Awesome

Earlier today a phrase caught my eye:

 “The Japanese have the same word for crisis as they do opportunity.”

Often there are two opposing sides in a given situation. The candidate who is successful at a job interview will result in the other potential hires not being appointed – those individuals will see that experience in a very different light (no matter how professional the interview process and gracious the rejection).  One person’s gain is another’s loss.

Today is a day of potential crisis or opportunity for two rowing crews.  It is the Boat Race (an annual event in which the Oxford and Cambridge Universities’ top rowers compete along a just over 4 mile length of the river Thames in London). As sporting events go it is unusual, in that it is a standalone annual occurrence, not part of a league or knockout competition, and as a consequence neither crew have deep knowledge of the skills and style of their competition. In the history of the race there has only ever been one draw and this was due the umpire, “Honest John Phelps”, being unable to see the finish in 1877. His boat drifted on the tide and ended up behind other vessels laden with spectators, which obscured his view, and hence forced him to declare a draw. Not an occurrence likely ever to be repeated now that we have cameras that record each millisecond and sinew strain. For the past year the two crews, with their coaches and support, have been focused on one thing – the outcome of today’s race.

Fighting it out in the Boat Race

Having worked with the Judge Business School in Cambridge for a few years, I use an example from Boat Race history in Leadership and Team Development. Inspirational academic Mark De Rond writes about it in his book, “There is an I in Team” – the Cambridge Rowing Club Manager, Roger Stephens, used a simple phrase to determine the importance of taking any course of action – when needing to make a decision he would ask “Will this make the boat go faster?” This question and the outcomes resulting from it are credited with playing a significant part in producing the Cambridge Boat Race win of 2007 (Cambridge’s success was achieved after repeated losses since 2004).  Admittedly, other decisions, such as a significant change in the crew – substituting Rebecca Dowbiggin as cox, very close to the actual race, played their part.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GFwUZvpYOMg

This is a long video but good if you are interested 
in knowing more about the 2007 Boat Race

The approach of having a commonly held key question (known as a “Stephen’s Question”) that is fundamental to any decision that a business has to make, is very valuable as it ensures that focus is retained, as well as that everyone in an organisation knows the main driving principle for success.

You need to know what your key question is

Yesterday evening I went to the Barbican to see the English National Ballet’s programme of new works, “Lest We Forget” – a quadruple bill inspired by World War 1, with a brief musical interlude by Cecil Coles, a composer who was killed by sniper fire in 1918.  Two of the pieces were profoundly influenced by the impact that the Great War had on women.  Although the death, sorrow and destruction resulting from war cannot be viewed as a success, the change of women’s role in society and the increased appreciation of what women have to offer laid the foundations for the modern workplace of today. Liam Scarlett’s opening “No Man’s Land” is a case in point it was inspired by “the Canaries” – female munitions manufacturers, so called because the sulphuric acid  (as well as slowly poisoning them).  In last night’s performance the dancers’ hand were yellow and the unison of movement and light was both captivating and thought provoking – with a moving interaction of couples (men off to the front and the women remaining behind to make weapons that would kills others’ sons, husbands and fathers).

 

Munition Recruitment Poster 1914-1918

Like a top rowing crew a leading ballet corps needs to work as a harmonious team, with each individual’s effort contributing to the overall success.  The final piece of last night’s performance, “Dust” by Akram Khan (famous for creating part of the 2012 Olympics Opening Ceremony), was at times mesmerising.  I urge you, even if not a ballet or modern dance fan, to look at the below video, a taster of all the pieces. The use of interlinked arms in Khan’s piece (at the very end of the clip at 1.25) was extraordinary – creating at times the impression of being in a deep trench, as well as emulating the twisting torture of warfare and the changing dynamics of society.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DQEjyxF319c

