What do you do to the world?

Category: Editorial

This is an exciting issue of CorporateCoach because after several months of research and planning we are able to launch our first podcast. We have sorted the technology and recorded our first interview – you will probably agree that we still have more to do to improve the quality, and that I have to learn the skills of a broadcaster. But we have made a start – and we are in the business of learning, so watch how we improve.

I have been writing to you for nearly five years; now I have a chance to speak to you. I do hope that you will listen ;-).

One of our roles in coaching is to help people to become aware of how they fit into systems and I was interested to read an article in a recent issue of The Daily Telegraph which illustrates at an extreme how personal behaviour can have very significant effects among others whom you might never meet. Here it is: -

"It's now impolite, and of course not very "modern", to ask whether people have committed the grave criminal offence of taking class A drugs. However, we would be unwise to ignore the implications of a report this week stating that one million Britons did just that last year. Never mind what they might be doing to themselves: the amount of misery they are causing to their families, to the people in the Third World who produce these drugs, and to the rest of a society, where 70 per cent of crime is drug-related, is incalculable. Every hard drug user is keeping a gangster in business somewhere, with all the violence, murder and fear that that entails. If not wanting this on one's conscience isn't very "modern", then feel free to call me old-fashioned."

Systems thinking is about cause and effect, and some 'minor' causes can have major effects. I was talking recently to a client who is very committed to safety in the workplace. He commented on how many managers of heavy plant operations had speed camera detectors in their cars. "You do as I say but I shall just take steps not to get caught!"

I am pleased to have had several letters about my article on Monty Roberts and have now obtained his audio tape on 'Horse Sense for People'. I shall report further when I have analysed his comments. I feature the letters below.

Today we have had some wonderful weather; pouring with rain and very windy. I love powerful, exciting weather; but I live in a temperate climate. It encouraged me to think about others for whom earthquakes, hurricanes and tsunamis have had devastating effects. But everywhere there is the possibility of joy, appreciation and gratitude. It is a matter of approach and the human spirit. I have quoted Anthony Robbins' power questions before, but I include them again.

USEFUL LINKS 

• Don't you dare be different

blog comments powered by Disqus