Active AimA Journey and Destination

“Change” has been the big topic of conversation for some time now. For the most part, the change that everyone writes about and talks about is economic change. There has been much written about the change from a manufacturing economy to a service economy and there has been much written about the movement of manufacturing jobs off shore, but I want to concentrate on another kind of change. Willis Harman wrote a whole book about it in 1987 entitled, “Global Mind Change.” To paraphrase a line in this book, society’s experience shapes it’s science and science shapes the experience of it’s society.

We have been educated to assume that our scientific view of reality is correct. Harman suggests that there may be other views of reality that are complementary. He continues by proposing a reunion of science and metaphysics. He states, “The fundamental change that we are suggesting is happening in Western society can be put in terms of these metaphysics. Essentially, it is a shift of dominant metaphysic from M-1 to M-3.”

Where:

M-1. The basic stuff of the universe is matter-energy. Consciousness emerges out of matter. Consciousness apart from a living organism is inconceivable.

M-2. Matter-energy and mind-spirit stuff both exist in the universe. Matter-energy stuff is studied with science. Mind-spirit stuff must be studied in other ways.

M-3. Consciousness is the ultimate stuff of the universe and matter-energy comes in some sense out of consciousness.

Margaret Wheatley in her award-winning best seller, “Leadership and the New Science” suggests that, “we let go of the machine model of organizations, and workers as replaceable cogs in the machinery of production, we begin to see ourselves in much richer dimensions, to appreciate our wholeness, and, hopefully, to design organizations that honor and make use of the great gift of who we humans are.” She believes that ownership is essential and suggests that ownership is not only literal owners, but describes personal connections to the organization that inspire people to contribute. Participation in the development of a plan of action creates ownership. In fact, we participate in the creation of everything we observe. In a sense, we are owners of everything we observe.

We have all seen the progression where raw data when properly analyzed and organized becomes information. Information in turn is the basis of intelligence and intelligence the basis of wisdom. Historically, management has worked to control information. Wheatley uses scientific support to suggest that for a system to remain alive, it must have a steady flow of new information.

Much has been written about the fact that information is exploding. We know that more information was produced between 1965 and 1995 than in the preceding 5000 years and that knowledge is now doubling every 5 years. Technology certainly has fostered the explosion, but it has also made this information available to more people as well. It is no longer practical to use a traditional building block approach to information. We need what is described in quantum physics as relational holism.

Wheatley suggests that the new science reminds us that this is a participative universe and that nothing living lives alone. We are constantly called to be in a relationship and through relationships we co-create our world. With that in mind, we make systems stronger by connecting to more of itself. Webs and networks are stronger than single connections. Participation is the key.

The May-July 2004 issue of “What is Enlightenment” has some incredible articles about collective intelligence. In an article entitled, “The Science of Collective Consciousness” Robert Kenny provides strong evidence that collective consciousness exists and can be used to produce benefits. Another great article entitled, “Come Together” by Craig Hamilton, reports, “Call it collective consciousness, team synergy, co-intelligence or group mind – a growing number of people are discovering through their own experience that wholes are indeed far more than the sum of their parts; that when individuals come together with a shared intention, in a conducive environment, something mysterious can come into being, with capacities and intelligences that far transcend those of the individuals involved.”

While we may not yet be able to exactly define collective wisdom or how it works, it is working. There are a bunch of collective intelligence initiatives underway including: World Café, Laboratory for Social Intervention, Open Space Technology, National Coalition for Dialogue and Deliberation, Dynamic Facilitation, Deep Dialogue, Appreciative Inquiry, Global Leadership Initiative and others. This is not the product of some well-meaning, goody-goody types, but rather the output of some of the most influential organizational minds in the world.

My own experience using World Café, Open Space Technology and Appreciative Inquiry to address complex and chaotic situations from a holistic approach has convinced me that collective intelligence and in turn collective wisdom are real and offer incredible potential for all organizations in this time of information overload and complexity.

 Copyright Bob Cannon/The Cannon Advantage, 2003. All rights reserved.

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I’m beginning to wonder if the cable companies can keep up with Satellite TV. The cable industry must find it perplexing to watch the torrid pace of the growth of the world of Satellite TV. The two largest Satellite TV companies are well on their way to 30 million subscribers in the United States. Cable Television had at least a 3-decade head start, but continues to see a steady erosion of their subscriber base.

