Life is full of odd coincidences isn’t it?
I was in Birmingham, England the last week being interviewed as a finalist for the Director of the Year Award – I am honoured to be on the shortlist and the process was run in a delightful and professional way with me being quizzed by five eminent business people. On the way there I passed the statute that you can see in the picture. One I have often seen over the years on my trips in and out of Birmingham, where I worked for a time.
I have always found the city and people delightful with many aspects not fully appreciated.
Did you know it has more canals than Venice?
Has one of the best collections of Pre Raphaelite paintings in the world?
Is the true heart of the Industrial Revolution thinking that changed the world?
Well I was at an event only a few days after when the presenter spoke about Mathew Boulton and James Watt – two of the people on this elegant statue, the other is James Murdock. All significant players in the industrial revolution in the late 1700’s. Interesting I thought as I sat there. All the more interesting as he mentioned the Lunar Society which was founded in Birmingham in the late 1750’s by people who included Mathew Boulton and Erasmus Darwin (Charles Darwin’s grandfather).
The society developed over the years with many well know names becoming associated with it including Benjamin Franklin who visited Birmingham (no easy journey back in 1758) and remained in contact for many years.
One of my specialisms is the intensive development of individuals and teams utilising a whole range of materials I have tried, tested and proven work (including Insights Discovery which I have mentioned elsewhere in my blog). The working of the Lunar Society is fascinating and powerful and values the different skill sets of other:
- How often do we really value the different skill sets of others, especially when in a team?
- How supportive of each other are we really?
- How often do we commit and focus on our goals?
Well this coincidence really did pay dividends – it reminded me of things I knew…..but had forgotten or forgotten to do.
There are too many spectators of life so what have you forgotten too that could just help in making you a better player?
My best wishes,
Peter
