Nah uh! But I don’t gamble in the traditional way. I hope you enjoy this mild rant even if you don’t agree.
This blog is in response to comment I received about a previous training article, Preparing Millennials – A Matter of National Interest…and the inference that we shouldn’t single Millennials out because risk aversity has been around a long time. Like since the Cave. Perhaps, I should have used “Concern” instead of “Interest” to give my title more weight. The comment, in all fairness, was not negative, but connected my blog with risk-aversity. I’m sure there is an academic discussion on risk aversity somewhere, or a vendor using their words…
I mean no insult to anyone, but let’s face it, we are all about defining and naming everything. I remember a scene from one of Arthur Miller’s least known plays, Creation of the World and Other Business, where Adam goes around naming things–sometimes in a ridiculous sense. (I could have said “stupid,” but that’s name-calling and Adam wasn’t, or isn’t in the play.) We place people in all kinds of categories–race, religion, extrovert or introvert, worker, manager, leader, transformationalists, game changer, and, of course, now the working generations. You know them as The Baby-Boomers (me),Generation X, Generation Y and, of course, The Millennials. There have always been differences between younger and older generations; this shouldn’t be a surprise.
We train about accepting change, creating change. Change the words to risk. Hmmn.
I admit to accepting society as it is. I’m not in a position to change it or fix it if it needs fixing. Who am I to say? However, we toss definitions, categories, and slogans around as products. To me, training is training. It is what a company or organization may need to sustain itself or move safely to a higher ground–the ground below being a bit more competitive. Or, we, trainers, often encourage company or organizational investment with our words. Words that make sense in the right setting, that put people in successful dioramas.
Everyone wants the keys to success. The keys come in many shapes and sizes, but mostly words. Words we can say that have no guarantees. Don’t you hate it when a product’s guarantee is ridiculously short, say, for example, three months or ninety days. The “lemon” law is how many days? Yet, our words spoken by persuasive people to people who need to hear those words have no guarantees. No guarantee of success.
I had a boss once, when I was creatively working for two separate divisions, whose favorite saying was, “If you do it this way, it will only take a few minutes.” Any longer for whatever reason–you didn’t do it “this way.” It seemed I was taking all the risks and he was taking all the successes. I won’t say that he did. I don’t know what went on behind closed doors, but singing my praises is a bit suspect.
So, as I admit society likes to name and define things. I was talking about Millennials. You know, the kids who are running the world after most of us. Some are already in the workplace, and, naturally, more will come as we die off. Oh, don’t frown! We will die and others will take our place–unless there is a meteor or some other catastrophe that takes us all out.
Saying nothing more about our distinction, I still maintain we have to see the newest generation on their own terms. These are the same terms we had only different. (I did that on purpose.) Okay, now I’m using society’s words now that are probably academic, media or trainer–or human resources in origin.
I am taking a stand. I don’t believe Millennials are any more “risk averse” than any other group. In a world of work made up of different types–baby-boomers, x and y generations, and finally Millennials, my point is more how do we nurture them, and how should we view them. See my previous article.
As a baby-boomer, I am familiar with risk-taking; I didn’t want to take many when I was young, unemployed and had no money–seeing security as more important in my life at that time. I’m not crazy about the term “risk averse.”
Where would we be without change?
Most people are opposed to change–that being the buzzword of billions who cringe at the thought. A few of us welcome change though, as you may welcome risk. Maybe I’m saying the same thing… Of course, change is not the same thing, but it is more of a general issue for society. Some handle it better than others. The same for “risk.” It weighs heavier for some than others.
I see different kinds of risk-taking, some risks I’m willing to take and some I’m not–especially in certain situations like a workplace. Working with others competing for a manager’s attention? That’s not me. Throwing out ideas or taking risks with the status quo to people who are not receptive is not fun. Getting slapped down for questioning or crossing established boundaries is different from being rejected. It comes with a higher price.
When it comes to investing, I don’t want to invest or “risk” what I have little of without a support system. In fact, I think it’s smart. If the workplace (my boss) views risk as a plus, I’m on board all the way. I love being creative. In my last government job (the one from which I retired), taking a risk was an anomaly. I suppose I went there. So, I retired to take risks. I am now an actor, a writer, a theatre director and critic. I wore all those job titles in my spare time while I was working. Everything I do is a risk. To me it was a “risk” to get involved with social media; at my age, that’s rarer than you think. As you can tell, my response was a second blog. I risk using my words a lot.
