It’s been four years since I’ve last written a blog, despite knowing how much this soothes my mind, expands my heart, and is an expression of my soul. It’s surprising (or not) as in my… More
Blog
Being an Effective Change Manager
As Heraclitus, a Greek philosopher, once said (updated with current protocol), “No person steps in the same river twice, for it’s not the same river and they’re not the same person”
So, it would stand to reason that, if the only constant in life is change, then we are all, in fact, the change manager of our own life, both personally and professionally.
Why then, does the role of a Change Manager exist?
Similar to a personal trainer, financial advisor or guidance counsellor, during times of significant change, an experienced and qualified change manager can provide people with the required support, within each step of the process, to make effective choices and ensure a smooth transition.
Given there are different circumstances and types of change, the role of a Change Manager can take on many forms and the will depend on the findings of, what I term, the Third ‘I’ Review©:
- Intention: accepting change is occurring and being real about the mental state that represents a commitment to carrying out an action or actions in the future. It involves mental activities such as strategy, planning and forethought and requires identification of desired outcomes.
- Insight & Intuition: gaining an understanding of the impact of change; the cause and effect based on relationships and behaviours within a model, context, or scenario. It is the power of a piece of information, acute observation and deduction, introspection, discernment, and perception.
- Identification: ability to define the change, the core good or service being produced and supplied, as well as distinguishing between an individual and/or a organisational change that will determine the appropriate change management frameworks, tools and techniques to apply; a change within health care would be different to one in information technology, as would a change to physical well-being compared to a change in the way we work.
Regardless of the result of the Third ‘I’ Review©, here are my top 3 tips for being an effective Change Manager:
- Realise it’s not a one-person role (or the role of one team);
An effective Change Manager has the ability to partner, influence and build lasting relationships with people within the community. In the context of business, change management would be architected by change management professionals but is developed with, and executed by, many players across all levels of the organisation; from top-level executives to front line supervisors and includes specialists from human resources and organisational development, impacted employees and designated resources.
- Recognise the meaning behind the change
There is always a reason for the change. The more a Change Manager can assist in identifying, clarifying and specifying the reason, the more likely it is that people will understand the need to change, develop a desire and willingness to change and be open to connecting with others around a common purpose or collective vision that will bring the change to fruition.
- Know it’s more than just a process
While there are a number of proven Change Management approaches and methodologies that outline a set of steps to follow, these need to be continuously tailored in line with the Third ‘I’ Review©, current trends and innovative practices, including customer experience, design thinking, value management and business agility. Not to mention that a Change Manager deals with the people side of change – and people bring with them a constant challenge of uncertainty and complexity.
When it comes to change, you are, without a doubt, your own Change Manager. You can either go it alone or you can seek the guidance and support of an experienced and professional practitioner, someone who can support and guide you in the direction you seek – it’s up to you!
Courtney ‘Co-Creator’ Wilson
m: +61 (0)417 107 888| e: courtney.connect@outlook.com
Community-based protocol in Business
On a recent trip to Hawaii I became part of a new, diverse community; one that bonded over a shared interest and experience – the Molokai Hula Bliss and Huaka’i 2018.
It got me thinking…What makes a community? Why is community important? How can business benefit from community-based protocol?
What makes a community?
A community is built on relationships and can naturally form from one or many of the following ways:
- Shared location – a city, a neighbourhood, a country e.g. I was born in Adelaide
- Shared attribute – “I am _____” e.g. I am female or I am vegetarian
- Shared lineage – birth, marriage or choice e.g. I am Australian, Scottish and German
- Shared interest or passion -“I like _____” e.g. I like dancing or I like travelling
- Shared action or practice – “”I do ______” e.g. I participate in social change conversations or I practice Change Management
But what makes a community?
In my experience, it’s commitment; and the level of commitment to sharing and to one another is what determines the strength and impact of that community.
In Hawaii, we made a commitment to not only learn but experience the traditional Hawaiian teachings and Aloha way of life and, in turn, we learnt about ourselves and each other.
Why is community important?
A community provides an opportunity for people to connect and belong. It’s also the mechanism for creating social norms. A community of action or practice, with a high level of commitment, even has the ability to develop self-managing and sustainable systems that enable us to keep working together towards a collective vision or goal.
In Hawaii, I connected with people from around Australia and the world. We developed a sense of belonging through a shared experience “We’ll always have Molokai!”.
At the beginning, we were given a set of simple rules – e.g. be on time. Throughout our experience, however, a set of social norms also started to develop, sourced from our own personal culture and from the teachings we were rediscovering. What I came to know, through this (and past) experience, was the importance of the following principles:
- Invitation and Consent – from inviting someone into our personal head or heart space to inviting someone onto the land, our home or office. Upon entering, the act of checking in and asking for agreement; which in Hawaii could mean a specific chant or hymn. And upon leaving, giving thanks. Always showing respect for ourselves, one another and our surroundings.
