March 14, 2006
The Power of Belief (Redux)
I wrote about my sea change in presenting a pitch solely based on the things I believe here. I promised an update and wonderfully those people who I was pitching to bought my vision of the world. Well, at least they bought me as a person and therefore I have a new role starting in mid April. I'll talk more about it when the time is right but suffice it to say it is looking after a company's online brand. So in one fell swoop I get to focus on the things that interest me and hopefully implement the ideas I believe in.
I am now very excited by the prospect and a little annoyed that I can't get going on it straight away - (I have to see out the notice period on my contract).
One thing I do want to mention is that without blogging I would not have got to where I wanted to be as I have had a lot of advice, ideas and friendship from people online (and in real life) to help me with this. I put it together and did the deed however a quick pointer to the people whose ideas I used (and referenced) hopefully not too gushing and in no particular order:
Johnnie Moore for ideas regarding improv, sound advice and some dessert rather than desert and of course Beyond Branding (well his part of it and the blog).
Curt Rosengren - whose passion catalyst website and books slowly inspired me to use belief
Hugh McLeod - the power of something to believe in is infinte, carttons and of couse Stormhoek wine as a case study
James Cherkoff - whose Open Source Marketing and Open Sauce with Johnnie got me firmly hooked on this way of thinking
Stuart Smith - who first introduced me to complexity theory and keeps wanting to work with me (strange fellow :) )
Tomi Ahonen and Alan Moore for Communities Dominate Brands which just puts it in the right way for me.
And my lovely wife, who grounds me and allows me to soar.
Talk to all of these people and you start to get a view of the world that makes more sense than it does for most business and work now.
Blimey... how do I follow that as a post? Answers as always on the metaphorical postcard. By the way, did I mention I was happy :) ?
Posted by Paul Goodison at 02:17 PM | Comments (3) | TrackBack
February 27, 2006
The Power of Belief
I've been reading Emotional Intelligence (by Daniel Goleman) of late, prompted by my mother-in-law, my son (well his behaviour) and the fact that I had it sitting in my 'to read' pile for far too long.
The theme, which I guess I intuitively knew, is that 'control' over your emotions are far more important in life, success and everything that human beings engage in. In fact a number of studies point to how emotional intelligence trumps IQ everytime.
I was reminded of this today when thinking about self-belief and 'being in the zone' or the ability to channel your own abilities through self-belief.
I personally find that when I enjoy something, have fun and truely beleive in what I am doing, my motivation and performance shoot up. Okay so that's nothing startling but being able to channel that energy in a business context is something I have missed out on for a while. On Friday, however I got the opportunity to pitch some ideas as I suggested here. Usually I find this type of pitch hard going, probably because I try and pitch what I think the customer wants to hear. I tried a different approach, which focused on what I believe in: social computing, social networking, word of mouth marketing and open source marketing, etc.
The presentation from my perspective went really well. I enjoyed myself and got across true enthusiasm for the subject matter and my real interest in the business I was pitching. It was very refreshing. Its not that I haven't found other businesses interesting but rather my presentations lacked conviction. So I feel through the power of belief I have turned a corner i.e. reading Emotional Intelligence finally acted as a catalyst to change.
Now, whether the business buy into the ideas or not, it doesn't really matter. Why? Well, because I learned something from the experience and got across an authentic point of view. (Oh and enjoyed it). If I get the work well, its a bonus. Still thanks to them for the opportunity. And my wife helped a huge amount too :)
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November 08, 2005
What market am I in?
I have been essentially frustrated of late. Frustrated in the sense of not being able to achieve certain goals I set myself and not being able to articulate in a meaningful way how to move forward. Its led to a blogging paralysis as well where I'm keep trying to second guess myself on what to write.
The reason I mention this is because I think its something that quite often happens in business as well. A company ends up navel gazing far too much and not focusing on what its customers want, or even more fuindamentally who are its markets?
From my own perspective I felt the market wanted a piece of paper to say I can do things. I spent two years getting a formal qualification in marketing. Last week I went and received my award: a Professional Post-graduate Diploma in Marketing from the CIM. Quite a grand occasion at the Symphony hall in Birmingham, with some surprisingly passionate speeches by Professor Maclolm Macdonald and Lord Heseltine. The passion being in a rallying cry to graduands to continue to develop marketing as a profession and evangelise marketing to others as something more than promotion and advertising.
Has it allowed me to move forward? Well its allowed me to look at business in a quite different light. It allows me to use the 'correct' words in describing concepts such as segmentation, situational analysis, and utilse acronyms like AIDA and SVA and actually know what they mean.
So from having some experience in doing, to having a formal bit of paper, therefore the market should love me? Yes? No.
I'm making the same kind of mistakes that companies do too. I'm not talking to cmpanies and finding out what they want, I'm not engaging with the market. I'm also not differentiating myself from others in a positive way.
The key reason for this maybe like a lot of firms as I mentioned above is that I haven't clearly established in my own mind what is my target market and how to make that market aware of my existence.
So why am I telling you this? Well primarily I'm telling myself. I can't hide from this, and I need to provke myself to move forward. And it gives me an excuse to write in a more targetted way. Perhaps even engage some people in conversation.
Posted by Paul Goodison at 10:26 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
August 31, 2005
Surprises
I noticed that Johnnie is running a workshop on Facilitation for Surprises next week. I wish I could attend, as it sounds like the kind of thing I would enjoy and improve my understanding .
Johnnie's view on this and improvisation set me thinking the other week about the use of improvisation in different contexts and how you learn specific skills techniques which you then apply later.
