Summer Newsletter 2010
He tangata, He tangata, He tangata.
By Tom Bowes
Prime Minister of Chaordic Possibilities
After coming back from a six-month "sabbatical" to travel to New Zealand and write, I have returned refreshed and with new ideas and energy about how InCourage can serve our clients. We are excited to launch in to the direction of social media, not so much to market our company, but more as an extension to the off-site learning processes we have been engaged with over the last thirteen years.
Spring-time always represents new growth and innovation to me, and though the market is just starting to breathe fresh air once again, the road back to prosperity lies with innovation and investment in people. We have been advocating that now is the time to re-invest in your people, so we needed to walk our talk. For example JP has been one of thirty people selected in Calgary to participate in a leadership program and Tim has enrolled in a four-month sustainability certification program through our partners The Natural Step. In normal circumstances, there likely would have been little chance for me to travel for six months and finish writing my book. We know it will get busy again soon. And we are ready when you are.
Hutia te rito o te harakere
Pull out the centre stalk of the flax bush
Kei hea to komako e ko e?
And where will the bellbird drink?
Whakataerangitia
Take it to the skies
Tirohia ki uta, tirohia ki tae
Look to the sea, look to the shore
A ui mai ki a au, he aha te mea nui o tea ao?
Then ask me, what is the most important thing in the world?
Maku e ki atu,
I say to you -
He tangata, he tangata, he tangata.
It is people, it is people, it is people
Maori proverb - Aotearoa (New Zealand)
Moments of Truth for Every Captain - Times for Emotional Intelligence and Intentional Choice
By Dave Dawe
Master of Inergizing Connections
My wife, Shirley, and I and our son Christopher embarked on a year long family sailing adventure in 2008. After two courses and a few months of preparation we headed off for a 7,000 km journey from Lake Ontario to the Florida Keys and back. This article highlights one of the key leadership lessons gleaned from some of our experiences along the way.
The boat, the crew and the captain. I learned quickly that the whole organization had to work together well for this dream voyage to be successful. Sailing a boat is an interesting mix of consensus driven decisions and hierarchical necessities. Much of the time we would strive to figure out together the best route, daily destination and schedule of duties. That sense of alignment on where we are headed and what has to be done is vital to ensure smooth functioning of systems while under way. There are times however that inclusive decision making is neither practical nor desirable. Legally the designated captain is responsible for the safety of the crew and the vessel and when things become crazy and are moving fast there is no time for discussion to seek alignment. Even rapid unilateral decisions however, need to be made with acute sensitivity to the crew's needs.
Why I Keep Coming Back to Kingbridge
By Tim Dixon
Czar of Creativity and Chaos
I have been privileged throughout my career to have travelled to and stayed at some truly amazing places. I have designed and facilitated multiple-day workshops on The Great Wall of China and in a tee-pee in San Antonio, Texas. Through my work with InCourage clients I have created team and leadership learning adventures (outside and indoors) from Beijing to Buenos Aries, from Vienna to Punta Cana. Sure I've been stuck in airports and stayed overnight in dives; but mostly I have been profoundly grateful for opportunities to eat, slept and work in many beautifully appointed resorts, conference centres and board rooms. So if you asked me where is my favourite place to work my craft, I'd likely have to explain my answer, every client group would meet me in King City at the Kingbridge Centre!