywhere - will you simply survive from quarter to quarter or will you truly live.

Go from survive to alive!

Please! Less Rules but More Purpose

Every day I go into the world of work I hope that I will find that elusive something that I am looking for. That something special, intriguing beautiful and liberating. What I however find, all too frequently, is something that is life-sapping and disappointing.

I find a labyrinth of rules, procedure, politics and drama. We are caught in this fantastical illusion of freedom and security whilst we are unknowingly being lulled into a paradigm where we willingly follow rules at the expense of our greatest human expression of creativity and love.

Those who make the rules normally have no incentive to change their ways because they are in control. It will most likely take another generation to see a transformed business horison that catalyses the human spirit to reach heights and depths never seen before. Inside we yearn for this new world that we do not even understand yet. We just know that what we are experiencing now is just not enough.

Especially the newer generation simply do not accept things for what they are. I sometimes feel like I am quite alone in the way that I see the world. I am told fairly frequently that I need to accept the way things are and be more patient. I agree that change will take time but I do not believe that I need to be patient in expressing, motivating, raising awareness and inspiring a world that has much more purpose centered on transcendental truths so that we can reach beyond ourselves to a world that is filled with peaceful purpose. A world that turns us away from our own internal ego-driven obsession and towards a community centered self-actualisation reality.

Yes, I am unrealistic and I live for what is to come. I hope more people will start to open their eyes to a world where we use authority, control and power for their appropriate purposes detached from fear. I work towards a world that inspires trust, openness, learning, growth and beauty. I believe in businesses that not only have a purpose to help transform our society by putting the society before profits but I also believe in a business that puts their own people before profit.

So I ask all of us why are we doing whatever we are doing today?! We need more leaders at all levels to be asking this question and if the answer is not a clear indication that the organisation has the greater good at heart I respectfully request that you reconsider.

Stop giving people rules in order to follow your egotistical vision and rather empower, devolve, decentralise and inspire. Your future and the future of our children depend on the way we organise and lead because business is one of the greatest drivers of change in society.  Please!  Less rules and more purpose.

Fix the Hole

It's been a while since my last post.  And that's the way it is for now.  Perhaps also better because the world is inundated with the latest greatest whatever.  I have in fact gone into my database of drafts and stumbled upon this post that I drafted 2 years ago.

I don't know about you but as usual this year started with a bang and I have been running at quite a pace for the last 2 and a half months.  It's been students, presentations, organising, networking and managing on a consistent basis with more and more demands from a ever-hungry world out there.

It really reminds me of a scene in Apocalypto, a film by Mel Gibson.  If you have not seen it perhaps it might be a good time to watch and reflect on our place in this world.  There is a scene where an old man tells a story around a camp fire and it goes like this:

And a Man sat alone, drenched deep in sadness. And all the animals drew near to him and said, "We do not like to see you so sad. Ask us for whatever you wish and you shall have it." The Man said, "I want to have good sight." The vulture replied, "You shall have mine." The Man said, "I want to be strong." The jaguar said, "You shall be strong like me." Then the Man said, "I long to know the secrets of the earth." The serpent replied, "I will show them to you."

And so it went with all the animals. And when the Man had all the gifts that they could give, he left. Then the owl said to the other animals, "Now the Man knows much, he'll be able to do many things. Suddenly I am afraid." The deer said, "The Man has all that he needs. Now his sadness will stop." But the owl replied, "No. I saw a hole in the Man, deep like a hunger he will never fill. It is what makes him sad and what makes him want. He will go on taking and taking, until one day the World will say, 'I am no more and I have nothing left to give.'"

I look around me at entrepreneurs, students and leaders and it is clear that the majority is still trying to fill some kind of hole deep inside them with empty, vain, ephemeral things.  I know that I also have to check myself - I am no different.  I do however invite you on a path with me where we really ask ourselves if we are striving after emptiness to fill emptiness?

Shall we go from survive to alive?!

The 'Why' of Work (part 2)

A few weeks ago I wrote the first part of my view on the 'why' of work.  And then I got busy at work...  I also paused for a moment and took a break by the ocean.  This has given me time to reflect on the 'why' of work with greater depth.

Through the lens of Connectedness work is viewed from the contribution and purpose perspective as indicated in my earlier post.  As I get excited about the changing world of work and the incorporation of greater purpose in many businesses globally I have to remind myself that part of Connectedness is a world view of abundance and not scarcity, patience rather than haste:

“By the time it came to the edge of the Forest, the stream had grown up, so that it was almost a river, and, being grown-up, it did not run and jump and sparkle along as it used to do when it was younger, but moved more slowly. For it knew now where it was going, and it said to itself, “There is no hurry. We shall get there some day.” But all the little streams higher up in the Forest went this way and that, quickly, eagerly, having so much to find out before it was too late.” ― A.A. Milne, The House at Pooh Corner

I look around me at the world rushing forward being pursued by a great beast of fear.  We are afraid we won't have enough time, money, love or accomplishment - we are afraid we won't be enough.