I recently achieved an orange belt in karate. It was this that set me thinking about practice increasing your ability to perform and to be able to improvise in different surroundings.
Karate (and I apologise to those who know this) consists of certain types of moves (strikes, blocks) and stances, which you learn. You also learn to perform set patterns making use of these basic techniques called Katas. These patterns are often quite old but have been refined over time. Both techniques and patterns can be applied to kumite (sparring) or fighting and also worse case to real life situations should it become necessary.
Thinking of Kumite, the use of the differing techniques and patterns when faced with a new opponent is interesting. As a relative novice I tend to lose all sense of pattern and some technique. Those more experienced though can apply these across situations and opponents to 'win' the bout. This improvisation whilst different to the kind of 'acting' improv that Johnnie is involved in, has a lot in common and translates into a business context. Not I hasten to add in a conflict mode but in terms of practices, techniques and improvisation.
The reason this all popped into my head was reading Dialogue by William Issacs and the idea of techniques, patterns and practices linked well with the ideas in the book. I am wondering how to overlay Dialogue and Karate as a daily drill. Any ideas gratefully received...
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June 10, 2005
Reboot or Exams - you decide?
Johnnie reports from Reboot
I'm liveblogging from reboot7 in Copenhagen. But I've just realised I'd rather be listening than blogging!
I'm not jealous... much...
CIM Exams - Reboot in Copenhagen - Which would you choose?
I think I chose wrongly :(
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April 20, 2005
Movement and Thought
Thinking about Johnnie's comment on my post yesterday, as I walked along the brook bank today.
As always it made me think about my feelings from another angle. I certainly do find being unemployed frustrating, and mostly because I want to be doing something , to be energetic and achieve, help others.
My main issue then is channeling energy in a way that takes me towards a goal, ideally at present, employment!
--
Sent from my Treo
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April 19, 2005
Stillness and Authenticity
In catching up with Evelyn's Crossroads Dispatches, I found a recent post about Niching Authenticity. Sounds interesting and as usual with Evelyn's writing it grabs you (well it grabs me anyway) and that's exactly what she means in terms of niching i.e. getting under your skin - in through the crack in the armour.
It is difficult (but immensely rewarding) work to stay open. To write and speak and act from the heart. It's not necessarily relevatory writing. I don't need to know your social security number or your girlfriend's quirks or what your nightmare last night was about. What is required is staying still when you want to bolt and then writing from that stillness.
I wish I could do it more often but I end up putting barriers in the way of expressing myself, but I'll have a go now....
I HATE BEING UNEMPLOYED!!!!! I am fed up. Its my job to get a job but I have to admit to not liking it. I despartely want to find something that will pay me a decent income and ieally something that will provide fulfillment. Its not easy and I am too self-deprecating sometimes so that I self-edit jobs out of the equation that I should apply to. I have had a few good interviews but no pay off as yet. One thing currently out there that I have fingers crossed for as its working for a company that I would love to work for (although I'm not optimistic about my chances).
One advantage of being unemployed with some cash reserves has been the ability to go and spend sometime with my children doing their weekly things, like swimming lessons. My older son's face when i was there watching him was thrilling and made me remember why it is I do this work thing i.e. to provide for them and keep opportunities open for them.
Perhaps then my ideal job would be working from home with the flexibility to continue to spend time with them, however I'm not sure how I could make that happen. Which is probably why I am frustrated with the whole unemployment thing.
I can hear my son shouting and screaming in delight, playing downstairs while I search for jobs on the web. My daughter is practising her recorder (quite well as it happens - I'm very pleased) and the sun is treaming in through the window in between the rain clouds. It could well be a metephor for how I feel.
In my head I want to know the answer - I want someone to tell me the answer while at the same time knowing that the only answer will come from me, from within, to drive a solution. I'm not a victim. I am me and I will get out of the hole. (Wasn't that a Jesus and Mary Chain song, In a hole?)
A number of books I have read talk about the primacy of action - the need not to think but to do, to make things happen. Sounds great. I'm all for making things happen. The only question is 'What?'
Some thunder is rumbling in the distance. Or maybe its a plane landing at the airfield.
Feeling that this is a bit incoherent, even for a stream of consciousness.
Answers on a (e)postcard to contact[at]betaroad.com please.
Posted by Paul Goodison at 04:33 PM | Comments (3) | TrackBack
March 17, 2005
Exciting times ahead :)
I've been quiet of late on the blogging front paradoxically I've had less time to focus on this being temporaily unemployed than when I was working - I'm sure someone must have invented a rule to descrive this phenomenon - If anyone knows drop me a comment!
I've been busy applying for lots of roles and had a few interviews - a couple still open as we speak and I'm hopeful, however if anyone out there is looking for someone who knows his way around the Internet, broadband and business processes, and has a good working knowledge of marketing then drop me a line.
Next week I have several interesting meetings coming up - tomorrow Johnnie and James's Open Sauce Live - very much looking forward to this.
Next Tuesday also goning to see Johnnie and others talk about the Elephant under the table - outing those things that don;t get said in the corporate world.
On Thursday SixApart are having a presentation on Blogging in Action, looking forward to meeting Alastair Shrimpton, who is Sixapart in the UK, and a number of other very interesting speakers and attendees.
If anyone else is attending those events and like to have a chat please drop me an email.
Posted by Paul Goodison at 08:16 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
February 10, 2005
Goodbyee ntl
Today has been (in theory) my last day at ntl.
After 8 years and 5 months. Its been the best of times and its been the worst of times.
