Revolutions – Moving forward with Purpose
Revolutions are supposed to be about
endings
and
beginnings.
But
sometimes human nature gets in the
way and derails the original purpose
and desired outcomes of the majority.
Recently the fractured factions involved
in the Syrian conflict, known as the
opposition, met in Doha, Qatar. We
know that the conflict has killed
thousands of people. But the good
thing is, the multiple factions of the
opposition knew that as long as they
remained
fractured
they
were
strengthening the current power
structure. For four days I witnessed the
coming together of these opposition
groups within Syria in a seemingly
genuine attempt to create synergy.
As a speaker, having the opportunity to be an observer was awesome. [I was staying at the Ritz
Carlton in Doha while on a speaking/consulting assignment with a Qatari enterprise.] One could
say that I was lucky to be at the same place at the same time when these various Syrian
factions were attempting to come together.
As a person with a "builders outlook", I am constantly looking for the opportunities to “help”
people and their organizations achieve their goals. What you may not know is, people like
me, who are called Experts who Speak are part of a movement that is very much needed in
this world.
Based on the dialogue that I had heard, and that which was reported on AlJEZEERA
(English) TV, it was clear to me that the factions were attempting to find common ground
between them. Unfortunately they were focused on creating a “united opposition”. A
somewhat misguided strategy and a good example of flawed thinking. Every experienced
speaker, especially those with international experience would say “what is this concept
about a united opposition?” Trying to encourage people to join a “united opposition”
movement just isn’t appealing. Most speakers that I know would work with these factions to
create a compelling alternative.
Another example. Listening in on the dialogue, it became clear to me that the united
opposition had a scarcity mentality. No wonder they were struggling with purpose and
strategy. This group sure could use a huge dose of “abundance thinking.” Arguing about
how to divide a pie is certainly not as appealing as growing the pie.
Experts who speak, are fundamentally “abundance thinkers”. Just because the power of
abundance thinking is obvious to us doesn’t mean that it is obvious to others. So …
©UtilityPULSE 2013; “Feedback that inspires action”
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1) What is it going to take to ensure that the knowledge and expertise for transforming your
organization is utilized effectively?
2) How do you ensure that you are getting true expertise?
3) How frequently is a Syrian-like situation of creating a “united opposition” happening,
though on a on a much smaller scale, with people or groups of people in your organization?
4) What is it going to take to ensure that your people don't have to cause a revolution in
order to remain a relevant organization to its customers and other stakeholders.
5) How important are polls and surveys to you for finding out the key issues and
opportunities?
6) Why would it be important to your organization to transform its culture?
The Global Speakers Summit, which I am chair, has defined Revolutions as: “A
fundamental or complete change causing a person to think, feel or see things, events, and
situations differently. It is about endings and beginnings.” One could say, a Revolution is
about establishing and moving people forward toward a future filled with purpose and
success.
Sid is the Chair of the Global Speakers Federation 2013 Global Speakers Summit titled:
Revolutions. Upheavals. Choices. December 8-10, 2013 Vancouver, British Columbia,
Canada http://www.globalspeakers.net/summit
Sid Ridgley is an expert in polling employees particularly as it relates to culture and change,
he can be reached at: sidridgley@utilitypulse.com www.utilitypulse.com
©UtilityPULSE 2013; “Feedback that inspires action”
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