As I sat looking out over the ocean a few weeks ago I realised that this world is in motion and it is a force far greater than I can ever dream of controlling.  I find that what I do not know I want to control, I also see it many other people and specifically 'leaders' and managers.  As the quote above illustrates, we will get where we have to go; I will get where I have to go.  I cannot live in the future at the expense of the present.  Letting go is beautiful!

The 'why' of work is about us, about here, about now and doing whatever is here and now.  It is about trust.  It is trust based on a world view that in the end we will be okay.  If it is not okay it is not the end.

So today I call to all that feel that the burden of ambition is driving a wedge between you and those you care for, between you and the parts of yourself that you do not know yet and in fact creating a self-defeating drive yearning for an unidentified emptiness.  Stop running.  Breathe slowly and start living, here and now.

Go from survive to alive.  

The 'Why' of Work (part 1)

In light of my previous two posts regarding Connectedness I am going to continue with three major aspects of Connectedness.  In the last ten years or so I have been searching and have found three areas of life, and specifically business, that guide further inquiry: Why?  How?  Who?.

I believe that in whatever we do, and especially work, their is great reward in following your passion and connecting the 'why' of work to a greater purpose.  I have therefore jumped at every consecutive opportunity I could get to figure out what I am best for the world at.

The 'why' of work has guided me on a quest for more, not more stuff, but more life.  My journey has led me to foreign countries, to disappointment, pain and suffering but at no time have I had any regret because what I have also discovered is myself.  I have seen many people go through their whole life and not have the experience and the privilege that I have had.  I have also remained true to my family and in any choice if it leads to less intimacy with my wife and son it is not a good choice.  This is in fact also very much part of Connectedness.

I have been working for myself or other people from a young age and I have been privileged to be raised on two continents and in three countries.  This has fueled my ability to see the world as connected, rather than separated.  In every opportunity I have been part of an organisation or business I have consistently looked for ways to improve myself as well as the organisation - this has led to some conflict.  ...It is easier to make it in this world than it is to change it.

When I was younger I simply grabbed hold of every opportunity and do my best.  But as I grew older I seriously started asking at what can I be best?  What are my talents?  Where can I contribute?  At what can I succeed?  I experienced glimpses of flow or engagement which also led me to start writing this blog.  Yet, with every new opportunity I grew faster and many times have outgrown my job within two years or so.  What I have experienced is that with every opportunity I can more clearly identify what I am good at. This normally means that I start longing for the next opportunity to develop.  Learning to be patient is very important.

The most important thing however is that I believe in continuous improvement and moving towards a greater purpose for work - the 'why' of work.  Perhaps you don't have it today but I believe that improvement is possible.  Yes the bills have to be paid, but that can't be why you work.  If it is I seriously ask you today to consider your purpose and the meaning behind your work.

"Don't ask what the world needs.  Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it.  Because what the world needs is people who have come alive." - Howard Thurman

...And being alive is Connectedness 

Connectedness (part 2)

Connectedness - a philosophy, approach, technique and movement (for lack of better description at present).  Not individualistic only, but connected between us.  By seeking us I find me.  The level of truth found in the mess of relationships and the beauty of failing quickly and learning deeply.

Connectedness is the way that the 21st century is shaping.  In the 20th century the work moved from the farm to the factory; the factory to the office and in the 21st century the work is moving online (or into the cloud).  It used to be the unseen hand of the market and deregulation in order to set the human spirit free - there were a few mistakes...

It is however no reason to completely remove the old system (yes, the C word - capitalism).  It is also no real good reason to kill all creativity with regulation.  So what kind of  'ism' remains for us to utilise in order to shape the way we live, interact, produce and create in the present age?  Is there a third alternative?

In order to answer this you must ask yourself what do you believe in?  For years I have been exploring different aspects of living a life, and I mean LIVING!  Not adrenaline, today is the last day on earth anything goes craziness - no!  Real living means you are true to yourself and those around you, you seek your North Star and you align your heart and mind to it.  From this center you act boldly, and with love in all that you do, you seek out every opportunity to grow and honour the purpose of your life.  In so doing you also help others on their journey - LIFE!

Connectedness is an approach to life that unites, in paradox, agency and complexity.  In order to fully utilise my ability to reflect and grow it can only truly happen in interdependence with others with the same agential capability.  The presence of others and the constant changing context within growth means that together we are more than merely the sum of our relationships - something emerges from amongst us which amplifies individual agency and potential.

Most importantly it is openness, fearlessness and divergent whilst being convergent simultaneously.

This is also the way that I am connecting with people and want to do more of.    I am not trying to invent something that doesn't exist or even trying to come up with cool names (although that is fun too).  Look outside your door, and you will see walls coming down.  I know in some places walls are going up, I am not ignorant.  The reality is however that you can decide whether you want to be part of the progression towards less wall or more - you're call!

Personally, I want to see the walls come down where it is appropriate for them to come down.  I have a personal interest in business because it is the greatest tool to influence our society in order to become better together.

What will follow in the weeks, months and years in this blog is a call for action and connection - will you join me on this journey from survive to alive?

Connectedness

For 7 years I have been writing this blog - At times it has been more frequent than others.  It started out as a project to connect with friends and family, develop my writing skills and share ideas and insights.