In a relatively short amount of time, the satellite industry has evolved from a wild idea from the science fiction Arthur C. Clarke in the 1940’s to its current status as the main force in home entertainment and a crucial information delivery technology. The space program spurred the growth of the satellite industry, and it was also impacted by a variety of factors such as the recent advances in digital video technology, smaller dishes and better hardware, and the efforts of visionary individuals such as Charlie Ergen, the founder of Dish Network.

Just this month, Echostar Communications Corporation, the parent company of Dish Network announced that DISH Network(TM) has passed the 12 million-customer mark. Such massive, almost exponential growth endows the Dish Network company with the mantle of the fastest growing pay-television provider in the nation since the first year of the new millennium. I’m not surprised, because when potential subscribers see the crystal-clear digital picture, they jump on board very quickly.

Dish Network has grown from one million satisfied customers in 1997 to more than twelve million today. They are obviously doing all of the right things! With more 500 channel choices, including more than 60 international channels in over than 25 languages, exciting sports packages, the great HD programming, and local channels availability in 164 cities, they will continue to dominate the industry.

No one else in the satellite TV business has the research and development of cutting-edge technology of Dish Network. Their stellar work in the areas of set-top box engineering has attracted attention from the experts throughout the industry and has captured the praise of millions of satisfied customers. Dish Network recently introduced the first full feature digital video recorder (DVR) that records satellite-delivered high definition TV channels. Dishnetwork also now boasts the first DVR set-top box that provides the unique ability to record a couple of shows at the same time as well as allowing for independent viewing of live satellite television programming and recorded events on two or more televisions.

Good news will continue to roll out of Englewood, Colorado, the home of

EchoStar Communications Corp. For example, they just announced that its Dishnetwork satellite TV service has unveiled its new high-definition television package, called DishHD, with the most High-Def programming anywhere in the pay-TV industry. DISH Network is expanding its extensive HD channel lineup this year with the addition of five new original VOOM channels, which brings the total to 15, as well as other HD networks including ESPN2 HD and Universal HD.

The satellite television industry has grown to over 27 million subscribers, and with good customer service and the clear digital picture it will continue to set records as one of the hottest and fastest growing consumer electronics products of all time.

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As a professional concert pianist I have over time developed a secret psychology that helps me in any situation. You see, quite frankly I need a psychology that helps me because the music business is a tough business. If you’re not sure you agree that it is tough then consider this; how many professional concert pianists do you know? Comparatively, how many doctors, lawyers, accountants, car salesmen, teachers or nurses do you know? Are you getting the picture?

The fact that very very few pianists actually make a professional concert career out of it shows us that it may not be that easy to do. Therefore, to keep going in an industry that continually turns talented pianists from aspiring concert professionals into teachers, one must develop a personal psychology to not only cope with the demands of the profession but, to keep going when all the odds say that it’s not possible.

My personal psychology includes focusing on four main areas which when developed can propel me forward regardless of the competition or the demands of the job itself. These are the mental, emotional, spiritual and physical parts of my life. However, it is the first three that I focus on the most. In fact, the mental, emotional and spiritual parts of myself that I do have control over are reflected in my physical world. My physical world is just a printout of how I am feeling mentally, emotionally and spiritually.

So, when I feel like it’s impossible to do something or achieve something in my career I turn to the three things that I can control. For example; let’s say that I have a new concert opportunity coming up that’s different than anything I’ve ever done before. As a matter of fact this is true. In a few months I’ll be performing an entire evening’s concert of my own music with a professional orchestra. That’s right, I have to compose, arrange and practice nine movements of “The Road to Santiago” suite, a selection of songs that I wrote while walking a pilgrimage in 2004.

To many people this would seem like a huge undertaking. Well, it is. But, I don’t really think of it that way. If I did, I’d never get it done. I cannot for one moment allow myself to get drawn into any negative state of mind. Therefore to cope, I turn to my mental state, emotional state and spiritual state to get me through it.

