A little history. In our work we have defined cultural principles and a set
of preferred behaviors. Yet there is no passion, no fire. Just a "recovering
of old furniture". We needed to explore other paradigms and discover what
makes people bring their hearts and minds to work.
My thought comes from a weekend of volunteerism. I ran a basketball camp
this past saturday for 150 children ages 5-12. I used high school basketball
team members to coach the kids while I performed the cheerleading and acted
as super coach. What I found is this. The high school students exceeded all
of my expectations and those of the viewing parents. They worked together to
put on an exceptional program while fostering a lasting relation with their
younger peers. What caused this success? Why would the high school students
come in on saturday (at 8:00am no less) and work all day without pay? It
definitly wasn't cool.
While shopping, later that day, I couldn't help noticing the people ringing
their bells in front of their kettles by the store doors. What makes them want
to stand there ringing that bell?
Voluteerism may be my answer. If we could treat each other as voluteers
we may see more of each other's hearts and minds. This would require a
drastic change in most business cultures. People would need a common vision,
would need to be asked rather than told, be given responsibility, supported
for success, and be rewarded as a member of the team. We would feel as though
each of us played a part of the total success. I couldn't have put on the
basketball camp without the help of the high school students and they wouldn't
have been successfull without each other.
Is that my answer; volunteerism? Is it too theoretical or can it be made
pratical? Thoughts?Comments?
-- ** HAPPY HOLIDAYS ** David Reed (206)655-3245 M/S 11-40 Internet: dpr9989@kgv1.bems.boeing.com