The crisis of World War One also created opportunities – not just by granting women greater recognition and roles in society, or for the soldiers and others from a multitude of backgrounds who became recognised as heroes, or even the nations that ultimately prevailed, but for the people who spotted opportunities in such dark times.  It resulted in the creation of Air Traffic Control and (recent Malaysian aircraft mysteries aside) a safer environment that has enabled globalisation as well as increased local and cultural awareness.  The Great War had a direct impact on medicine with the routine use of blood transfusions and the stockpiling of blood, to ensure swift treatment once required. As well as the introduction of life-saving methods of treating fractures and enhanced awareness of post-traumatic stress and the need for mental health care.  The aftermath of WW1 was a change in the world - an election in America brought in Republican Warren Harding, who wanted the USA to take a less active role in international affairs.  America started focusing on its own skills and capabilities, resulting in it becoming the self-minded, dominant global superpower it has become.  Henry Ford brought cars to the masses – leading to the start of better connectivity and easier living.  Radio commenced globally (following Marconi’s initial creation of a commercial wireless system in 1895 and subsequent British and patent in 1896, only a few used wirelesses for transmitting messages.  However, the value of radio became apparent during WW1 and the first American radio station was opened in Pennsylvania in 1920 with hundreds soon to follow – the BBC was formed in 1922 with first public broadcasts a month later).

WWI Field Radio Set made by Western Electric

There is some interesting research undertaken into the list of the 75 wealthiest people in history by Malcolm Gladwell in chapter two of his book “Outliers” (many thanks to David D’Souza for alerting me) it shows that 14 of the 75 were Americans and that 9 of them were born within a nine year span from 1831 to 1840 – hence they were the ideal age to take advantage of a period of significant transformation due to the advent of the railways, industrialisation and the emergence of Wall Street.  Humans have survived and some have grown powerful by taking advantage of opportunities.  One of last night’s dances was a twist on this – a reworking of “The Firebird” – turning it into a modern day allegory of exploitation and greed, which almost results in failure, through the destruction of the very thing that can provide value.

ENB's Ksenia Ovsyanick as the Firebird

Failure is an important part of learning – without making mistakes and developing a better solution it is impossible to develop and grow.  In the competitive and challenging world in which we live, none of us will always get what we want and hence we need to be prepared for (and also to equip others to be able to cope with) “failure”.  I must confess that I don’t often use the word, as a setback often results in a better eventual outcome.  However, with the pace of technology and the changes in the environment in which we live and work, increasingly we need to be willing to take risks.  It’s no wonder that so many organisations see resilience is a key success factor for their star performers and leaders.  We need to be good at bouncing back (like the 2007 Cambridge crew) so that we can win another day.

The Boat Race Trophy

WWI cemetery in France

Addendum: Given today’s post has such a strong linkage to both the Boat Race and World War One; I would like to pay a small tribute to the Oxbridge crews who rowed in 1914 – a century ago.  Four of the victorious Cambridge crew and one from the Oxford boat were killed during the First World War.  All but one of the 18 men headed off to war (the one who did not, Sidney Ernest Swann, became a chaplain to the army.) I pray today for peace in all places where there is conflict.

Three Men in a Boat having a Cracking Time

What an odd language English is - “career” can describe when a person has been in an occupation for a significant period, during which time they have had opportunities to develop and progress, focusing on a vocational direction and enjoying a sense of purpose at work; “career” can also refer to something that swerves in an uncontrolled manner.  I know various people in high profile roles, some of whom claim to have got there through focus and dedication, whilst others have confess to having simply accepted opportunities as/when they have arisen.  Of course, one could argue that favourable circumstances would not arise unless an individual deserved them and hence perhaps subconsciously our careers are more under control than we believe them to be.  I suspect that part of the trick is being able to spot an opportunity when it presents itself, as well as knowing the direction in which you wish to go.  This short clip sort of demonstrates what I mean...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gdFZw1Q-SBg

Anther peculiar English phrase is “cracking up” - it can be used to signify an individual’s collapse under severe pressure,  

Extraordinary body painting by artist
Johannes Stoetter

but “cracking up” is also used to describe a person succumbing to humour by laughing, almost to the point of crying, and being unable to stop themselves from doing so.  

However, if the joke that is promised proves not to be all that it’s “cracked up to be”, it is unlikely that they will laugh at all.  Fragmented narratives and missing punch-lines (due to cracked delivery?) can quite ruin a good story.  Did you know that “crack” comes from the Middle English “crak” meaning an enthusiastic, loud conversation (that is often boastful) - hence the expression “What’s the Crack?”, meaning "what’s the news or gossip?".  Which brings me to the point of this post -  I want to spread the word about an extraordinary venture that is underway as I type...
 