How does this work? First of all let’s focus on the mental state. My mental state means my logical mind. This is the part of my brain that draws upon its past experience to carry out the academic challenges of the job. In terms of my concert that would mean the preparation, practicing, business challenges and anything else that my brain has to figure out. To survive mentally with so many things going is only possible if I focus on one thing at a time. To achieve this I give one single a task 100% of my energy until it’s completed. Or, if I’m practicing, I give one piece 100% of my energy until I’ve learned it, then I do it again in 24 hours then again in 7 days. My retention rate for learning goes up 85% if I follow this formula.

Emotionally, it’s far easier for me to remember that the outcome is part of my journey. Will I get everything right? Probably not. I will learn many things on this project, some of which I do not care to learn. But, everything I learn will get tucked away in my toolbox to use for next time. My emotions will be easier to handle if I just remain calm about everything and not let others distract me from my true purpose, which is to do the best that I can do.

The spiritual parts of myself are most important in any situation. My belief system includes many teachings which I have adopted as my own truth. Examples of this are; I believe that everything happens for a reason. Therefore, no matter what happens up until the concert and no matter what happens during the concert, everything is perfect.

So far in this project many things have happened that I don’t like. But, the spiritual parts of me know that it all comes out in the wash. I can push the envelope of a higher calling without having to worry about the outcome. The fact is if I shoot for the stars I’m at least going to hit the moon. And, no matter what anyone says about me before, during or after this concert it doesn’t matter. What really matters is that I’m doing what I’m supposed to be doing and I’m going to learn something. Spiritually I believe that learning is the key to life itself. Otherwise, what would be the point?

If you are struggling in your own situation to find some answers consider adopting similar psychology. The, dive in and learn something. You’ll be far better off than if you don’t take the chance in the first place. I’ve never written or performed nine symphonies before. But, to me, the only risk is not taking one.

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“There are two types of speakers. Those who get nervous and those who are liars.”

-Mark Twain

Everyone is afraid of a presentation, physiologically. Toastmasters International reports that the following professionals have admitted to feeling nervous when speaking in public: Mark Twain, Ronald Reagan, Carroll O’Connor, Barbara Streisand, Anthony Quinn, Garrison Keillor, Sally Struthers, George Burns, James Taylor, Liza Minelli, Joan Rivers, and… Mary Sandro. I couldn’t resist adding my name to such a star-studded list!

Many presenters fight their nervousness. They deny it or use it as an excuse for not presenting. The first step to making nervousness our friend is to accept that it is normal. I dare say, the more nervous we are, the better a presenter we can be. The rationale for this seemingly ludicrous claim lies in the physiological understanding of nervousness.

Making a presentation is an opportunity and a challenge. Any time we are faced with a challenge, our bodies produce adrenaline. Psychologists refer to this as the “Fight or Flight” response and there is no way to stop it. It is wired into our genetic makeup and our bodies have been producing adrenaline for thousands of years.

Adrenaline is a fancy word for energy. When we are faced with a challenge, like making a presentation, our bodies produce energy. That almost sounds helpful, doesn’t it? In fact, from this point forward we will never call it nervousness again. We don’t get nervous; we have excess energy! All of those nervous symptoms we experience like dry mouth, shaky knees, hyperventilation, and butterflies are nothing more than excess energy getting the best of us. Now, what if we could take that energy and get the best of it?

Energy is a necessary ingredient for a successful presentation. Nervous presenters have a lot of raw energy available to them, which is why I claim they can become great presenters. This is also why I disagree with the advice most often given to nervous presenters, “Just relax.” This advice is counterproductive and almost physically impossible to execute.

When was the last time you went into a performance or a competition relaxed? Maybe the last time you didn’t perform very well. We need energy. Some call this energy the competitive edge. Some call it inevitable. It’s very difficult to fight thousands of years of evolution. If we think a presentation is a challenge, which it is, our bodies are programmed to produce adrenaline or energy. Instead of trying to fight this natural, helpful phenomenon, why not use it?

The difference between a polished presenter and one who seems to be having a nervous breakdown is not that one is nervous and the other is not. Physiologically they both are producing excess energy. The difference is how they use the energy. Polished presenters use the energy positively. Historically nervous presenters can too.

In general, things exist in pairs, on a pole as opposites. For example, there is hot and cold, light and dark. Things on the same pole can be changed into one another. Light can be changed into dark and hot can be changed into cold, but cold cannot be changed into light. The same is true with emotions.