- Responsibility and Trust – taking ownership of our own contribution, actions, reactions and responses. It’s about creating a safe and secure environment, being reliable, keeping each other accountable and considering the needs of the group; knowing when it’s time to fill up our own cup so that it’s over flowing and we are able to contribute for the benefit of others.
- Nature and Nurture – understanding the nature within us and the nature that surrounds us. Demonstrating care and compassion to what is and how this can grow or be destroyed – dependent upon our thoughts and actions and our ability to balance the needs of the people and the sustainability of natural resources.
As a group, we operated by a roster system that outlined what needed to be done, when and by who. The lesson here was to let go of control, remain flexible and trust the natural order of things to emerge and evolve. Inevitably circumstances and challenges present themselves that forces a change, and when you are in it together, committed, and following these three principles, emergence takes place and transformation occurs.
How can business benefit from community-based protocol?
A community has the power to
- Cultivate respect and team effectiveness
- Encourage contribution and participation, without force or control
- Inspire ideas and innovation, without self-orientation
- Support one another through challenging times and share the success
In business, we can benefit from community-based protocol. We are a community, after all! And it’s the elements of a community that I consider when applying the Triple S Planning© model:
- Strategy – a focus point established by a shared or collective purpose, vision or goal
- Synergy – the level of cohesive interaction created from social norms, values and principles
- Systems – flexible and new ways of working developed by one another with one another
The essential catalyst being commitment – to the collective and for the greater good.
Close your eyes and imagine a community you know. What is the commonality? Is it a good feeling with a sense of safety and strength? Or does it give you a cold sense of uncertainty? What are the guiding principles? How do you work together? What is the level of commitment?
Consider these elements and go forth to strengthen your community or your tribe – it’s what we were born to do….
Courtney ‘Co-Creator’ Wilson
m: +61 (0)417 107 888| e: courtney.connect@outlook.com
Why our Native Culture is Key
I recently returned from a 13-day retreat in Hawaii, on the island of Molokai. My intention was to immerse myself into the traditional Hawaiian culture and to see what happens….
In the lead up and during the retreat, I familiarised myself with the language, through learning chants and hymns that we would sing as part of protocol; I observed, listened and participated in ceremonies; I was transformed through storytelling expressed through elders sharing and the graceful practice of hula; I was moved by visiting ancient sacred sites; and I asked questions, quickly learning this was only at the appropriate time!
Words can’t explain what happened, it changed my whole worldview. Yet, here is what I can share about Hawaii and what I will take forward in my day-to-day life, both personally and professionally:
- Always believe in something larger than ourselves
This could be anything from a universal energy, the cosmos, the power of nature, a god, gods or goddesses, or simply the collective vision of your organisation, team or family.
Our ability to believe in something larger than ourselves can transform our world from “me” to “we” and move us into living a life of unity and gratitude ~ Mahalo Ke Akua
- Listen, Observe and Pray
We’ve heard it before “Seek first to understand. Then to be understood”, Stephen Covey. It’s true! I ‘re-cognised’ the true value of observation and listening, despite wanting to ask questions (which can be intrusive) and being the most talkative (which can be arrogant). I rediscovered my faith in knowing that the answers will be revealed, the great truths will be uncovered and the will and courage to speak will be received and given, at precisely the right time. ~ Pule
- Stay centred and laugh often
Our native culture reminds us about finding the balance between our intellect and intuition. It’s about having integrity. It’s about letting our conscious be our guide. Imagine how different our thoughts, words and behaviours would be if we operated from a place of knowing as opposed to telling. And when the going gets tough (go back to #2!) or if you simply need a smile, it’s amazing how our sense of humour can bring light and laughter back into our spirit, mind and body ~ Pono
- Be ready for anything
A Greek philosopher once said “The only constant in life is change”. I live and breathe change, now I have a word for it ~ Mākaukau
Most importantly, this adventure reminded me about Australia’s indigenous culture, my connection to our land and broader community, the need to apologise and forgive on behalf of ourselves and ancestors, and the insight to revere those who are brave enough to build a bridge between the old and the new.
Most surprisingly, this adventure reminded me that WE ALL have a native culture to rediscover, especially if we are to go forward, together.
A hui hou, Aloha
Mahalo nui Kumu Pa’a Lawrence Aki, Kyrian Van Vliet, Kumu Pa’a Kawika Foster, Jessica Foster, Anakala (Uncle) Pilipo Solatorio, Anake (Aunt) Diane Solatorio, Kumu Hula DJ Pelekai, Aunt Souki, Uncle Bobby Alcain, Aunt Julia Hoe, Uncle Herb Hoe, Uncle Harry Kuupio Aki, Haumana of Mana o Molokai Hawaii and Mana o Kahiko, Sue (pictured above) and all my fellow Molokai Hula Bliss and Huaka’i 2018 participants.
Courtney ‘Co-Creator’ Wilson
m: +61 (0)417 107 888| e: courtney.connect@outlook.com
Turning Competition into Co-operation
There’s a lot of talk about COLLABORATION but what stops us, what gets in the way?
After some personal reflection, for me, it’s probably my competitive nature!
