The Start of the Advent-ure

Where do I start? I’ve had a wonderful weekend rereading the posts that people so generously contributed to the Advent Blogs series. What an amazing selection of articles written by so many inspirational people. Thank you!

 

It is said that HR is bad at data, although Deborah’s post showed that some of us are naturally analytical when sorting out our lives. While perusing all the pieces, I created a spreadsheet to undertake some rudimentary analysis of the posts. So here is a little of what I discovered:

1.  The theme for the series was Paths and Perceptions – a number of writers tried to write about both, but most posts showed a clear bias towards one or the other (for example Ed was clearly a path follower whilst Meg, who kicked the series off, was concerned by the perception filters we each apply and Alex worried at our inability to put ourselves into others’ shoes and hence to appreciate their view points.) Paths were most popular, with 41 writers stepping that way, whereas 31 preferred considering perceptions.

2. There were 6 first time bloggers and each of them wrote with aplomb – congratulations and welcome to the blogging community. I am humbled by people’s courage to step into the unknown and to share intimate facts about themselves and their lives. Given her trepidation at writing, but the brave, open piece that ensued, Gina deserves a particular mention. I would also like to wish Susannah on-going success as she develops her career and life in a direction that suits her. Without my commenting on it in an intro, I would defy any reader to distinguish between a “newbie” and a “veteran”.

3. I had expected self-awareness to be the primary theme (indeed it was a topic covered in 50 of the posts – Andrew gave a clear depiction of what it is like to be a public speaker and there was a powerfully frank piece by the originator of the Advent Blog series, Alison Chisnell, which appeared on Christmas Day – Alison’s year took an unexpected turn, but she has learned to be thankful for the new life-affirming opportunities that have opened up for her), but in fact appreciation, in its various forms, was expressed in 52 of the posts. Appreciation is Dawn’s job, but she realised that we need to show how much we value people who are close and precious, but occasionally overlooked, as well as those in our wider lives.

4.  Authors were diverse - people in their teens (thanks to my son, Hamish, whose poem still makes me misty eyed whenever I read it), twenties (my other son Charles who urged us to think deeper than the superficiality of first impressions and the articles we read), thirties (it’s often easy to forget that, given the depth and breadth of his knowledge, David is in his mid 30’s – I would like to take this opportunity to wish him all the best when he starts his new role as Head of London for the CIPD), forties (Jayne’s piece was all about the pleasure to be gained from being that little bit older – Confucius also felt that contentment and self-awareness need to come with age. I must confess that I am quietly pleased that my illustration for Day 57 was an early Heinz advertisement as, unbeknown to me, Jayne’s father worked for Heinz), and fifties (what a walk Chris gave us – showing the importance of belonging as well as inhabiting a space and feeling a sense of spiritual connection with others).

5. Posts originated from countries around the globe (including Australia (thanks Colin – what a great review of your childhood/formative years), New Zealand (Zoe – I’m so glad to read that you are settling well into your new homeland and beginning to make more time for yourself), Switzerland (Sara – I know that you are not as “flakey” as you claim - it was a beautiful post and I hope one day to meet Bean and Tiny), Scotland (Julie – what a challenging year on so many levels and yet you still manage to shine and inspire), England (Phil managed to find insight and an answer to a question that had troubled him for 700 days whist walking the streets of Leeds for a Street Wisdom session), South Africa (Janine – your girls are lucky to have you as their mum and I shall think of you as #7 going forwards) and the U.S.A. (I loved Christopher’s uplifting piece about dropping our expectations, taking time and acknowledging others to make life better for all).

6. There were 3 anonymous bloggers – each of which of whom were brave and honest. The first had personal information to share, in the hope of encouraging and supporting others, her piece shows that tough times can happen, even to the best of us. It was clear from the response that the second anonymous blogger received that they are not alone in finding the seat at the top uncomfortable – good luck with your new venture. The third anonymous writer wanted to protect his family – what an awful year, but as he said, he survived and I am pleased to report that he tells me things are picking up. I salute all three of you.

7 Total Views for Advent Blog posts in January 2015 were19835 and for December 2014 they were18513

8 During January the significant views by country were (2,803 views were scattered across countries around the globe but did not exceed 35 in any location):  

United States	10525
United Kingdom	4930
France	649
Germany	466
Australia	137
New Zealand	89
Taiwan	70
Slovakia	64
Ukraine	64
South Africa	38

The top 12 blogs by page views will be disclosed in my next post

As you can see, I have not illustrated my thoughts and comments, which risks making this post quite dense and hard on the eye. As a result, I shall post the second half of my thoughts and supporting data later this week.