I was very touched by a gift of some Champagne and Chocolates from my old team mates in Internet - most unexpected but I am very grateful.
Thanks to them and all the other people at ntl who have made my time there a pleasure, an experience that I will never forget. It is rare you get to be at the cutting edge of a new market (broadband) and new products - I was very lucky.
Where to next? Remains to be seen but watch this space, as they say...
And now its time to say goodbyee ntl...
Posted by Paul Goodison at 07:57 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
January 12, 2005
Other Plans
Johnnie Moore's Weblog: Other plans...
Priceless.
Hugh's cartoon says it all.
(oh and thanks to Johnnie for the plug (and the sacked/hired for blogging reference))
Posted by Paul Goodison at 04:47 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Experienced Knowledge Worker Available (AKA 2005 Hasn't started well: Part 2)
Well after 8 years its finally happened: ntl are making me redundant. Its a bit of a shock after only being in this new role for 10 months, however considering that this is the 5th or 6th time in 8 years that I have been at risk, its not really that surprising.
It perhaps would have been better to have been "sacked for blogging" but I haven't... ;) (sorry couldn't resist it)
So, I am looking, ideally a strategic role, in either marketing or knowledge management and possibly with connections to Internet technologies (websites, software, hardware) but defintely something that allows me to use my considerable experience of taking ideas / products from inception through business case, design (particularly customer experience and process) and implementation. Ideally based within less than an hour of Farnborough in Hampshire, UK although willing to relocate if the right role is available.
I am available from 11 February 2005.
Any offers, suggestions, help, etc greatly appreciated.
My C.V. can be found here ( or a more traditional version here)
If you want to know more about me in general you can take a look at my about me page
Posted by Paul Goodison at 09:43 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
November 15, 2004
What's the matter with you?
Johnnie Moore's Weblog: Keeping conversations inside the room
I often read things that make me go ah and have a little micro-moment when I think 'yeah I need to do that' but then I fail to seize the day. Unlike most 'ah' moments Johnnie's post from a while back (30 Sept 04) kept with me, and like most good things has matured with age and thinking.
...I took a different approach, which was something like this. I pointed out that what he'd said was a familiar experience for me in the health service, and talked about shadow conversations and their power. I then said, "We could talk about these difficult people who I've not met.. but I imagine you're asking that question because of some doubt of your own about the process - in which case, I'd prefer to talk about that. Or we could talk about your anxiety about confronting them - that's something that is here inside the room." Although he was a bit suprised by this, we did then get into a much more interesting conversation
To illustrate the point further this is Johnnie's point about Shadow conversations:
Then I thought of the times I've worked with bosses and found that, curiously, they do the same thing vis a vis their staff egOf course I agree with that, but you try getting my staff to level with me/understand etc,These are all shadow conversations in which we humans scare ourselves with what often turn out to be untested assumptions about others, instead of focusing on our own heartfelt beliefs. And such conversations are highly infectious; once one person starts the idea, a kind of mass hysteria quickly sets in.
Its about perception and fear. The perception is that the world will naturally disagree with 'us' and that our confidence in what we are about to do is lacking and hence fear.
I can relate to this. While I have no fear about exams and my perception is always one of success (not always the truth but close) other actions which would be simple to another person, such as ringing someone I have never met, is a tough thing - not sure why but it is.
I wonder whether this whole topic stems to a kind of belief in society as a whole that failure is bad. In the big picture of course massive failure can be dreadful but the fear to even take part in something because of the possiblity of failure is dreadful.
I watched ITV's version of the classic Pollyanna yesterday and whilst I can appreciate the 'there is always something to be glad about' sentiment can be a bit twee, it certainly has more than a ring of truth in terms of positive mental attitude. Facing up to the fact that there is something blocking us is no bad thing but it is the ability to reach beyond that and find the power to focus on the positive that can bring us back on track.
If you are finding this a bit twee, remember I am writing this for me :)
Posted by Paul Goodison at 03:34 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
November 11, 2004
My Friends
Had a wonderful time last night catching up with old friends. Gareth, Dave and Steve: three people I hadn't seen in 6-12 years. Amazing!
It certainly cheered me up and reminded me of what is important in life - friends being one of these. It was good to also meet Gareth's wife Jen and Steve's wife Rochelle (hope I've gotten that right?)
Perspective is everything, so I have put Paul Weller on the headphones and tried to get down some thoughts on work.
Shame I haven't seem my other old friend Richard in such a long time.
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November 03, 2004
For success, make unreasonable requests
For success, make unreasonable requests
Its been a while since I blogged Curt, although he is always worth reading, and perhaps from a UK perspective 'Passion Catalyst' could be perceived as cheesy, I (cynic that I am) don't think so:
I had coffee with Lisa Haneberg from Management Craft the other day, and over the course of the conversation she told me about something she does that just begged to be blogged.Every week, she makes at least five unreasonable requests. Requests she has no business making, and that people or companies have no realistic reason to say yes to. She figures that one in ten of those comes to fruition. So once every other week there's a good chance that something off the radar screen cool (like interviewing Guy Kawasaki for her blog) is likely to pop up.
You've heard me say again and again, "Action creates opportunity." This is a great example of that. I'm going to incorporate Lisa's unreasonable request approach into my routine from here on out. Who knows where that will take me?
How about you? What unreasonable requests can you make?
So action and unreasonable requests...
Curt - can I have a full programme of career coaching for free?