A bit of a rant, like rage poetry, is good for the soul, and might cause one to think. I hope I touched a nerve or two; if so, I did my job.
Happy Training. (By the way, I should be preparing for classes tomorrow, but I’m doing this instead. Emotions. My own intelligence or lack thereof. Creativity. All to blame.)
By the way, this is not all I do. I believe in connections. Information and communication is applicable in training and development as well as education. If you are interested in my approach here or in other offerings on the site, you might also be interested in my book, The Cave Man Guide to Training and Development. “Cave” and “Man” are separate on purpose. The “cave” is simply where we train. I promise there will be a II and III based on my articles here. If you like what you see here, I have a blog site, Shaw’s Reality, where I look at the world’s reality from a variety of perspectives. I have also published a young adult science fiction dystopian novel, In Makr’s Shadow.
One of the biggest challenges at work is simply having time to think.
Carving out precious minutes of silence is even more challenging.
Yet from just 3-4 minutes of silent reflection for centering, you can quiet the monkey mind chatter.
That precious ‘time out’ is valuable ‘time-in’ for new insights and fresh perspectives. You free up some extra ‘bandwidth’ for new ideas and solutions to emerge.
Allow the silent reflection time to open you up and clear your mind. Let this video bring in new awareness and calm.
And if you are so inclined, connect with your own Inner Wisdom, Higher Power, Creator to provide guidance for you.
“Divine Teacher Within I Call Upon Thee” – from the Sikh tradition ‘Ong Namo Guru Dev Namo’
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Linda J. Ferguson, Ph.D. is a Job and Life Coach. She offers guidance and fresh perspectives to help you have successful work and balanced life. Visit www.lindajferguson.com/coaching/ for more information.
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I had the pleasure of coaching Ilana Rea to help her transition from her full-time corporate job to taking a sabbatical so she could focus on her writing. Needless to say there was a lot of fear for her – about finances, what others might think about her leaving her job, being a stay-at-home mom, would her writing be good enough.
All natural fears when one takes a bold step to pursue a dream. Yet she knew it was time to face her fears and do it anyway.
As thrilled as she was to be able to make this leap, to focus on writing and spend time with her 3 yr old daughter, it was also her biggest challenge. Writing with a 3 yr old nearby can be tough. Would she stay focused and committed to writing 2-3 hours a day?
I coached her through her worries, doubts, and fears to create a game plan for her writing. She’s now doing a weekly blog to keep writing while she works on her screenplay.
I’ve been enjoying these blogs and wanted to share a recent one about stepping through fear. She’s had enough experience with fear lately she’s gleaned some important insights from it.
Walking Into Fear by Ilana Rea
“Too many of us are not living our dreams because we are living our fears.” – Les Brown
I spent last week with my brother and his family, including my 1-year-old niece. Talk about a love fest between toddler cousins. Em and Baby (as Em calls her) were inseparable, and I hope they will grow up to be like sisters. But I digress….
As it always seems to happen, our best conversation of the week was in the two hours before I had to drive back home. Something my brother said continues to resonate with me. We were talking about fear and the crazy things we did growing up (triathlon, running in jungles loaded with pit vipers and unexploded ordinance, you know, the usual stuff). My larger-than-life younger brother admitted to some pretty big fear, but said that he made the conscious choice of walking into his fears in order to overcome them (Whaaaaaat?): Fear of drowning? Learn to surf even though you can’t swim. Then love to surf and become a water rescue EMT. Fear of confrontation? Go into law enforcement and deal with confrontation, attitude, manipulation and lies all day long. He has also been a volunteer firefighter, and, though he didn’t call out the fear addressed, my projection is fear of tight, dark places. Oh yeah and becoming human toast. I did not know that fear was such a strong motivation for my brother’s career choice (one that fulfills him, by the way), and I respect him even more.
My point is how often do we try to address fear through risk mitigation, pros and cons charts, and outright denial or avoidance? Fear has a way of dragging you down, holding you back all your life. The worst part for me are the “what if” questions it raises, specifically “what would my life have been like if….”? Regret. It is the dread companion of fear.