Don’t Get Stuck, Take a Walk! - Day 21

Day 21

21 - the total number of spots on a standard die

Photo depicts dice from ancient Pompeii - same design as now

Dice are the oldest gaming implements known to man.

Originally people used knucklebones (even today the Arabic for knucklebone is the same as die)

Ed Griffin, HR leader, recognised expert, progressive thinker, acclaimed author, inspirational speaker and all-round great guy is the writer of today's post. I first met Ed when he was a leading academic, specialising in strategic HR at Roffey Park. He was one of the few who has tried to rub off some of my very rough edges and taught me how to achieve results within the corporate world. We have remained friends and, over the years, have seen each other's lives change and careers progress. Reading Ed's post I think I should introduce him to the founders of Street Wisdom. Ed is not very active of Twitter, but you can follow him via @EdjGriffin. I know that he has a very exciting year ahead.

*****************************************************

When Kate told me the theme of this year’s Advent Blogs was Paths & Perceptions, I was immediately interested and particularly drawn to writing something about “paths”. “Paths” prompted two responses in me; one was to think of the the metaphors that paths represent, the other was the simple pleasure of walking. Paths have a particular allure for me - a feeling of setting out on an adventure or being set free. I also realise that paths are a frequent themes in the photos I take. In this short piece I’ve decided to be greedy and explore both the metaphorical and literal meanings for me of Paths.

I was lucky to have a father who introduced me to the countryside at an early age and, with it, a sense of adventure in going walking. By the time I reached university, we would go off to walk in the Lake District and elsewhere. Part of the joy was the anticipation that came from pouring over a map looking for an interesting and challenging route. When it came to the actual walk, our choice of route could often change because of the weather, our way-finding skills or another path simply seemed more appealing. There was nothing quite like following a path that you could see and disappearing into low cloud and the uncertainty of what was to follow. And then at the end of a good day’s walking, winding up in a warm pub with aching legs - perfect! Thanks to his influence I am now someone for whom a path offers opportunities and freedom. Following a path can be both about having found your way but also about losing yourself - paths offers choices and you don’t always know where they will lead you.

“Two roads diverged in a wood, and I -

I took the one less traveled by,

And that has made all the difference.”

Robert Frost, The Road not Taken.

In his book, The Songlines, Bruce Chatwin described the idea that when you’re walking you can’t have problems - that really resonated with me and I’ve been struck many times that after going for a walk I’ve been able to solve a problem or make better sense of a difficult situation. When walking outside we literally have our horizon broadened and we get a new perspective.

I noticed that when my father developed Alzheimers and was losing the ability to cope with once familiar tasks, one thing that gave him pleasure and focus was to go on a walk. As long as he could see the path he would keep going - perhaps there were neural pathways that stayed healthy whilst others hardened and died.

In organisations people often get bogged down and can’t seem to find a way out of a situation. At the same time organisational cultures often often leaves employees inhibited in breaking out of the mould and doing something different that could deliver a better outcome. When we’re stuck in some way, it’s often time to find a new path to follow. There’s a lot to be said for the benefits of taking a walk when you’re at work. John Medina in his book “Brain Rules” talks about our brains being designed for walking and suggests that businesses should think about the design of the workspace to encourage employees to walk.  A good friend, Anthony Baring, who is FD of a consultancy business, takes people out in London for walking meetings - that feels like a path of possibilities and unexpected turns. I think we risk losing the confidence to step out on new paths - we all have a smartphone with apps to show us the way. Sharing the path with someone else can create a sense of a shared journey and the possibility of a more human relationship.

I believe that we need to get lost every now and again to truly find ourselves - perhaps if you have that family tradition of a Christmas walk, this year it may be time to try a different path.

Christmas Walk
© Copyright Andrew Curtis and
licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence

Happy sad, young old, stupid wise - Day 1

Day 1

Illustration by Simon Heath

Happy 1st December and welcome to the Advent Blogs 2014! The theme this year is Paths and Perceptions…

Before I start, I would like to thank and acknowledge the wonderful Alison Chisnell for coming up with the concept of the Advent Blog Series and for curating it with such aplomb and sensitivity since 2011. You can read former years' posts on her blog, TheHRJuggler. For this year, and this year only, she has loaned her wand to me. I have received some wonderful pieces. I hope you enjoy them as much as I have. I will be sharing one per day over Advent and into the holiday period.