I'll see if it works elsewhere too! :)
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November 01, 2004
Possibilities
Johnnie has made it to New Zealand as promised. I hope he enjoys it. For myself I am very jealous - it is my number one 'holiday of a lifetime' to visit (along with the Pacific islands such as the Cook Islands, Samoa, Rapanui (Easter Island) and Fiji). Singapore airlines is reinforced as my carrier of choice :0
Continuing with future posibilities, I received a copy of The Art of Possibility By Rosamund Stone Zander and Benjamin Zander today (recommend by both Johnnie and Evelyn Rodriguez). I can se why they both like the book. I just have to try and make my answer to the the question how are you? to be 'Perfect' becuase as I commented recently its all about your world view, your perception, or as the Zanders put it - 'Its all imagined' because we construct the univers around ourselves and it is filtered through our view on life.
So from now on it isn't a dream to go to New Zealand, its a clear objective for 2009.
Posted by Paul Goodison at 01:57 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
October 29, 2004
Mental Models
I've noticed a number of posts recently that while seemingly unconected have everything to do with how you view the world or your mental models.
Julian asks (or rather tells us)Why wiki doesn’t work - one person’s experience about a colleague who views information in a hierarchical way and therefore finds it impossible to use a wiki, whereas its second nature to Julian.
Evelyn Rodriguez talks about 'Quitting for your Life' which highlights how one person's world view changed when his mental model was altered
[T]here is as much guidance in way that closes behind us as there is in way that opens ahead of us...
At MonkeyMagic, we get a summary of HBS Working Knowledge: Leadership paper authored by Robert Cialdini, 'What Lovers Tell us about persuasion':
...we-are-a-couple-and-so. Of these types, by far the most successful is the last, where one of the pair will start the discussion by affirming the relationshipAs Cialdini puts it,
Back in the 1960s, the brilliant media commentator Marshall McLuhan observed that often in the realm of mass communication, "the medium is the message." I'm willing to claim that often, in the realm of social influence, the relationship is the message.
Again an idea of changing the world view so that the relationship is affirmed first and therefore taken out of the argument.
At the Nub, a quick point about skills vs education and a good point that skills are more important, although I wouldn't do without my education I wish someone have given me more skills than I have got. A mind shift from myself becuase my world view has almost always been about how important academic (book learning) is compared to getting your hands dirty (figuratively as well as acutally).
Overall point is nothing new or startling but simply that how you view the worl colours your life. That can often be an advantage but also a huge disadvantage. Message to me is to always trry and keep an open mind and be more positive in my approach, not assuming that everyone thinks like me.
Posted by Paul Goodison at 04:01 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
September 24, 2004
Quote thought
"Real love is a permanently self-enlarging experience."
Just read this and struck me in two ways:
- Relationships - both sexual and
plutonicplatonic, friends and family - Interests / Hobbies - ideas that capture your interests more than simply that's fun
Assuming that 'Enlarging' is equivalent to growth in this instance then I am a very lucky bod, as I love and am loved by some wonderful people and I have a number of interests which I love and which sustain me (of which one is of course blogging!!)
VBG :)
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September 02, 2004
Time to blog again
Ludwig Wittgenstein
"I don't know why we are here, but I'm pretty sure that it is not in order to enjoy ourselves."
I noticed this little gem posted on Quotes of the Day and it made me laugh, although i suspect its not meant to be humourous!
Haven't had a lot of time lately to update the blog but I have made myself a promise to get going again. I thought a little update on things might be useful too!
Marketing Course - CIM
Amazingly (well to me anyway) I manage to pass my CIM course. I now have a mraketing qualification (apparently its now called a Professional Diploma in Marketing). In a moment of madness, chatting to my fellow CIM suffer Colin we have both signed up for another years of angst (well 2 nights per week of 3 hours of lectures and 2 sets of 2 exams). Wish me luck! I am sure I will need more than last year...
Holiday
Had a wonderful holiday in mid Wales, a place called Tywyn. Its where the 'first' hertitage railway is the Tallylyn (that's tal ich lyn for those of a non-welsh disposition). We managed to visit 8 heritage railways as well as a trip along the Cambrian coast and particularly enjoyed the beach at Fairbourne.
A Land Rover tour by a local holiday cottages owner (and dare I say it slight eccentric) Nick Smyth was truely breath taking. We saw the tops of the hills where iron age burial mounds and standing stones are quite prolific. Nick (or Mr Smiley as my son insisted on saying) also spoke of ley lines and dowsing, and of how he had discovered several lines on his visits to the hills. I am personally skeptical but the strength of belief and the evidence is quite convincing.
My personal favourite visit was to the Centre for Alternative Technology which is near Machynlleth (pron: mac 'un leth). Open to the public this features many exhibits which promote the use of 'alternative' technology or environmentally friendly ways of living. I really enjoyed playing around with the wave generator and looking at the ways of making compost (it sounds dull but it isn't). I was also impressed with the cafe. Great food. We also visited the satellite cafe & health food shop in Machynlleth itself which was also good.
We enjoyed several slices of Welsh culture, partly through places such as King Arthur's Labyrinth (near Corris) and also through the very wonderful Celtica (also in Machynlleth). Learning about the Celts and their culture was very interesting and the interactive exhibits were great! In places it was slightly jingoistic (or maybe defiant) but then I am an Englishman.
The prevelance of Welsh everywhere was quite refreshing and in some cases surprising. It did feel that I was somewhere 'foreign' sometimes not that this was a bad thing merely unexpected. My favourite example of this was at the Corris Railway where the lady behind the counter kept calling me 'bach' (a term of affection) after every sentence.