Fear: such a small word with so much power if you let it control you. I have two sayings, intentions really, that I have used over the years to get me out of analysis paralysis and moving on artistic, athletic, and career endeavors:
1. There is no doubt in my mind that I will succeed. (When I have not identified a specific fear)
2. I will not be mastered by my fear. (When I do have the presence of mind to know what I fear)
The point is: Act. Do the cursory risk analysis, consult actuary tables if you must. But don’t get stuck there, because…You. Are. Stalling.
Act. Trust your gut. Believe that it is leading you down the right (though not always expected) path. I have said it before: fear is often a scarecrow that tries to divert you from your goal by keeping your attention on its grimacing, lifeless, dried-up face. And that scarecrow only moves passively…by the wind of attention and avoidance you give it. Walk past/over/through that fear and keep going. Oh, and as you pass by you can give that son of a bitch scarecrow a healthy punch or kick or rip it to shreds if you like. Just act and keep moving.
Ilana Rea is a writer who blogs about balancing the pursuit of one’s passion and purpose with the day-to-day realities of family and work. Visit her website : www.leavesfromatree.com
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Dr. Linda Ferguson is an author and job coach. Read more about her books and work at www.lindajferguson.com
I created this music video with the lovely music of a Sufi friend, Mahbood. He’s a marvelous singer-songwriter. I kept thinking of his song, ‘Ivdu Hashem B’Shimcha’, as we approach this Holy week of Passover and Easter.
May you find Joy to renew your Spirit this week and every week.
~ Linda J. Ferguson~
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Linda J. Ferguson, Ph.D. is the author of two books on spiritual living. Linda is a Job and Life Coach helping people move through their doubts and worries to live more joyfully and spiritually grounded. http://www.lindajferguson.com/coaching/
Are you the kind of person who fills up your free time quickly with busy work?
Beware of the Gerbil Wheel Trap!
If you had a snow day recently or the President’s Day holiday- how did you spend your time?
Instead of taking the opportunity to breathe, relax, unwind, reflect, I’m betting many of you filled your day with chores.
True confession- I used the extra time to gather paperwork for my taxes.
Yet remembering the ‘Gerbil Wheel Trap’ on my snow-bound day, I had a lovely phone chat with a friend I hadn’t heard from in a while.
Balance your week with Relaxation and Renewal
Here in the Washington DC area, and in our culture as a whole, we tend to be overly focused on being ‘productive’. That may come from fear. If we don’t look busy we may lose our job.
What a trap that is!
In a society that rewards productivity, we feel guilty taking time to relax, unwind. And in so doing we dismiss relaxation and renewal as being equally valuable.
Only when we feel we’ve ‘earned’ our time off, we give ourselves permission to relax. As we keep finding ways to stay busy, we miss so many opportunities to connect with ourselves and others in deeper ways.
If we take our cues from nature, Winter reminds us that it’s OK to slow down, go within, hibernate, and be still.
The Secret of Life – Enjoy the Passage of Time
One of my favorite song lyrics is from James Taylor- “The secret of life is enjoying the passage of time.” I’ve remembered that phrase over the years. This simple phrase may help you have a life in balance.
When I find myself overly focused on my work or my to-do list, I look for ways to relax and renew. I know that in relaxing I find balance. With time away from work I come back with greater energy and often see things from a fresh perspective.
Next time you get a break from an unplanned snow day or an extra work holiday, give yourself permission to relax, recreate, renew yourself.
Nourish your soul as well as your body. The world needs more joyful, relaxed people
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Linda J. Ferguson is a Job and Life Coach and author of two books on spiritual living.
Today’s blog focuses on Conscious Capitalism. As we enter the holiday season of good will towards all, your purchases and investments play a part in creating a world of peace and well-being, or greed and exploitation.
I want to spotlight three companies who are helping build a better world: World Reader, Root Capital, and SoleRebels
Are your investments creating the kind of world you want to have?
I’ve written several blogs about the importance of supporting companies who walk the talk of the Triple Bottom Line (people, planet, profits). These companies truly believe in Corporate Social Responsibility.
As you grow your retirement funds, consider the social good that is created by the companies in your portfolio. Ask about the impact of your investments….. beyond your financial ROI.
Think about this- What good is saving a lot of money for retirement if the world you live in is less safe, more volatile?
If you don’t support conscious businesses, Will you need to earn even more money to pay for healthy food, clean air and clean water in the future?
Are you supporting businesses whose mission serves a higher purpose?