An Englishman, a Dutchman and a Brazilian are in a boat with a hole in it, rowing the second longest river on Earth – sounds like the start to a bad joke, but this is a much more enthralling story.  I first met Dr Mark de Rond when he presented to some of my firm’s global top talent at a bespoke leadership development programme, run with the Judge Business School, at Cambridge.  Mark is a social anthropologist and performance specialist with expert knowledge in the fields of teamsmanship, high achievement, collaboration and inter-dependence.  He believes in physically living with his research subjects (groups of exceptional people including elite rowers and combat surgeons).  Mark teamed up with Anton Wright, Head Coach and Boatman for Clare College, Cambridge and Coach for the University Lightweights.  Initially both men thought that the simple venture of rowing together down the Amazon (which in itself would be a world record making first) would be a personally enlightening experience, teaching them both about how they respond to and interact with another human when there is nobody else on whom to depend for a number of weeks.  They also knew that the row would provide them each with a significant period for self-reflection.

However, the adventure to date has given them much more to contemplate and proved that they possess skills, hidden depths and personal reserves beyond those they were anticipating needing.  The record attempt has been fraught with frustrations:

• Peruvian customs impounded the boat for almost a month – thereby delaying the start of the row.  Mark and Anton are due back in Cambridge to resume their “day jobs” and hence delay is potentially a disaster;

• the shipping agent filed incorrect documentation, thus risking the food and medication for the trip being impounded;

• the boat was protected during its voyage from the UK by old car tyres (for which there was no import approval) this nearly resulted in the trip having to be cancelled;

• with time running out, Mark and Anton had to locate an additional crew member, without whom there would be no hope of achieving the record in the remaining time available.  The crew now includes Murilo Reis – whom Mark has described as mentally tough, unafraid and experienced.  Murilo is a warrior and a passionate environmentalist, owner of a jungle reserve, who loves and understands the Amazon region.  There are many benefits to having a local, Spanish-speaking member of the crew – Other than for the fact that Mark and Anton did not know him a month ago, I am mildly surprised that he wasn’t part of the initial plan;

• Mark and Anton had a 6 week timetable – 9 days to get to the border (now to be achieved in 5), 16 days to reach Manaus (now reduced to 10) and instead of 18 days only 15 to cover the final stretch – only time will tell if this is possible; and

• the boat was damaged whist in storage and, despite attempts to mend it, resulting in further delays, the men are now rowing a leaking vessel and they have many miles to go.

The manner in which they responded to each new challenge is a case study in resilience, endurance, prioritisation, dedication, the importance of remaining out-come focused and responsive planning.  At times each member of the team has supported and enabled the others to succeed and thrive.  They are very different men, but their strength lies in their diversity and united determination.  We in business would do well to learn from the manner in which they have coped, effectively overcoming the hurdles confronting them.  

They have made a great start.  The best site on which to follow the journey is Voyage Manager (who have provided the tracking equipment for the expedition): 

http://www.voyagemanager.com/Explorer/Row_The_Amazon_2013/Row_The_Amazon_2013.aspx

It is fascinating watching the progress of the little boat through the sinuous paths of the Amazon - you can tell how wet the region is as, at times, the craft seems to be ploughing through land towards its destination.  Some of the Twitter updates are magical - this morning (still darkest night for them) the boat was surrounded by a pod of pink dolphins, swimming in escort under a sky of uncountable stars. 

I urge you to follow the adventure.  There are fantastic tweets on Twitter via @RowtheAmazon and a great website with an entertaining blog. http://www.rowtheamazon.com/index.html#blog

I am learning much about myself simply through my reactions to their voyage and there is no doubt that all three men will gain a considerable amount from the adventure, as will Leonard Cheshire Disability (the charity for whom they are rowing).  It is seldom that members of the public can witness a unique piece of anthropological research and actually participate (if even only to a small extent) by providing support and contact from the rest of the world.  I know that the crew would appreciate hearing from you either through tweets or by comments on their blog.

It is an amazing story and all I can say to them is “crack on and not just for the sake of your careers”.