It’s hard to believe that I’ve spent a majority of my working life trying to help organisations and people see the value of peer learning and community building and at times, I feel I’m constantly banging on the same old drum without having achieved anything.
To be fair, that’s only the way I think.
If I sat down and reflected on why this is the case, it’s because the problem of business doesn’t really want – or need to – be solved. Let’s face it. It comes down to this.
They don’t really want to (as it does people out of a job that provides them power or money)
They don’t really need to (there’s no accountability and sometimes it can be a bit of a lark)
They don’t really know how to (but too scared to get out of comfort zone).
I liken work to the Tower of Babel. Lots of work being done by people but it’s all a bit of a mess really. No one really knows what’s going on so just does their bit.
Around the Tower are a few odds and sods who have some plans in general but don’t have the power, influence or the support to get a co-ordinated effort and approach to actually build something of long lasting value until they too, leave the organisation frustrated, play the game as it’s pointless to change anything or retire (if they’re at that age).
I’ve been wavering between the last two points for the last couple of years. Thanks to covid and lockdowns for a massive reassessment of my life and some changes to the work front has got me thinking “what’s it all really for?”
Part of me is so close to pulling the pin but another part of me wants to make this role as my “last hurrah” or really, my last charge going into battle and taking bold risks than ever by being more vocal saying and writing what’s on my mind.
It’s as if I’m driven to prove myself wrong. I need to prove myself wrong.
I need to feel as if I have made a difference in my work to someone or something. I need a reaction. I need to be part of something bigger than myself. Something that builds legacy. Something that helps others.
I have no idea why. I’ve always been like this.
So I continue working, doing, researching and helping. For now.
An organisation is made of great people who have skills, talents and stories worthy to be shared and supported. I still believe in my heart, people want to do good by others. They want to be acknowledged and supported for the work they do and the value that they provide.
They need leaders who could support them, provide them resources and then give them regular feedback to guide them towards building something that becomes their legacy but is a team effort that they could come away and say “we built this!”
I’m hoping I can say this in near future with the projects I’m working on. If not, it’s time for me to go pack up and close my laptop to the working office world forever. I’ve done what I can.
Yep. Totally. I keep thinking of the old Upton Sinclair quote: “It is difficult to get a man to understand something, when his salary depends on his not understanding it.”
I like this. I may have to use this quote. ?
Helen, you have absolutely made a difference to many people’s lives through your passion for learning, your generosity in supporting other people’s projects and careers and also sharing knowledge, your initiative in setting up things like Third Place, and through showing us all how all of that can look on social media and in this blog. I resonate deeply with what you are saying in your blog about business’ unwillingness to embrace change, and it’s telling that, as impactful as your work and the way you pursue it is for individuals, the business world does not seem to have a way for incorporating it. I often bleat about the conservatism of business and I think your blog outlines why pretty well. They need you, but they won’t admit it to themselves. But please don’t think that individuals along the way have not felt the beneficial impacts of your work.
Wow thank you for your kind words Meredith, I really appreciate you taking the time to read and respond. At times I do wonder if it’s all in my head. There are days where you think, “win!” (fist pump) then other days where you’re left scratching your head thinking, “hang on, was that really a win? Will anything really change?” Is it all in my head instead? I think one of the biggest things is that maybe things are as they are because they are meant to be this way? Maybe there are others out there online espousing differently or experiencing things differently OR maybe they’re just better at hiding at things? I don’t really know. To wear your heart on your sleeve obviously does not make good business sense in this world…