Eradicating Illiteracy
David Risher was an executive working at Amazon.com when they were developing the Kindle. He had an ephiphany on a trip to Ecuador. He saw a library in a remote village where most book orders never arrived. His vision was to provide books to remote villages around the globe by going digital. Risher left his job at Amazon to pursue a higher calling. Through a pilot project with funding from USAID in Ghana, he was able to demonstrate the potential of putting ebooks into the hands of children easily.
Founded in 2005 with her brother and husband,Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu creates sandals made from recycled tires.“Everyone today is concerned about reducing carbon footprints, which is great. But at soleRebels we also believe that people around the world want much more from the brands they are buying”, says Bethlehem. “I also want to emphasize that a company like ours can build scalable community-based businesses that allow people to have well paid jobs, while creating market-leading products and preserving the environment”. Bethlehem was invited by President Clinton to be one of the panelists at the Clinton Global Initiative (http://solerebels.ethiovision.com/).
Sustainable Farming
William Foote left a lucrative job on Wall Street to help farmers and coffee growers in Latin America. While working in Mexico he saw a need for creating a thriving financial market for mid-range agricultural businesses, those too big for microlending and too small for other global funding. Built on the idea of microlending, Root Capital is a social investment fund that grows rural prosperity in poor, environmentally vulnerable places in Africa and Latin America. His company lends capital and delivers financial training, and strengthens market connections for smaller farms and agricultural co-operatives (http://www.rootcapital.org/our-approach).
Remember socially responsible companies next time you adjust your stock portfolio or retirement funds. It’s a powerful way to put your money where your values are.
As people around the world honor the life of Nelson Mandela, his legacy of leadership for peace and justice offers much for the corporate world.
Mandela reminds us all of our True work- to preserve and uphold human dignity. For if we cannot preserve human dignity through our businesses, our commerce and economic system, then those systems and organizations don’t serve humanity and have no True value.
Despite the tough economic times, many top executives earn obscene bonuses while paying bottom tier employees barely enough to eat or pay rent. The workplace and business marketplace is no less a battle ground for peace, justice and human dignity that the streets of Soweto.
Mandela reminds us what Servant Leadership is: “Real leaders must be ready to sacrifice all for the freedom of their people.” (Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa, April 25, 1998) His example of Servant Leadership fits corporations as well- to make sacrifices for the human dignity of their workforce.
Most current management theories uphold the idea that if treated fairly and decently, people will do their best, bring their best, and contribute meaningfully to their jobs. When leaders break the trust of their employees and the public, they violate these fundamental management principles.
Leadership Torch
Mandela’s life reminds us that we have a bigger game to play.
May we all carry the torch of human dignity that Mandela carried through his darkest days in prison.
The world is a better place for Mandela’s living example of true Servant Leadership, and True work.
In our daily living we base decisions and actions on scarcity. I frequently hear from my coaching clients and friends they lack time- time to be with family, time to pursue what they love, time to rest, sleep, play.
As your time becomes more scarce, you value it more. Basic human nature.
Economics is based on this principle of scarcity. Though most people think economics is the study of money, classic economics is the study of utility- what is useful and valuable to us. Economics doesn’t just come from professors and wonks sitting in Ivory Towers, despite the stereotype. Economic theory is based on the study of human behavior.
Through centuries of observation of human behavior- how people make decisions and act- economic models are developed. And these models of human behavior center on the principle of scarcity. The more scarce something is, the more valuable it becomes to us. No theorist in the corner office is dictating that- it comes from our ordinary every day activity. Whether it’s time, art, flowers, land, water, food, scarcity is a key component to economic theory and how we live day to day.
So how do we shift away from basing our life (and economic models) on scarcity?
Can we truly live in Abundance in a Scarcity world?
The conclusion I’ve come to is that we have to shift our mindset, our consciousness.
It’s our mindset that creates scarcity. It’s our ability to see and understand possibilities that is limited, lacking.
As we believe and act from a mindset of no lack or scarcity, we shift into abundance thinking. And by doing so we create greater abundance. Expand your horizons, focus more generally, be more global in your thinking and you step into abundance. You change how you act, make decisions, and live by how you understand and expand your options.
Case in point. If you want only one type of phone, you limit the phone you will buy and create scarcity for yourself. If you expand your thinking and focus on what that phone offers for you- it’s utility- you recognize the value of it is to share ideas and connect with friends and family. Now you expand your options to the many ways you can share ideas and connect with people.