I have also focused much more on intrapersonal issues and related this to broader issues in society.  On a journey where I have refined my understanding and skill relating to change, innovation and leadership that has lasted roughly 14 years so far I have been privileged to learn about myself and the world we all live in.  From the beginning of this blog I have considered the  possibility of it becoming more.  I have a passion for writing but also for instigating change and challenging leaders to take up their role irrespective of position or title.  I dream of a world where more people get rid of the burdens that they take onto themselves due to societal influences, their own beliefs or other references that they might have built up and therefore create unnecessary rules that govern their happiness.

These rules that govern each of us creates a barrier hindering the possibility of true transformation that each of us has on an intrapersonal, inter-personal and organisational level.

This is a world of plenty, not of scarcity; possibility, not impossibility.  I want to connect with individuals that dare to dream in the same way and create a movement where those on the margins of society and on the margins of freedom can be included in an endeavour that helps to bring about a changed paradigm for the 21st century society.  ...A society that revolves around purpose, people and meaning.

I know there are many of you asking critical questions around your family, job, business, environment and the rest of society.  The first step is to start talking the same language and then from collective meaning start to focus efforts on targeted areas by connecting and collaborating.  This is where this blog will play a greater role in the future.  It will become much more of an integrated platform where individuals and organisations can tap into in order to join a discussion as well as coordinate  actions leading to greater positive impact.

I am moving the blog into a more productive and focused mode as part of a greater service offering from my side.  I will continually keep writing but also be exploring other tools and avenues of facilitating movement of hearts and minds towards a greater interdependent force for good.

I will be using the term connectedness to describe this movement, but more on that in following posts...

As I develop this I will be connecting with some of you directly in order to understand the need and perhaps craft the most appropriate approach that will be more targeted and effective.  At times I will be focusing more on the South African situation, but I will also be writing with an international audience in mind.

I hope to see as many of you joining me on this journey going from survive to alive!

Awareness Economics

A few times on this blog I have written about the importance of knowing yourself.  Sometimes I feel like I have even been a bit of a stuck record.  

The last few weeks I have however been picking up books, reading highlights from my professional networks and talking with people who have all indicated the same thing: the biggest change that is happening is that we will have to develop the relationship with ourselves if we want to change the world.

This, in other words, is indeed a delicious paradox.  It is juicy and rich in substance: Stop trying to change the world, change yourself if you want to change the world.  ...It is hard enough anyway!

In my previous post I clarified the purpose of the blog and also clarified the two core terms of survive and alive.  I therefore see this blog as a place where the new challenge of the 21st century economic environment, i.e. how much you pay for the food in your grocery store, how expensive your house is and how to take of yourself when you retire or provide for your children in the future, is directly connected with the internal life that we lead.  It becomes economics based on how aware I am.

From personal experience I can attest to the challenges of deep inner change that results in peace.  I believe it is only from this place of peace where the correct desires can be cultivated which results in the kind of behaviour that impacts our economic choices on a global level.

This is hard!  It is hard because of noise.  It is the clacking of keyboards, tweeting, liking, chirping, snapping cacophony that is designed to make us buy, buy, buy that keeps us from facing our fears.  Stop rushing, running speeding and fleeing.  Start sitting, focusing, re-centring and realigning to what is really important.  Do you know what is really important to you?

Do you survive or are you alive?

Moment of Truth

I just had a moment of truth ...A grand realisation that perhaps I really am that different and special.  Perhaps I truly should be challenging the status quo, not by creating my own status quo but by tearing down captivity and building foundations of freedom.  I continue to have conversations with people that seem truly open minded but with some more investigation I realise that they might have adopted language that 'keeps them on the edge' but that their approach and expectation of life still very much resembles the industrial revolution - top down, hierarchical, unilateral, etc.  It will work for a little longer but the world is a different place today...

What I have come to realise is that the tool of control has served us (modern society in general) rather well over the last century or so.  The challenge now is that control is no longer as useful as it once was.  The scientific approach to business management was all about that.  The leader was the one who controlled, knew everything and was infallible.  That kind of leadership will pass soon and only businesses and leaders that embrace connection, trust and complexity will last.

This is the next step.  Leaders must become facilitators in order to trust the organisation's future to everyone involved.  Yet few people are willing to push for this kind of change.  What is much more likely is that people stick to their old ways, ways that are not so threatening, in order to keep their position of power.  I have seen this very often in the business environment.  Due to different influences people don't want to change and most of the time right at the centre of it all sits some kind of fear.

I don't think that my mind or abilities are that special or different but I do believe that they are geared towards a specific purpose to which I need to pay more attention.  I know that through my efforts on this blog, academic talents and abilities to write, facilitate and teach I can devote my life to a great passion for change.  It is a gift-set, passion and awareness that few other people share and because of that I am excited.  Within that lies my unique contribution and realising it has really been a moment of truth for me; a little like when the winemaker gets to taste the grapes of the season for the first time. In that instance everything that has led up to that moment, every element comes together to reveal the special character of that season.  It helps me to go from survive to alive.