January 24, 2008
I had a simple concept illuminated for me in a workshop that I attend a couple of months ago. I was listening to the moderators talking about change and how we can implement change to make it easier on teams and individuals.
What struck me as I was listening to them was the fact that there are two types of change - Change – Addition and Change – Replacement. Often we think of change as Change – Replacement. This is the kind of change that causes people to be upset and resist change. But, there is Change – Addition. This type of change is profound because when you add something to a person’s world they are more likely to accept it and be able to use it immediately. Over time the old way of doing something or the old item becomes obsolete and naturally disappears. This is especially true the more that the change makes sense and is appropriate.
For me, the moral of the story is we should try when possible to create change that is seen as an addition to what they have available to them. The degree of success is much higher and in some cases it may make more sense to have more options for a period of time.
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Posted by mindscape
January 15, 2008
I have 3 children and as part of my world, I get to watch a lot of children’s television. Now, some of it is awful but much of it is very good. Often there is a moral or a learning point. And, yes, these learning points are pretty basic but everyone needs to keep hearing them over and over, kids and adults alike.
So, I was watching a show called Franklin (with my kids 
. The show is about Franklin a turtle and this story revolves around Franklin’s soccer team (football for most of the world). It seems that they just couldn’t even score let alone win a game. This was obviously very frustrating for Franklin and his friends.
Does any of this ring a bell for you? It does with many teams I know.
At one point after the game the ball was coming at Franklin and he head butted the ball. His friend Bear was very impressed and I guess that knock on the head was just enough to give Franklin an idea.
Again, sometimes we just need to give our heads a shake.
His idea was that they weren’t using their strengths. Franklin was good at head butts, Rabbit was really fast with great big feet for kicking, Goose was awesome but only at stopping balls with her wings, and Beaver had a great tail for passing the ball.
When they all played their natural positions and emphasized their strengths, they came together as a team. Rabbit was a forward up front. Goose played goalkeeper. And, Franklin and Beaver played mid-field.
Did they win the next game? No but they did score goals and more importantly they felt like a team and knew they were now working like a team.
There’s a lot of wisdom in their for the teams that we are a part of day-to-day, whether they be work teams, volunteer teams, sports teams, etc. So, go find out what position you play best and have fun!
Leave a Comment » | Observations, Strategy | Tagged: cartoons, learning, strengths, team building, team members, teams, winning | Permalink
Posted by mindscape
January 11, 2008
Everyone should have a life list. And now, with things like The Bucket List movie and articles on Life Lists, more people are using Life Lists to help them dream and scheme their perfect life.
Life Lists are one thing that I use to help my coaching clients. It is a simple tool but highly effective.
To celebrate the New Year and the launch of The Bucket List, I have a Life List Template here for you to use. Please enjoy it. Send others to pick up their copy of the Life List Template.
Mindscape Life List Template
I would love to also have you list some of the items on your bucket or life list here. So, please make a comment and join the conversation.
And, as always, please let us know of your success.
2 Comments | Simply World Class | Tagged: dream, life list, New Year, scheme, template, the bucket list | Permalink
Posted by mindscape
January 11, 2008
Ever have one of those days when you’re just way to stressed. Or, maybe you’re working with someone who is just a little too uptight! Maybe they’re just being a little too self-important. Maybe that person is you!
Everyone from time to time loses perspective on what’s important and how important what it is that you’re doing is.
One phrase that I learned from a colleague’s husband that you can use either privately in your head or you can shout it out is:
“Hey, we’re not folding parachutes here!!”
It’s a great phrase and it can help you refocus and get some perspective.
Leave a Comment » | Mindset, Observations | Tagged: important, Mindset, parachutes, perspective, self-important, stress, uptight | Permalink
Posted by mindscape
January 9, 2008
I live in the country on 27 acres. Much of the land around our home is open and it can get quite windy from time to time. And, we can also suffer from other elements of nature as well. All this comes with the benefits of living where we are.
Recently, we’ve been having “interesting” weather as much of this part of the world has been getting. We’ve received a LOT of snow. Now it’s all melted and melting away. The creeks on our property are overflowing and there are ponds where there shouldn’t be ponds. We’ve also been having powerful wind. The kind that makes you think of Dorothy and Toto from the Wizard of Oz. We’ve lost a lot of shingles from our house will likely see some other damage as well.
All of this “weather” has culminated today in most of our area losing power. Now, this is not something that we haven’t experienced before but it did get me thinking. My boys and I were moving about the house getting candles out checking on the status of the sump pumps (or more importantly the rising water levels in them) and so on.
What struck me was how it wasn’t necessarily a big deal. We don’t have every precaution in place and every scenario dealt with but we do have a handle on most eventualities. And, what that gives us is control. We’re in control. We are mostly prepared and feel a sense of being able to handle the situation.
Aren’t our normal days like that as well. When we are prepared and feel a sense of control we are much more likely to be able to move forward and enjoy ourselves and feel that we’re accomplishing something. Even in a scenario like this where at the end of the day Mother Nature can largely take charge, we can feel a sense of control over the situation.
We got a call from our neighbours, who are just amazing people, asking us if we needed anything, if we had water, or if they could help in any way. We were able to comfortably say. Thank you, but we’re okay at this point. And, we weren’t just being polite. At that point, we were doing just fine and we were able to admit that things might change.
How are you in control? How are you prepared, day to day?
1 Comment | Ramblings | Permalink
Posted by mindscape
January 1, 2008
Happy New Year to All!!
It’s going to be another great year.
I’m going to invite you to write down what you are excited about, what your New Year’s Resolutions are going to be, or what you want to declare this “The Year Of…”. Please feel free to add a comment below.
Declaring this to be “The Year Of…” something is a great way to give your year a focus. Give it a try.
If you are going to write down a resolution or two, consider writing the date the you are shooting to be complete by.
And always feel free to send me an email. info <at> mindscape.ca
All the Very Best to You,
Paul
7 Comments | Observations | Tagged: 2008, happy, New Year, resolutions | Permalink
Posted by mindscape