So here’s my top 3 tips for changing a mindset and turning COMPETITION into CO-OPERATION
Tip No. 1 – BUILD TRUST AND OPENNESS
Firstly learn to trust yourself, know what you stand for and then cultivate genuine connections with those who have aligned values, visions or passions; and when you do connect, take the time to create and commit to a collective vision. This provides brightness of the future and actually supports you to remain open and flexible to others input and ideas; making it a lot easier to co-operate and co-create the unexpected.
Tip No. 2 – DEMONSTRATE ADMIRATION TOWARDS OTHERS
It’s impossible to know or be everything; and it’s really important to remember we wouldn’t be who we are without the people that surround us. Remember the story, The Wizard of Oz? The lesson here is to know and master your capability, talent or skill and at the same time admire the diversity that others offer. We each bring a unique perspective that adds value; and together you will have everything you need.
Frequent interaction and admiration towards others is uplifting and motivating and it’s a must when co-operating, especially to keep our egos in check!
Tip No. 3 – BE INNOVATIVE
Rather than thinking about the resources you have, consider the resources you can access, together. Allow yourself to think outside the box; be provokable and ask the impossible questions that propels you into problem solving and kick starts and turbo charges your creativity. Rather than saying ‘I can’t’, start the sentence with ‘what if we can’…
So when you’re building trust and openness, demonstrating admiration towards others and being innovative; co-operation happens, synergy occurs and the magic of collaboration transforms us. What you come away with is something far greater than what one person could have achieved on their own; and that’s worth collaborating for!
Courtney ‘Co-Creator’ Wilson
m: +61 (0)417 107 888| e: courtney.connect@outlook.com
Living Social and Spiritual – Why are we here?
Last night I had the privilege of being in the presence of one of the world’s greatest teachers. An inspirational icon and example of what it takes to live a life on purpose. A woman who follows her passion and whose every move and decision is dictated by her heart’s desire to offer up her gift to the world and to be of service to others.
Oprah, such a power house of a woman who speaks to you in many ways and at every level, left me with one defining moment that resonated at my core and that lingers with me as I wake this morning. She said (something along the lines of) ‘There is no life without a spiritual life. And by spiritual I don’t mean religious. You can be spiritual without being religious and the reverse is also true, you can be religious without being spiritual. Spiritual, in this context, is the connection you have with the spirit within you – the core of who you are’.
A famous quote to follow up her point-“We are not human beings having a spiritual experience; we are spiritual beings having a human experience” – Pierre Teilhard de Chardin
So I ask myself these two simple, yet loaded, questions.
- Do I live a spiritual life?
- What do I do that connects me to my spirit?
I started to explore.…
- I meditate every day to center myself and to listen to my inner voice (if only for 5 mins)
- I practice Ashtanga yoga, to connect my body, mind and spirit (even when I’m tired or resist)
- I dance to feel and to harness the power of music and movement (and to literally stop thinking)
- I walk along the beach to bathe in the abundance of the ocean (and sense the bigger picture)
- I watch movies to discover meaning and the power of story (recognising my own story)
- I check in with myself when I need to make a decision or respond (even after I may have reacted unintentionally)
- I hug and sit by trees to connect and honour the wisdom of the land (knowing nature has it all worked out)
- I connect with others and travel to experience diversity and appreciate other cultures/view points (validating the different aspects of my consciousness to avoid sitting in judgement too long)
- I surround myself with people that are aligned in values and who ask more of me (despite my moments of resentment or reluctance)
- I follow my passion through the work that I choose to do with and for others (even in the face of uncertainty)
- I hold an intention to add value in everything I do (in spite of a world telling me to take all that I can get)
In exploring these relatively simple questions, I discover what I need, what it is that excites me, what brings me happiness – and we all want to be happy!
It’s so easy to get caught up in the social side of life, where we want to fit in with the latest trends and fashion and where its hassle free to follow the crowd and simply do what everyone else is doing or thinks we should be doing.
But what last night’s defining moment made me realise is that in order to live a meaningful and happy life it is simply dependent on being you – the spirit of you – the best version of you. The level of happiness you experience is directly related to the connection you have with your spirit within and the choices you make every day to honour your spirit. It is our ability to bring together and be Social and Spiritual – a new way of living.
So my question to you is this…
What do you do every day that connects you to your spirit, your passion, your personal calling?
As you ponder this question, I leave you with a few of my favourite quotes from Oprah Winfrey…
“Energy is the essence of life. Every day you decide how you’re going to use it by knowing what you want and what it takes to reach that goal, and by maintaining focus.”
“Passion is energy. Feel the power that comes from focusing on what excites you.”
“I’ve come to believe that each of us has a personal calling that’s as unique as a fingerprint – and that the best way to succeed is to discover what you love and then find a way to offer it to others in the form of service, working hard, and also allowing the energy of the universe to lead you.”
‘Turn up the volume of your life!’ – Living Social and Spiritual
Courtney ‘Co-Creator’ Wilson
m: +61 (0)417 107 888| e: courtney.connect@outlook.com
Courtney Anne Wilson 