Go there - the scenery is beautifaul, the people wonerful and there is plenty to do.
Work
Lots going on on the work front especially in terms of online customer service initiatives. Also lots going on in terms of new broadband initiaitves. I'll hopefully talk more about these in future.
Comments (as long as they are not SPAM!!!) gratefully received.
Posted by Paul Goodison at 10:51 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
March 10, 2004
Moving Chairs on the Good ship ntl
Lots of things to say, never the time or the right words...
After a lot of thinking I decided to look around for a new role late last year (well with more committment to finding something) and started applying internally within ntl. Last week this paid off and I was recruited for a new role (eCare Manager). This ends two and a half years within Internet Product Development, a time punctuated by learning a great deal, having some great challenges and unfortunately getting rather fed up with certain people and situations.
These situations contiued today with yet more re-organisation taking place (5 in 6months - how wrong can the management team be?) and compunded by a promise to deliver a new structure for 1st wekk in March and now retracting that and saying it won't be until April. Luckily I am out of the area as from a week tomorrow and while I am very excited by my new role it is with a certain amount of regret that I move on as I don't feel I achieved all that I wanted to within my current role.
On the positive side my new challenge is to deliver online customer care for ntl: Home customers; a not insignificant challenge but one which I have been yearning to do for the last 6 years! An opportunity indeed. It is also a step towards marketing as it is within a Customer Loyalty team. One of my key personal objectives is to listen and hopefully open up dialogue with customers (as I frequently have said I would like to in this blog) in general and specifically around what online tools they would like to interact with ntl. For a number of the more frustrated ones I am guessing a beat the Managing Director game where via a webcam and a robotic arm you can view over the web harm coming to members of ntl: Home's senior management. (If you actually like this idea I will see if I can get an online game commissioned!)
I am also go and try to use the blog to discuss more of what I am doing as its generally less sensitive than new product development - maybe I can even start an official blog... told you I was excited. Anyway in the meantime if you want to get in touch leave a comment or drop me an email!
Posted by Paul Goodison at 10:15 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
December 04, 2003
Stages of Career Change
Curt is a guy doing the thing he gains most passion from. You (and I) can learn a lot from his site which I have to say gets better the longer he is blogging, and I can draw a considerable amount of solace and inspiration.
This article struck me today:
1) Restlessness, boredom and fatigue, even after a vacation.
2) The Call. Here we sense the possibility of a new journey beckoning to us. But "the call" is accompanied by fear of losing control, loss of the known and the comfortable and perhaps, the status associated with it.
3) The Awakening. Denial is broken. Emotional pain increases to the point that it can no longer be ignored.
4) Tug-of-War in the Twilight Zone. Feeling torn between the old self and the still unknown but "emerging" new self. Reflection, not action, is important at this time.
5) Emptying and Letting Go. Releasing old fantasies, expectations, and self-definitions that no longer fit clears the way for new perceptions and allows options to be revealed.
6) Rediscovery and Recognition. Acceptance of loss. Reconnection with the shadow self and a feeling of "coming home."
7) Reintegration and Renewal. The pieces begin to settle into place. Release of energy that has been held or blocked can now be directed towards the new.
Its based on an article by KathyWild and really captures some of the things I feel i need to be doing. I think I might place myself somewhere between 3 and 5 - I haven't quite let go yet but the feelings of loss are very strong.
Posted by Paul Goodison at 11:10 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
November 20, 2003
Birthday time
Another year older, another year wiser, or so they say...
I think this year I would prefer to say that I've made some good and interesting friends. I've learnt a lot of new things, and am constantly being stimulated (in an intellectual way) by people and ideas. And that my ability to love has grown as I gain more experience of what it means to be human.
Posted by Paul Goodison at 11:03 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
November 06, 2003
Your little voice
Via Seb's Open Research which I usually read for far more exciting things, however this is a marvellous quote:
Sometimes I lie awake at night, and I ask, "Where have I gone wrong?"Then a voice says to me, "This is going to take more than one night."
Not only is this truly funny (well it made me laugh out loud!) but it also highlights an important aspect of our personalities - 'our inner voice'. The voice which attempts to pull back our sense of the real and of the true. Even when we tell lies to ourself our little voice comes back with a good sense of reality. While to most people the quote may appear sad, I think its extremely positive, because its the first step along the road to realising our fears, accepting where we are and moving on.
Ask yourself where you went wrong. Answer it. Learn from it, if you can, and then put it behind you. Even if it does take more than one night. :)
Posted by Paul Goodison at 04:57 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
October 29, 2003
Humility and Authenticity
Fast Company Now
Heath Row in Fasty Company's Blog Now:
an article in the current issue of Executive Update about self-promotion strategies that avoid being a blowhard or braggart. The author, Nancy Graham, offers these 12 "tooting tips" for bragging:
- Be your best, authentic self
- Think about to whom you are tooting
- Say it with meaningful and entertaining stories
- Keep it short and simple
- Talk with me, not at me
- Be able to back up what you say
- Know when to toot
- Turn small talk into big talk
- Keep bragalogues and brag bites current and fresh
- Be ready at a moment's notice
- Have a sense of humor
- Use it all: your eyes, ears, head, and heart
I mention this purely for myself to read and take notice. Apparently, according to a number of people who have managed me, I don't do enough of this. I suspect its because sometimes I am too authentic (cycnical and negative) for my own good. A tart response woold be to suggest I should wear a airline stewardess painted smile and repeat a positive mantra everyday. It wouldn't be me, but then maybe that's what is expected?