Emotions exist in pairs, on a pole as opposites. For example, there is happy and sad, love and hate, anxiety and anticipation. Happy and sad are of the same pole and can be changed from one to the other. The same is true with anxiety and anticipation. Nervous presenters allow their energy to manifest as anxiety, while polished presenters channel that energy into anticipation.

The same energy that creates nervousness or anxiety can create anticipation or excitement. There are many strategies for shifting the energy to the higher end of the pole. The most helpful are mental strategies. To keep the energy anticipatory and exciting, focus thoughts on positive aspects of presenting. Visualize only success. Imagine the benefits of presenting and focus on the opportunity rather than the challenge.

Another strategy for shifting the energy is to get in touch with the physical feeling of anxiety in our body. Where is the feeling centered? Is it in the gut, throat, or somewhere else? Once located, move it up one inch higher and notice how the emotion changes. This mental and physical relocation will shift the emotion to the higher, more positive pole of anticipation or excitement. Do this exercise anytime nervousness strikes, even just before the presentation.

To summarize, everyone gets nervous when they present, even the pros. Nervousness is nothing but excess energy that we can use to generate an emotional state of anxiety or anticipation. Be gentle with yourself and make friends with the energy by focusing on the positive aspects of presenting. Know that the energy can propel you to great presentations by giving you the necessary competitive edge.

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The Columbus Schools ‘ partnership programs will continue into the 2006-2007 school year. These programs are conducted jointly with Columbus Schools and local and state universities, colleges, academic organizations, community organizations and area volunteers. The programs are wide ranging and cover lots of different subjects and grade levels.

Columbus Schools’ Art Ventures Partnership Program

The Art Ventures Partnership Program is a program that jointly works with Columbus Schools’ elementary schools and The Wexner Center for the Arts. This program was created primarily for the fourth grade students and fourth grade teachers and all elementary school arts teachers. As a part of the program, fourth grade students will visit the Wexner Center for the Arts three times per school year. Each visit will focus on a different art program including visual arts and performing arts. There will also be lessons created by the Wexner Center for the Arts that include studio activities and interactive tours. The employees of the Wexner Center for the Arts will visit the Columbus Schools’ classrooms to prepare students and teachers prepare for visits and lessons. The Wexner Center for the Arts started the program in 1993 and now works with 45 elementary schools. The Wexner Center for the Arts aims to give the schools with connections to their regular curriculum. The Arts Venture Program provides students with an understanding the purpose and need for arts in society and can point out examples of art embedded in our environment.

Columbus Schools’ Global School Bus

The Global School Bus Partnership Program is a joint cooperation between Columbus Schools’ Mifflin Alternative and Ohio State University’s Office of International Affairs. This program brings an international connection to the prekinder- 12 classrooms. The Global School Bus Partnership Program uses presentations and hand-on activities about cultures from around the world. The countries that have been included in the program in past years are: France, Syria, Jordan, Egypt, South Africa, India, Taiwan, British West Indies, England, Italy, Bolivia, Greece, Mongolia, Ecuador, Chile, Japan, Quebec, Nepal, Ireland, Spain, Pakistan, Turkey, Cameroon, Germany, Poland, Russia, Czech Republic, China, Hong Kong, Mexico, Argentina, Australia, East Africa, Tanzania, and Indonesia. The project has citizens and experts from these and other countries share information on a variety of topics, including music, food, dance, customs and lifestyles, biodiversity, calligraphy, climate, international affairs, schools, and education with students in their classrooms.

Columbus Schools’ Buckeye Mentoring Hub

This partnership program is a large program that involves Columbus Schools’ members Como Elementary, Cranbrook Elementary, Crestview Middle School, Hubbard Elementary, Indianola Middle School, Whetstone High School; The Mentoring Center; the Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Ohio; and Ohio State University students. The project gives Ohio State students with a real opportunity to apply some of the educational strategies they study. Students will work with urban students who need to work on their leadership skills and negotiation skills. Mentoring is a great way for students to deal with youth violence. Started in 2004, the Buckeye Mentoring Hub has recruited, trained, and placed over 300 Ohio State student mentors with students in the Columbus Schools.

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