It is an honour to curate these writings. From its first year onwards I have been a participant in the Advent Blogs series and have always been astounded and humbled by the experiences and outlooks that individuals have shared. This year is no exception. It is clear that people have trod some very varied routes and have exciting vistas ahead; come join me and we can explore some of their paths and perceptions…

Number 1 - this number is sometimes referred to as "unity", 
which is appropriate, as that is what the Advent Blog series is all about:
A collection of individuals, each with a voice, who collectively produce 
something unique

We are getting off to a hot start. The first post in the series is written by the talented Megan Peppin. Meg is a well known and much loved personality on Twitter - you can follow her via @OD_optimist or else read her thoughtful blog, Halls are Made for Madness, which was listed by People Management magazine as being one of the top 10 HR blogs worth reading. Meg was one of the first members of the Twitter community to welcome me into its ranks. She has been involved in the Advent Blogs series since its inception, so it seems appropriate for her to be the first voice this year. Meg is a specialist in organisational effectiveness. After an initial career in HR and OD, Meg founded her own business, which has gone from strength to strength since 2003. She helps a wide range of organisations and people to achieve their goals.

***********************************************

This is my third contribution to this advent series, and I have undertaken each previous piece of writing without a plan.  Stare at the screen, touch the keyboard, close the laptop, go away, and think.  Think, think, think.  In past years, something good has arrived for me; when I clear space, the writing flows without effort or design.  This time has been harder, but now that the thoughts are flowing in, I’m seeing how our perceptions create our paths in everything.

One of my maturing processes has been an acceptance of “being”.  I see that being with negative emotions increases peace, rather than battling with them which increases angst.   I can be happy sad, old young, wise stupid, they all exist in me.  I am not one thing or another.

Paths open themselves up when I allow myself to “be”, particularly when I feel uncertain or vulnerable.  I accept my uncertainty and my vulnerability, and I walk alongside them.  I feel less desire to know, and more inclination to explore.

This is the path that appeared…...

I’m curious about the need for certainty, where it comes from, how it helps us make sense, and what it offers.   The desire to quantify “human capital” for example is an area in which so much is being invested.  I’m genuinely puzzled at how much proof we need to trust in our judgement. 

• Don’t we already know that being treated with respect, being expected to be resourceful intelligent and responsible will lead to good things, good relationships, trust and in turn these will very probably lead to high performance? 
• Don’t we know that arrogance, leader distance and greed distort reality and contaminate purpose?  What more do we need to know?
• What else do we need to give us certainty?

We can’t quantify potential, love, power, respect – human qualities; much of the work I and many others do are about creating the conditions for our potential to be released.  Creating time, space to think, to be, to connect with no other purpose.    When we are looking for certainty, we look for evidence to support our particular truth – I wonder, in what way are we limiting ourselves when we search to validate our perceptions?

limited perception

Here’s a short story about something that regularly happens, which I think illustrates how powerful our perceptions are and which makes me really curious and sometimes tips me into irritation.  My surname is Peppin.  I’ve never met anyone else called Peppin apart from my own family.  So that might mean it’s an unusual name (my perception?).    It’s not unusual enough though; there is a familiarity about it I think which results in a perception filter kicking into action, and what happens is that my name regularly gets remade into Pippin.  This doesn’t happen occasionally, it is a frequent occurrence;   I might write an email as Peppin, but documentation gets addressed Pippin; I’m asked what my name is, I spell out the E but it gets remade into an I; name badges, invitations…. I could go on.  (I did once get called Meggy Poppins by one organisation, but that’s another story!).

I’m torn between mild irritation and as I progress through life – curiosity, you see, I also haven’t met anyone else called Pippin. But in the lexicon there’s an apple and a character from the Hobbit that are Pippin.  So the perception filter makes sense and remakes my name.  Somehow whilst uncommon - Pippin is more familiar.

I wonder what this means; it appears to be unconscious reconfiguring of the letters to fit some sense making need. 

A redesign of a name – it’s easy to see what’s happened.  I can correct it.

This is making me very curious about all the other reconfiguring we do that is outside our consciousness; reorganising, relabeling – people, situations, experiences, to fit our perceptual expectations.  We can’t correct those.

What are our perception filters protecting us from?

What is buried in us that we don’t know informs how we perceive each other, what truth we see and a flood of other questions?

What are we making in organisations when we talk about leadership, when we talk about talent, when we talk about management?

Where is this leading?  I don’t know.  But I’m curious, and I learn that the more we seek certainty, the more we are somehow rejecting important truths.   There are things we can never know; but there is something at play that substitutes an I for an E to make sense, or a you for a me to feel safe.

Substitution
(with thanks to Japanfanzz for image)

I was telling a friend how much this irritated me, when I’d recently been to a large event where everywhere I was a Pippin for a day, and a life for those who met me once.  We had fortune cookies – know what mine said?

“Write your name on your heart, not on marble”.

Oh what a lovely coincidence.

What you call me doesn’t matter.  It’s what I know about me that matters.  That was my interpretation. 

But I’m still left with an I for an E and wondering what it means.

Old postcard from 1904