No scrub that. What is expected is that you hide the negative identity and only show the positive; put the punch bag in the garage and hit til your fists bleed when you get home, but in work, everything is fine!
I've been thinking a lot about these issues this week - identity, authenticity and perception. I feel I am on the cusp of a great argument but its just beyond my finger tips... I think the last point in the above list is what I need - 'use it all...'
Posted by Paul Goodison at 08:48 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
October 27, 2003
Good News
Last week I was told I still have a job (Hooray?) and that although the structure has changed and the job role has changed (narrowed), ntl are still going to be paying me.
I guess I should be happy but generally feel a bit numb, especially when I consider others around me and look at how the new structure is meant to 'improve' things.
On a more positive note, I am on holiday this week which gives me time to reflect, time to intellectually challenge myself (here and here) and most importantly have fun with the children.
As I completely failed in my challenge last week, expect much of the same this week.
Thanks once again BTW to those who have sent in supporting comments, and good luck to anyone else who is in difficult positions job/career wise - I empathise and sympathise.
Posted by Paul Goodison at 08:00 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
October 16, 2003
Ton's looking for work too...
Ton's Interdependent Thoughts: Hire me!
John briefly mentioned yesterday about Ton also looking for work and I noticed this, first thing this morning.
I think I could write something similar but then again see yesterday's postings.
Good luck Ton.
Posted by Paul Goodison at 06:25 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
October 15, 2003
Beyond Branding - The Meeting (Part 2)
My main motivation for the meeting, as with this blog was to meet interesting people and have stimulating conversations. I definitely achieved that objective.
I was also hoping to generate some ideas about where to head in terms of my career. I have to admit to going about this in a rather crass way. A way in which I hadn't intended, perhaps because I was too relaxed and not really thinking about what I was saying (just call me Paul 'gis a job' Goodison). However John, Tim, thank you for the advice and suggestions, I'll certainly follow them up.
My last objective however was to see if there were ways I could collaborate with John in terms of writing or development of ideas (NB see John's site here), I didn't manage to articulate this despite a discussion about the most interesting thing in conversations are those things not said. Well now I've said it.
The most important result today though is that it has made me think, and consider a number of areas again, particularly what I want to do when I grow up (as my wife would say). I don't know that answer clearly enough, although I do know it needs to fire a passion in me. Just as the Beyond Branding ideas / concept has done.
And in case you missed it:
UK readers can order it here from the publisher at the discounted price of £20.
Alternatively you can buy it at Amazon UK or US
Posted by Paul Goodison at 11:12 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
October 14, 2003
A big Thank you (via Curt)
The Occupational Adventure (sm) Blog: The Boomerang - who linked to me this week?
Curt - thank you for your support, see here(and your reciprocal mention on Ocupational Adventure). It is appreciated.
I have had a lot of positive support from friends, family and colleagues, with numerous offers of help and who have said little things which have helped me maintain my confidence and even cheer in difficult circumstances. So in no particular order:
Jane (my wife), Stuart, Wendy and Dave. Jon, Heidi, Sharon (who are in the same boat) and everyone else - Thank you.
A particularly special mention should go to my manager, Peter, who I know has had a really tough time over the past few weeks, because he is the person who has had to deliver the bad news in detail and support us through the uncertainty, whilst also being the person who basically decides on our fates.
I've appreciated you as a manager and you have my respect as someone who does their best to look after your team and develop them. Wherever I end up, I want to recognise your help and patience over the last 2+ years. Thank you.
Posted by Paul Goodison at 10:40 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
October 09, 2003
Energy Differential
The Occupational Adventure (sm) Blog: The energy differential
John Porcaro was spot on the money: Curt's blog is an engaging read. I suspect partly because I'm in that place where passion is needed.
I sometimes joke (no really - it's just a joke!) that you could introduce me to a brick wall, ask me a question about my Passion Catalyst work, and I could easily carry on a good hour-long conversation - probably more, if it seemed like the wall was showing the faintest glimmer of interest.
I had a few moments like that this evening at my CIM Market Research course, feeling a buzz and having to almost shut myself up!
Yep, you're right Curt there is definitely potential for an energy differential in my career. Anyone else?
Posted by Paul Goodison at 10:51 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
October 03, 2003
Passion (and I don't mean the suffering kind)
The Occupational Adventure (sm) Blog
In conversations with hundreds of people who have been sitting on the side, eyeing the passion pool, I've heard countless reasons that are keeping them stuck.
One of the biggest?
That's not what success looks like.
Success, in our classic American definition, can be summed up in one simple word...MO'. As in mo' money, mo' status, mo' things.
Mo' money is easy to quantify. Mo' happiness, on the other hand, is not. Guess which one gets used more often as a ruler to measure success.
I knew I woujld like Curt's blog! Yep passion ladies and gentlemen - please show me some. Please let me show it to myself.
This broadband thing has become kind of a passion but not as much as writing or learning or my wife or family or science fiction or rugby or even this blog. Passion is usually seen as bad. Why 'cos passion is emotion and we need to be disspaionate analysts of data.
To use the venacular (as the VW ad is telling us) Bollocks!
Curt is right I need to show some passion about myself and get off my backside and do more. I hate working to live. I need something more otherwise the wheel has a flat tyre.
Hands up who needs a pssionate, inspiring, clever person working for them? My CV (resume) is always available.
And Curt... this is the Internet - virtual space is tiny. Quantum. And so is thinking, learning and knowing space.
Now meatspace is big, And most people still think meatspace.
Posted by Paul Goodison at 06:59 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
September 02, 2003
Keep smiling or you might end up ill!