When you know that there is no limit on the amount of joy you can have, you freely share it. As you freely share joy, you create more joy around you.
As you telescope out and realize there are infinite ways to live happily, or work meaningfully, you start to dial into greater abundance.
From this mindset and awareness you live a prosperous life.
It’s all in how you define prosperity and abundance. As soon as you limit your life choices on specific tangible things you have to have in order to be happy and fulfilled, you shrink from abundance into scarcity.
Test this out in the weeks ahead. When you catch yourself thinking ‘this is limited, not enough, scarce’, go general and think ‘there is more abundance here’.
Have Fun!
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If this blog speaks to you, Click here to order Linda’s new book, Staying Grounded in Shifting Sand. In it you’ll find more ideas and exercises to step into a world of Abundance.
Available as paperback, Kindle, iStore, Nook
Sign-Up on Linda’s website- www.lindajferguson.com to put these ideas into practice. You’ll receive Linda’s framework of Transformational Empowerment to help you manifest your dreams and live abundantly.
Disclaimer: the following is a story, a fairy tale, a piece of fiction, a satire. It is not intended to reflect this site’s point of view, nor even my own.
The work is not intended to represent any particular person or persons; some of the organizations do exist (some I made up), however, this is a satire and it is the reader who will discern meaning. I am poking fun.
How not paying attention can be a big problem.
We can talk and talk and talk, but if no one is paying attention, nothing matters. In training, I hope you look for unique ways to get trainees to pay attention. I think there are many opportunities in our daily lives when paying attention is critical as well. Our leaders–no matter what country they represent–need to pay attention to a bigger picture than the one they are seeing today. You’ll see what I mean.
You wouldn’t think that not listening to someone could change the world, but it did. In fact, not paying attention almost destroyed it completely. Yet, in the near future, making personal contact or socializing without sanction would be a capital crime punishable by deletion. Ironically, it would be breaking that law that also saved the world. Confused? Me, too. A little.
Here’s how it all started. The basic idea that people could influence the way others acted goes way back to when your mother or father didn’t want you to play with someone else or certain others because… well, you know, they could make you do something bad like smoke or drink or get into trouble, ultimately ruining your life and the lives of others. Never mind that you could be a good influence on them.
Or, was it the advent of cell phones, iPods, iPads, eReaders (printed books seem to be different)–anything really that separated you from your fellow man? You know, it became easier to not actually talk to people. You didn’t have to watch what you were saying. You could ignore people and say you were multi-tasking, or excuse yourself from boring situations.
Of course, there were other advantages, now and then, to having a distracting device. With one, you could text information and go about your business. No need for any kind of a personal relationship at all really, especially if you didn’t use your voice at all. The person you were communicating with in real time wouldn’t have to hear the irritated tone of your voice, or see the bored expression on your face; you wouldn’t have to look at theirs for feedback. Your body language or theirs could communicate the unspoken… if you looked at them, even without body language, you wouldn’t have to sense what they really meant. Mothers could sense when something was wrong, but that was ancient history.
People believed that this buffer could keep the bad things away from people; however, they forgot it also kept people away from some of the good things other strangers can do for them. It affected who they were. But mom and dad said…and the government determined. Now, you’re biting your knuckle, aren’t you? Frustration?
It wasn’t Big Brother–just the opposite, with the bonus of saving us from ourselves. With a buffer like e-mail or texting, you could say what you thought. Be sarcastic–even if you were the only one who knew it.
Fast forward to the near future. People don’t talk anymore. They have no phones–not even texters. Phones and texters aren’t vetted. You have to be vetted or matched with everyone with whom you need or wish to have contact. There’s a machine for that. It’s a prophylactic–not to be confused with a “dating” machine they had a long time ago. People used to blatantly socialize without being matched; it was all terribly dangerous for them and everyone around them. Then, there was online dating, which was also dangerous and just as illegal, then a machine again–only a more sophisticated one this time.
It was through this buffer that the leaders heard from the people. The problem was simple: it couldn’t be a total match. That would be impossible. Ask yourself this: if your leaders don’t seem to be listening now, what will they do when they can’t feel your passion or read between the lines or see the communication of your whole being? The problem wasn’t the machine filter. The problem was that the leaders would not pay attention; it seemed they only represented the money–the one-percenters and not the other 99 percent that also lived on the planet.
