Stories in the Workplace
September 30, 2008My friend Gillian is hosting one of the world’s top storytellers and teachers of the art of storytelling, Ashley Ramsden. Ashley is the founding director of the School of Storytelling, the longest established centre of its kind in the United Kingdom and co-founder of Storytelling in Organisations, a pioneering consultancy in the application of story in leadership and change management.
Ashley will be in Melbourne in November for performances and a one-off workshop on the skillful use of stories in the workplace. The ‘Stories in the Workplace‘ workshop will be on Monday, 17th November 2008 at the Abbotsford Convent. This is a fantastic opportunity if you’re interested in the use of narrative and storytelling in organisations. You’ll need to book promptly as places are strictly limited.
For further details and booking procedure contact Gillian directly.
Enterprise 2.0 and Employee Engagement
June 24, 2008I was at Michael Specht’s unconference session at PubCamp last night. He’s right, unfortunately, the conversation was dominated by too few. But I’m glad he’s written a summary. I was particularly interested in some of the statistics quoted from the Watson & Wyatt research report:
A further 2007/2008 Watson & Wyatt research report on communication best practices found that organisations with a “most effective” communication programs provided a 91% total return to shareholders from 2002-2006 compared to 62% for least effective. Improved communication effectiveness is associated with a 15.7% increase in market value. While finally organisations with “most effective” communication had an employee engagement level 4 times that of “least effective”.
I agree with Michael’s argument that communication & customer focus are areas that Enterprise 2.0 can help. But I’m concerned that these discussions always seem to focus on technology being the answer — the silver bullet — to solving organisational problems. I’m not saying that it doesn’t play a role, but I believe that Enterprise 2.0 is more about creating a culture of participation and collaboration. Technology can be an enabler of that, but on it’s own, it’s not going to work.
There are plenty of things we can do in organisations to improve employee engagement without getting embroiled in debates about whether or not people could or should access social tools inside/outside the firewall. Here’s an idea: why not encourage people to walk from their desks and actually talk to someone (yes, a real human) instead of sending an email? Why not arrange a brown bag session and invite some like-minded folks to join you? How about some well facilitated meetings to help people have conversations and learn how to collaborate?
There are many, many small things you can do that will make a big difference. I’ll use an example from last night (although this does relate to technology). Someone — I think it might have been Alison Young — decided that it would be a good idea to write her twitter handle on her name tag. And everyone followed suit. This led to some interesting connections and conversations. Simple idea - big impact. Be a positive deviant (shout-out to Matt Moore for this link).
What other simple things like this could you do in your workplace that might make a huge difference? Oh — and borrowing an idea from the 2020 summit — make sure some of your ideas have a no cost option - they’re a much easier sell!
I’ve awoken my inner adventurer
June 18, 2008I’ve been busy over the last couple of weeks. Much to do and see. Since starting out on my solo journey, I’ve rediscovered my inner adventurer and I’ve been exploring. It’s been good to have the time to wander and try some different things and to pursue new interests.
Here’s a couple of things that have been occupying my thoughts, and my time outside of normal ‘business’ activities:
Podcasting: I’m writing this post having just finished recording my first podcast as a host. For episode #40 of the Productivity Show, the tables have been turned and I interviewed regular host Tony Goodson. I really enjoyed the interview and the process, so hopefully that comes through. We had an interesting chat anyway. So, it’s in the can — you’ll just have to wait a couple of days for post-production and publishing on TPN. I’ll post a link when it’s up.
Complexity: My friend, and fellow facilitator Viv McWaters has been writing some really good posts. I loved her description of an a-ha! moment she had when looking at Shawn’s sketchkast on the Cynefin model and complexity. I remember having a similar moment when I read a Kurz and Snowden paper. I also enjoyed reading this post because of her pondering on the need to be doing vs. being. It certainly expanded my thinking on my approach to productivity. I think that I might of mentioned something about this in today’s podcast.
Solopreneurship: I’m not alone. A couple of other friends–Michael and Keith have also just started out on their own and are busy setting up their respective businesses. We certainly have lots in common. Keith is busy helping to ramp up the Melbourne KMLF again for Knowledge Management practitioners. Michael is back blogging and has written some interesting articles of late. Well worth a look if you’re interested in the intersection between technology and the human face of business. I’ll be keeping a close eye on their progress, and wish them well — good luck guys!
Social Media: I’m really looking forward to this. Finally, Melbourne gets a Digital|Social Media conference: PubCamp Melbourne on 23rd June. It should be a great event. The format is a little different to your standard conference–it will be divided into 1. a more formal conference style and 2. an unconference–which I’m really happy about. An unconference is similar to Open Space Technology — it’s largely self-directed, and so should be less structured and hopefully more engaging and conversational than normal.
Micro-blogging: I’m really enjoying the conversations on Twitter and the feeling of connectedness. It’s tough sometimes working at home by yourself and feeling isolated. A couple of tweets have made me laugh, a couple have made me gasp. None have made me cry (yet). Who needs a water-cooler for those off-the-cuff conversations anyway? Follow me if you’d like.
Want to go to Japan?
May 14, 2008My friend Gill has spent many years living in and visiting Japan on business. In October she is guiding a small-scale personalised Japan Autumn Tour. She describes her tours as an exercise in small group facilitation — enabling relaxed, stimulating, enjoyable and interesting interactions with the Japanese people and culture and between participants i.e. they have lots of fun! Interested? Contact Gill at gillian [at] artsinspire [dot] com [dot] au.
Sponsor my ride
February 6, 2007I just registered to take part in the 2007 Melbourne Summer Cycle — a 30km 0r 45km jaunt around the inner city, and over the westgate bridge. If any melbourne bloggers want to join me that’d be great … perhaps we could enter a team? Let me know and I’ll hook it up.
I have committed to raise $200.00 in support of those affected by Multiple Sclerosis, so I am asking for the blogging community’s help!
Check out my online fundraising page and help me reach my goal. It is easy and will take no time at all, just donate online via your credit card by clicking on the link above.
All information is secure and all donations will be sent electronically to Multiple Sclerosis NSW/VIC. A tax deductible receipt will be sent to your Inbox once the donation is verified.
Multiple Sclerosis is a disease of the central nervous system affecting more young adult Australians than any other neurological condition. Your donation will go towards providing a wide range of equipment, support and services to those people affected by this horrible disease.
Thanks in advance for your support … it’s greatly appreciated.