BBC NEWS | Health | Negative thoughts 'make you ill'
Okay, I am really going to have to make more of an effort to cheer up:
Having negative thoughts really could make you more illness-prone, say scientists.
A study in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences links "negative" brain activity with a weakened immune system.
My generally dour and depressed outlook come from my teenage years when I was a Goth and i have never managed to shake it. I think light (or rather lack of it can also have an effect:
Dr Davidson said: "Emotions play an important role in modulating bodily systems that influence our health.
"We turned to the brain to understand the mechanisms by which the mind influences the body."
So I think I will just have to learn to laugh at least once a day. Mostly at myself. Still my youngest son is a smiler, he is enough to cheer you up (so long as its not at 3am)
Posted by Paul Goodison at 11:10 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
August 28, 2003
Ch, Ch, Ch, Changes
I signed up for a course in Marketing today. I decided to take the plunge after advice from our Director of Product Marketing and Strategy and John Porcaro.
Thanks to both of them :) (John the beer is still on, I hope?)
The course is ratified by the Chartered Institute of Marketing and is their Level 2 qualification (Advanced Certificate in Marketing)
I'm genuinely excited tonight. I can't wait to begin :)
In addition tomorrow is ECTS (10am outside Earl's Court - I'm the big guy in the glasses) and Saturday is my daughter's birthday!
Fun, Fun, FUN!!!!!
Posted by Paul Goodison at 11:20 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
August 08, 2003
Tarot Reading
Via Halley's Comment
Pick a card - Voyager Tarot - Card A Day
I did.
Apparently I am a Magician. This seems spookily in line with my thoughts on the matter (I do mean the description on the page) :0
Wonder what happens if I do it again? Time Space.
Okay I know rationally that these cards are randomly generated by a computer, but I am offically weirded out.
My Dad always did tell me not to play with tarot.
Posted by Paul Goodison at 04:26 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Blow your own Trumpet
Do THEY Know What You've Done for Them Lately?
Today, I found a great article on self-promotion, from Harvard Management Communication Letter. Self-promotion is a fundamental expectation here, and virtually nobody is promoted unless his or her boss's boss knows all about what they do, and sees value in it. There's a fine line between being a pest, and doing what's best for your career.
Tom Krattenmaker is director of news and information at Swarthmore College, near Philadelphia, and shares his insight (lots more worth reading in the newsletter):
"Mastering the delicate art of selling yourself is critical to career success, but it isn't easy. Overdo the self-promotion, and you can get a reputation as a grandstander. But duck the limelight, and miss out on well-deserved plaudits.
The difference between right and wrong
Arch Lustberg, the author of How to Sell Yourself: Winning Techniques for Selling Yourself ... Your Ideas ... Your Message , sums up the difference between effective self-promotion and obnoxious boasting in one word: likability. ... "No one is going to buy your message or your idea," Lustberg says, "until first they buy you."
John, yet again finding the interesting points. It brought to mind a number of reviews on me where I have been told to quote, 'blow my own trumpet'. and yet when I compare that to advice elsewhere about 'making other people look good', I wonder.
I always view any piece of work as a team effort. In fact I rarely get to do anything self-initiated or on my own, at present.
When I discuss achievements it is mostly in terms of the team or an individual within the team (BTW 'team' refers to people working on a proejct for me. I just like to refer to them as a team).
I would rather let the success speak for itself, but I guess I don't work in an environment where that does me any good. So should I change my behaviour?
I believe I should in that I need to add in pointers to my reponsibility and be more confident in who I am and what I can do.
I worked out I had deliverd something like 8 projects this year. I believe the revenue from them is over £10m p.a.
Anyone out there teach trumpet playing?
Posted by Paul Goodison at 09:28 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
August 05, 2003
Distinctive Competency
We have forgotten all this, to our catastophic impoverishment and debasement. If we all realized that we have a distinctive competency, the consequences for our self-esteem, for our perceived value in the workplace, for the entire social and political and economic system, would be enormous, earth-shaking. It took me forty years to find mine.* We need to teach young people how to find theirs, more quickly and efficiently, to help them learn what is their true calling. We live in a world so connected that, having found our calling, what we do best, we could almost certainly find the market, and the people whose distinctive competencies are a perfect fit with ours, the people we are ideally suited, destined to make a living with. This is my vision for New Collaborative Enterprises.
Dave Pollard waxing lyrical. I believe my distinctive competency is similar to Dave's, in that I look at ideas and try and find a way to apply them, usually to benefit where I am working at the time (and occasionally me). I rarely get to use this competency these days, becasue of my current position and the context or my 'new' sub-organisation.
In companies where people are not rewarded for innovation or ideas or creativity, where accountability or 'cover your arse' syndrome proliferates, there is unfortunately no place for people who think outside the box. Robots or drones are expected. When I hear the phrase 'best practice' these days I hear 'get in the box', 'cos that's where best practice is... anyone outside is against us and open to be disciplined.
Inside the box is a very dark place... I'm hoping to apply my distinctive competency and head into the light.
People with torches, storm lights and small stars should head to Beta Road.
Posted by Paul Goodison at 10:28 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
August 02, 2003
Social Studies and IT
Anne Galloway | Purse Lip Square Jaw
Housekeeping
Because there were substantial revisions, I've replaced my Ubicomp and Everyday Life paper with the final draft. A slightly different version will appear in a forthcoming special issue of the journal Cultural Studies.
I also posted an annotated bibliography (73 KB pdf) for my Social Studies of Information & Technology course syllabus.