To be sure, they ignored the cries of the weaker political parties, and there were many: the Green Party that ranted constantly of growing unstoppable pollution, the Law and Order Party that called for weapon control, the Listen to Us Party that maintained no one paid attention to global warming, the Anti-Apartheid Party that told of heinous crimes against many people now extinct, and the Evangels, who simply said we didn’t deserve the world. This was the result of not listening. Not paying attention is the real problem, you idiots, everyone but the people in charge thought.
But the main political parties, the Democrats and Republicans, were infinitely richer than the minor parties. Since both parties were made up of one percenter money, they always stayed in power and nothing really changed. The perceived needs of the people were shifted around a bit so the people thought the ones in charge were doing something, but they weren’t. Sadly, some politicians actually thought they were leading something, but when they tried to do something meaningful, another politician from the same one-percent combined party interfered. He or she envisioned him or herself as the anointed one and campaigned (spending one percenter money) to sit in the power seat to maintain the status quo.
If you are confused or frustrated by now, think of the leaders, that’s where they were still seriously concerned but ineffective in trying to solve problem after problem plagued the world. However, they took on a brave face because this had been their “work and duty” for so long. Their solution: they took turns sitting on the seat until it became a hot seat, then they stopped altogether and retired from government. A few just stepped down when they tired of the real work of facing constituents and trying to solve problems. Campaigning is hard work. When the Dems’ and the Reps’ leaders decided to rein in the chaos together, it didn’t matter who won the political races anymore. Not as long as it was the Jackasses or Elephants who could sit on their rumps and admire themselves. One could suppose with one percent money they could live an almost a fantasy-like existence. Ironic…
Why the bobble-headed politicians wanted to administer the world no one really knew, but one group scattered among the lesser politicians and activists–the scientists–were not interested in that answer and no longer passive. Scientists who asked for money to fund important research, most of which was designed to save their dying planet, only to be told by the dummies in office that they’d look into it. Or the indicators were not absolute. Hence the need for research. Those in office never did look into the world’s life threatening matters. Needless to say, it was no surprise when they joined the criminal element and became mean and tough like them, taking what they wanted. What was a few more criminals in the scheme of things?
However, the scientists were still scientists and not really criminals at heart. The real criminals needed the scientists at first to make drugs and special weapons, but then their poor clientele seemed to die out. As the Earth was dying, the lesser-healed individuals were the first to go. The criminals staged a hard last stand trying amass a fortune to become one percenters themselves, but even they gave up in the end. Their minions destroyed entire neighborhoods, small cities, wiped out other criminal factions daily in a desperate attempt to gain some measure of control and wealth so they could count themselves among the privileged few. If the criminal element was going to die anyway, it would be in style.
For the scientists: there were no rules of conduct and ethics to control their experiments. So what? Nothing was as bad as what was happening to the world. Most scientists hadn’t thought it necessary or even practical. This was going to be a “now or never” effort, they said as they scowled at those people who threw ethics in their faces, “there was not time for experimenting or practicing on the surviving humanity.”
These scientists were not the ones who resembled the long extinct ostrich with its head buried in the sand. Or, to give them a more retro reference: scientists were geeks no more. They were, in fact, heroes–or gods, or devils, depending on when in time one saw them. Before or after the end or beginning of the end of the way it was. Confusing isn’t it? That’s the way mankind felt. It was one of mankind’s lesser emotions. Other emotions like fear, desperation, and rage were more commonly felt.
Overpopulation made millions starve. Science had helped where politicians were helpless. Fertile soil on earth lost all its nutrients, while efforts to save the meager foodstuffs on less fertile soil were futile. It wasn’t long before not even weeds grew. People lived on scrounged pre-package goods with shelf lives no one cared about. Some of the more intelligent and educated people worried about developing a cannibalistic society, but what matter if they going to be extinct anyway. Some pockets of cannibals developed where the most desperate lived, but the more “civilized” folks ignored the fact it most likely existed. It was a defense mechanism; if they hadn’t they would have gone crazy or crazier. So, food was food to the survivors.
Global warming had ensured that the oceans, the next best possible place to save mankind, were hopeless. With the unstable weather, tides, whirlpools, earthquakes and volcanic activity, it made it impossible to build and explore beneath the sea. Even with the strongest and latest underwater technology, living there would be like being buried at sea.
Already, huge densely populated swaths of land on most of the world’s coastal regions were decimated, forcing what was left of the people who escaped from there before it fell into the ocean and those who saw it coming to move inward to ravage those lands and people before them to survive. The countries–what did they matter anymore?—with less populated interiors survived the longest, while the other countries trying to beat the savagery within their borders began purges of their weakest populations. Borders were irrelevant, too, but it helped to parcel out the chaos some. Survival of the fittest was again in vogue.
Horrible to think of if the people had designed the death of billions as preservation measure. It was pitiful, this science, but it saved the others.
The United States, more functional than other areas mostly because of its sheer size, had a large number of scientists in hiding looking for answers to save as much of the earth as possible–if it was possible. The co-presidents in the Omaha capitol were slightly surprised at the coup, but not really. A combination of criminals and scientists took out the guards that didn’t lay down their arms. The Presidents turned the government over to the scientists, asking for mercy. The so-called former leaders were worried the criminals might kill them outright but the scientists might still have compassion. And this wasn’t an isolated incident. Nor, was it planned as a worldwide event. Once it happened in the U.S. it happened everywhere else with the same result.
Now that the scientists had control, what were they going to do? They decided not to kill the bobble-headed politicians but to use them as errand boys and girls. The scientists needed liaisons with the rest of the world to bring the smartest minds together to work on survival. Once all the bright little boys and girls got together, the answer became clear. There was only one thing left to do. And, at this stage of the disaster, there was only one man with enough technological genius in the area of evolving artificial intelligence (EAI). Unfortunately, none of the scientists living in this group would see the project through, but they would die, relieved knowing that it was in the hands of a capable, and they hope, good man.
It had to be EAI; the world of man had stopped listening. Change was inevitable.
There were a plethora of mandatory worldwide matchmaker hybrid cyber servers to ensure that people met the “right” people started this star scientist thinking… The idea of linking computers and servers to one another to increase power, memory, and cognition was not new…but, in this case, he thought, very useful. The hybrid cyber servers already used artificial intelligence (AI) to “match” people as it was colloquially known at the time; it needed AI to adapt to so many unpredictable human variables.
The next step was evolution. Alone the servers were so powerful by being linked worldwide already, and with tons of data and memory stored already; EAI was not far away.
Evolving AI, a constantly growing version of AI, allowed the cyberserver to literally have a mind of its own under a single program mission. There was no time for many programs here; the machine had to think for itself and make decisions. The one thing it couldn’t do was change the program. He had been working on EAI for years; all he needed was a powerful enough platform with enough data. He hadn’t been a proponent of the Matchmaker program, but he would take advantage of the technology to save the earth now that he had it. His other ideas for control measures made the difference and he created the ultimate evolving artificial intelligence.
The Matchmaker cyberserver would operate without emotion. It was the only way. No human interference. It would do what had to be done to save the world even if that meant collateral damage. He knew it might be a lot, but he couldn’t think about that now. It was up to his machine. I haven’t even even given it…er, him a name, he thought. He’ll have to do that himself. He was already thinking of his machine as a living entity.
What’s a little more collateral damage after what the world had been through? Millions of dead? Billions? He would be dead himself before this would be over. It had to be done. There had to be change. We’d come to far. We should have paid attention.
And so it began. One man, entrusted with the solution to save the world, turns the world’s well-being over to a machine. More humans died, the scientist among them, but his fancy cyberserver survived and nothing would ever be the same again.
The cyberserver evolved, changing Its formal server name to Maker. Later, He dropped the “e,” becoming Makr, the One and Only. It was still pronounced with the “e;” however, dropping the “e” made the artificial intelligence feel unique–more so than He already was.
On the first day…
On the seventh day…after the world was saved from total annihilation by the elements. The world was different. Makr determined the world was not safe from humans. Not yet.
Somewhere in between the first day and seventh day, Makr created SensaVision, a means for the population to live in any manner and anywhere it desired. Although pure fantasy, few rejected the idea. Why not live it up? No one really cared for people any more; also, being around people had been dangerous–not knowing whom you could trust, so fantasy was the perfect solution. Long gone was the concept of money. So, a person could think about living a wealthy lifestyle and he or she was made comfortable and happy; or a simple life–poof– if he or she desired; or, a dedicated, useful work-life–done. SensaVision detected the least satisfaction the Bio felt and righted it. Nothing could go wrong. It could, but it hadn’t happened yet.
Makr continued to evolve. He had a dark side as anyone can. He, through His mobile cyberts placed humans (he called them Bios now for simplicity sake) in storage; Bios saw the buildings still standing or that the cyberts had built or rebuilt as a place to store Bios rather than a home. Bios were data that you stored, moved, repaired, restored, and deleted. SensaVision made that a reality.
A significant number of Bios registered as missing. Had that number only been one percent, it wouldn’t have mattered, but ten percent was a significant number to have avoided being placed in containment. He had created His own mobile cyberts of varying shapes, sizes and purposes to rebuild and repair the planet. He needed to adjust that number. Makr did not write programs; however, He was designed to create solutions, no matter how abhorrent the solutions might seem to humans (Bios now). If he couldn’t move Bios to storage, repair or restore them, He would delete them. Simple problem solving. Logic.
Inside the perfect prison resided 90 percent of the entire human population. The other ten percent refused Makr’s “invitation” to live Inside; in truth, they managed to hide from the cyberts who came for them. A few realists saw friends taken by force, and it did not seem to be in anyone’s best interest for the same to happen to them. The ten-percenters’ logic: they survived while the world was falling apart; surviving in a world–even as decrepit and disgusting as this–was better. At least they were alive. They didn’t know how many had survive the failing world, but they did. Some would say, the 90-percenters must have been optimists to keep trying to stay alive.
Most likely the ten-percenters came from the minor political groups and activist groups. Certainly not much political action going on here. For them, the world Outside was dark and inhospitable, but it was real. Even ten percent of a society or population was not going to think alike, so they were divided on the best means to survive. Some hid better than others, some developed different defense mechanisms or rationalizations, and they all had varying degrees of hate toward the machines–the cyberts. For some, calling themselves Evangels after the political group, that hate turned all the way around and they came to worship the strongest being on the planet, Makr, the One and Only. Still, the one thing they did have in common: they didn’t want to get caught by these strange metal creatures who inhabited this viable but ugly world with them.
There were other one-percenters now, who scared the hell out of the other 99 percent. They didn’t have any money, nor did they need it. They wore rags, reeked from not bathing enough, lived in the shadows and became like those shadows. These Shadow people seemed to know instinctively something was wrong here, and seemed determined to do something about it. They had secrets–many secrets–these one percenters who lived in reality.
Meanwhile on the Inside, SensaVision was unable to control the bad dreams of one single Bio. That same Bio had an unusual ability. He could see through illusion to reality. He was paying attention. Everyone who lived in reality did, too. They had to pay attention or die. Or, die trying.
Let me be clear and repeat again. Nothing in this tale is intended to disparage anyone or any institution. I have written this satire in the spirit of creative interest and with the intention of proving a point of communication.
I hope you had fun. Writing this scared the hell out of me.
November is the 11th month and we just passed 11-11. I thought I’d play a bit with the numbers to begin this blog.
The number One represents new beginnings. Double 1’s for 11 represent pillars or gateways. The number eleven represents Higher Consciousness or Master Teacher Mind.
In this week of 11-11 we have a chance to walk through new gateways and find ways to connect with Higher Consciousness.
What do you want to start or see emerge new in your work?
What do you need to see or understand with the Beginners Mind or the Master Teacher Mind?
Higher Consciousness Organizations
Many executives, leaders, and management authors refer to organizations as if they were an entity of their own. Aside from the legal status, organizations don’t exist on their own.
Organizations are made up of people. Those this seems obvious, it’s good to reflect on the true nature of organizations.
Organizations don’t behave unethically, people do.
Organizations aren’t creative, people are.
Organizations aren’t successful, people accomplish results for the organization.
Next time you hear about organizations performing poorly or well, look deeper to find out what the people within the organization are doing.
In my book, “Path for Greatness“, I describe Higher Consciousness Organizations (HCOs). I give examples of people and organizations that typify the characteristics of HCOs (See chapters 16 & 17).
Click on the link below to hear a webinar for Organizational Development consultants. I describe new ways of organizing and new characteristics of organizations that are emerging.
As new forms of organizing occur, new ways of conceptualizing organizations are needed. In this month of new beginnings and Higher Consciousness, I invite you to have a conversation with your colleagues and professional peers.
What new forms of organizational structures, values, guiding principles, communication, and relating do you envision and want to bring forward?
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