McMaster's comment about Soak Time in his reply to LO1340
Michael,
Your thoughts came across to me as a bit glib concerning integration of
soak time or reflection or inner work (which requires time plus
intention). I think more than ever there is a quiet movement among
professionals everywhere (this group is an example) to incorporate
reflection into their considerations; and then to direct their activities
with newfound intention. Corporate management groups bear the brunt of an
army of consultants. Some of this work is unquestionably positive.
Self-analysis, ethical considerations, interpersonal connection at a
profounder level are just a few of many paths which manager people give
time to nowadays.
I would agree with many who believe that management styles in a large
number of organizations date back to the Pleistocene. But there is reason
to take heart in change afoot.
Among athletes, the story may be following the same path. Even large
group athletes (team memebrs) are expressing the need to reflect with
intention. And I'm not referring only to prayer meetings before and after
competition, but to personal, single moments when alignment is sought
through contemplation. There are recorded examples in our biggest media
of athletes who may not come out first, but whose dedication to Heart,
meaning and connectivity mean the most. Somehow this becomes newsworthy!
Oh, Lord!
Deadlines and scoreboards are there. The urge to "push product out at the
end of the month" also pushes aside chances to reflect, to soak in the
chain of causality as best we can interpret it, so as to make "informed"
decisions personally and in the group next time around.
I'm sure you recognize this, too. Over the years I have been made aware
of how I can present too broad, too all-encompassing a statement about how
people are this, or people are that. Hence my reaction to your note.
Promises are kept only when the intention is there. Perhaps best
intention comes mostly with a well-greased connection between heart and
mind.
There's the story about Jung sitting in a Kiva, outside the Hopi circle of
elders who, knowing of his fame and good intentions, had admitted him to
witness the pipe ceremony, but would not let him sit in the circle itself.
At one quiet moment, the Master of the ceremony rose from his position in
the ceremonial circle and approached Jung. "The trouble with you," he
said quietly to Jung, "is that you believe you think with your head. You
must think with your heart."
Kind regards,
-- Barry Mallis "We must not wish for the Total Quality Resource Manager disappearance of any of our MARKEM Corporation troubles, but the grace to Keene, NH 03431 transform them." bmallis@markem.com