I read Anne's blog regularly but I think this may be only be second reference.
My first academic love is the social sciences. My principle area being Political studies, but I also studied social policy, sociology, some cultural themes and (for good measure) economics. I've also taught in most of the above too.
I've never linked those interests in with working within a technology environment. Well at least not before I started reading Anne's blog.
The above article makes reference to her paper on Ubiquitous Computing and the City, and to the reading list for a course she runs in Social Studies of Information & Technology at the University of Carelton in Ottawa, Canada. I may well buy a few books off the list and indulge my thinking muscles.
Posted by Paul Goodison at 11:30 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
July 30, 2003
Today's Quote with Comments
The structure of the language one habitually uses influences the way he perceives his environment ...
Lev Semenovich Vygotsky
Spotted this on the Vygotsky site. It reminded me of passages from 'Awaken the Giant within' by Anthony Robins, where he encourages you to change your life by modifying your language for describing things.
For example using excited instead of nervous, or I'm a tad fed up rather than I've had enough.
My thanks to Graham for helping me to remember that there are alternatives to my current environment. Alter or take another path...
Posted by Paul Goodison at 11:45 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
July 29, 2003
5 Patterns of Extraordinary Careers
From John's blog and his results I thought I would have a go!
The 5 Patterns of Extraordinary Careers
Paul Goodison's Quiz Results
Your total score is: 53 points, Average Employee (up to 59 points)
Other ranges are 60-89 points (Successful Professional) and 90-100 points (Extraordinary Executive)
Your thoughts and behaviors are consistent with an Average Employee.
You are in a range where numerous professionals fall. Many Average Employees are highly talented, but sometimes experience frustration with their career trajectories, or lack of control over their professional direction. You may have met with some successes in your career, which begs the question how much more successful could you be if you began putting the 5 Patterns of Extraordinary Careers to work in your own career.
Pattern 1 - Understand the Value of You
Pattern 1 Score: Average Employee (53 points)
Pattern 2 - Practice Benevolent Leadership
Pattern 2 Score: Average Employee (55 points)
Pattern 3 - Overcome the Permission Paradox
Pattern 3 Score: Successful Professional (60 points)
Pattern 4 - Differentiate Using the 20/80 Principle of Performance
Pattern 4 Score: Successful Professional (87 points)
Pattern 5 - Find the Right Fit (Strengths, Passions & People)
Pattern 5 Score: Average Employee (43 points)
The only one that really surprised me here was benevolent leadership and I am a little disappointed by that figure. Perhaps the worst result is actually the worst result i.e. 'Find the Right Fit' and is telling something I think I already know...
I think it will be well worth reading this book.
(I just had another go and improved my scores significantly just by taking a little more time to consider my answers and being more positive about me - I'll let these scores stand though as I feel they are probably a more accurate reflecting of my current career, though not my potential)
Posted by Paul Goodison at 01:36 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
July 28, 2003
Discover Your Strengths
I was extremely interested to read Jon's recent posting on his strengths, as outlined by Gallup's Strength Finder.
As I have come to trust Jon's judgement (through his weblog and correspondence) I thought I would purchase the book, "Now Discover Your Strengths". I luckily found a copy through Amazon UK and have just started reading it.
I am very impressed with what I have read so far. In particular the thought provoking,
Most organizations take their employees strengths for granted and focus on their weaknesses... But this isn't development, its damage control...
Each person's talents are unique and enduring
Each person's greatest room for growth is in the areas of his or her greatest strength these snippets are from page 8.
I intend to work my way through the book and the strength finder application.
And Thanks to Jon
Posted by Paul Goodison at 11:00 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
July 07, 2003
The ability to act...
Just reading through David Gurteen's Quotations, hoping for a little inspiration of a Monday morning.
I came across this quote, which doesn't exactly inspire but does put some of my current frustration in context:
"I think "knowledge management" is a bullshit issue. Let me tell you why. I can give you perfect information, I can give you perfect knowledge and it won't change your behavior one iota. People choose not to change their behavior because the culture and the imperatives of the organization make it too difficult to act upon the knowledge. Knowledge is not the power. Power is power. The ability to act on knowledge is power. Most people in most organizations do not have the ability to act on the knowledge they possess. End of story."
Michael Schrage, Teamwork Consultant
Knowledge Inc. Interview
The phrase, because the culture and the imperatives of the organization make it too difficult to act upon the knowledge is exactly it. I feel constrained NOT empowered, even though I think I have some good knowledge and the ability to distill recommendations from that knowledge.
I refer myself however to the 7 habits by Stephen Covey, which talks about working on your sphere of influence and be positive :0
Not finding it easy this morning.
Posted by Paul Goodison at 11:32 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
April 07, 2003
Seven Habits
I have been attempting to read Stephen Covey's Seven Habits of Highly Effective People in addition yesterday I picked up and started to read Anthony Robins, Awaken the Giant within!
Both books offer ways to improve your life and while I am normally fairly cynical about these types of things. I think they may prove useful. I intend to spend some time reading, taking notes and hopefully taking actions from these books over my Easter holiday.
Posted by Paul Goodison at 09:27 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Seven Habits
I have been attempting to read Stephen Covey's Seven Habits of Highly Effective People in addition yesterday I picked up and started to read Anthony Robins, Awaken the Giant within!
Both books offer ways to improve your life and while I am normally fairly cynical about these types of things. I think they may prove useful. I intend to spend some time reading, taking notes and hopefully taking actions from these books over my Easter holiday.
Posted by Paul Goodison at 09:27 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack