The Opsimath

Step aside for a moment

I received an e-newsletter recently that I thought included an article on "the use of meditation in your organisation".

It was a little disappointing to then realise that the article was talking about mediation and conflict resolution (worthy topics though they may be).

However, it got me thinking, maybe we should try and build in reflection time into our schedules. Time to 'step aside'.

Now, a web search on meditation will give you some wild and wonderful sites (one says, "You will literally meditate like a Zen monk at the touch of a button"). Nevertheless, outcomes like greater focus, creativity or self-awareness; or simply a more relaxed and peaceful frame of mind do seem worthwhile.

So, when did you last take a moment away from the hectic pace of your life? Have you recently committed some time to reflect and consider?

Why not seek to get beyond the standard conditioned thinking and 'step aside'?

Begin it now

Inspiration to begin this week:

Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back, always ineffectiveness. Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation), there is one elementary truth the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans.
The moment one definitely commits oneself, then providence moves too. All sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one's favour all manner of unforeseen incidents and meetings and material assistance, which no man could have dreamed would have come his way. Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it. Begin it now.

Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe

Presenting with Passion

On Saturday, I had the pleasure of being at two events at which Steve Chalke was speaking. Steve is a Christian Leader and Activist who has pioneered a number of organisations and initiatives including Oasis and Faithworks. He has presented television programmes for both ITV and BBC, written over 30 books and was awarded an MBE in 2004 for his services to social inclusion. He came to us after speaking to the UN in Geneva last week, and presenting them with a petition of 1.5 million names calling for the end of people trafficking. An impressive CV.

But what impressed me once again on Saturday was Steve's presentation of his message.

I've had the privilege of hearing Steve speak several times before, so I have an idea of what Howard Gardner calls his 'central story, or message'. And what Steve does is to embody and convey that story with real passion; his presentation style enables him to really connect with his audience.

Steve uses:

• No script
• No notes
• No PowerPoint or visual aids

He recognises that, as Bert Decker says, "communication is a contact sport" Steve makes contact with us as he speaks. And it is his ability to communicate so well that has opened so many doors for him.

I read somewhere the other day that "Presentation is the 'Killer Skill' that we take into the real world". Steve Chalke has that skill, but why is it in such short supply elsewhere?