Average is Hard – Alan Ritchson
Posted on March 1, 2024 11 Comments
I was watching the Michael Rosenbaum podcast Inside of You with Alan Ritchson recently when the Reacher star said “Average is hard.”
Inside of You is a fabulous podcast where actor (he was awesome as Lex Luthor in Smallville) and muscician Michael Rosenbaum talks to personalities and others regarding the good and bad things they have experienced in life, the highs and lows and the demons too.
In the case of Alan Ritchson, we have a person who struggles with bi-polar disorder. In his world, even being average is hard. Alan is a hard working actor, with a successful career that is now reaching new heights 😉 By Alan sharing insights re his condition, we get an appreciation of how to face those moments that undermine our own lives, regardless of the cause.
The more I thought about his comment that average is hard, the more I thought about how true this is.
Throughout my career, I have moved mountains, worked far more than I should have and ignored the average things in life all too often. And I have paid the price in terms of my health. Fortunately, not in terms of my family though. Although many of my friends have gone through long periods of time without hearing from me, I do reach out occasionally – I am still there.
What does it mean to be average, anyway? It’s really just another way of saying slow down, stop and smell the roses, breath in, relax, enjoy the moment, the sunshine, the rain, the magnificent view over the ocean or gaze towards the mountain tops. Enjoy that cup of tea or coffee.
Breaking that push pull effect we experience regarding those matters that dominate our life is extremely hard. It takes as much discipline to break the connection as it does to maintain it. When I realised this, it was an “ah ha” moment.
The mental discipline required will include: I will take that break, I will leave on time for that holiday (or in my case, I will not cancel that holiday), I will ignore my phone messages, I will ignore my emails, I will ignore the last thing that went wrong (Learn from it, apologise, don’t dwell on it, stop the self talk by actually talking it through with a trusted someone).
Commit to being you, grab control, it’s okay to say no, embrace charging through the pack to make it to the door and the rest will follow.
Right now I’m in Margaret River being average. I’m on the lounge, writing stuff, watching too many shows on line and thinking about all the wonderful destinations to visit here over the next week or so.
Wishing You All A Very Merry Christmas 2023 🎅🎄🧑🎄
Posted on December 24, 2023 20 Comments
I thought I would send out a quick Christmas cheer…
I haven’t been particularly well of late and I have had to close out 2023 at work with all I had left in the tank, which was very successful I might add. On top of that, I obviously have an issue re WordPress as I am not receiving notification of posts from quite a few of you. Maybe I will sort that out in the New Year 😉
Since arriving home, the car is now covered in tinsel. Linda’s car has a set of reindeer antlers and a red nose on it 😂
So, here is to wishing you all the very best for Christmas 🎅 🎄🎁
Now And Then – My Reaction, The True Worth of AI And Some Other Musings
Posted on November 5, 2023 8 Comments
Despite all the thoughtful reviews out there on the Beatles final song, it wasn’t until I played along to it on my guitar that the beauty of Now And Then hit home…
My initial reaction listening to Now And Then, in its final form, on the day of its official release, was mixed.
I had watched an interview earlier with Paul on how Peter Jackson was instrumental in suggesting to him that AI could help separate John’s vocals from his piano playing on the scratchy cassette recording.
Then, when watching yesterday 😉 the wonderful Rick Beato’s thoughts and breakdown about Now And Then, including the AI process, I picked up my guitar and started playing along. Like many instances previously with songs I wasn’t sure about or didn’t really like, I discovered during my playing, the magic of John’s last gift to Paul, and ultimately, the Beatles.
As my wife said at the time, Now And Then has a lovely melody. Not only that, A Minor is one of my all time favourite keys.
The process of bringing us the Beatles final song after 50 years is the perfect example of how AI is a tool that can assist us in what we do and not replace us. The biggest challenge in helping those who work for us, with us and around us, is how they can become skilled in the use of AI.
Now And Then may, or may not be about John and Paul’s relationship. Yoko passing on John’s cassette to Paul back in 1994, the subsequent attempt by the remaining Beatles to bring Now And Then to life says all we need to know about the respective relationships. We don’t need to think about this too deeply anymore.
It’s clear. There is always that someone in our lives who, because of their support, makes it possible for us to do what we need to do. It doesn’t matter if we succeed or fail. As John sings:
“It’s all because of you…”
Happy Halloween 🎃
Posted on October 29, 2023 9 Comments
Wishing you a ghoulish good time on Old Hallows Eve…
I’m Climbing Into The Clown Car and Heading To The Big Tent!
Posted on October 27, 2023 13 Comments
I had one of those days this week where I was told a key component for a major road intersection upgrade I have responsibility for, can no longer be approved under the current land management system…
Now, I can’t go into any details at this point in time, but the person who advised me on this matter was so concerned what my reaction would be, that they rang me ahead of time. They didn’t want me receiving a rather detailed email to my enquiry from a week earlier that was, perhaps one, which would have steam coming out of my ears.
They needn’t have been so worried. Within 60 seconds I was laughing down the phone. I then said it was okay and I understood the reasons why. I kept laughing. The person on the other end of the phone was so relieved, they then said there were three potential options, but none of them met the current legislative requirements, in the strictest sense.
That being said, I do know many of my colleagues, other local government CEOs, in the same situation would have blown their cool.
However, because of the ridiculousness of it all, I did say, well this project has been on the go for six years now and is the gift that keeps on giving. Then afterwards, to my management team and my town planner, I said “well I’m climbing into the clown car now,” and one of my senior management team finished of with “and going to the big tent (top).”
Sometimes, life is a circus. The best thing you can do, despite juggling all those balls, tumblers, plates and batons – is laugh. Then have a nice cup of tea and find a nice view somewhere…
Now He’s Incommunicado – Farewell Jimmy Buffet
Posted on September 3, 2023 33 Comments
One of my all time favourite musicians has passed away. Jimmy Buffet is a valued part of my vinyl collection, with Coconut Telegraph played regularly, both on the turntable and on the guitar…
It was only the other night I had picked up my guitar and belted out Margaritaville, including that wonderful calypso introduction. Jimmy’s music is a celebration of life in all its forms, with ultimately that introspection regarding what it means to be at peace with oneself. He was also a great humanitarian.
Firm favourites sung by Jimmy for as long as I can remember include Cheeseburger in Paradise, A Pirate Looks at Forty, Come Monday, Fins, Volcano, Margaritaville, Incommunicado, Little Miss Magic, Somewhere Over China, Growing Older But Not Up, Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes, Stars Fell On Alabama, It’s My Job, and this song from Coconut Telegraph:
Island
Island I see you in the distance
I feel that your existence
Is not unlike my own
Island they say no man is like you
They say you stand alone
Sometimes I feel that way too
Is it the need for love?
Heart and soul accompaniment
That seems to make me different from you
Well I tried to book passage, but you have no ports
And I tried to sail in but your wind and waters
Tore my sails and broke my oars.
Island I see you in the moonlight
Silhouettes of ships in the night
Just make me long that much more
Island I see you in all of my dreams
But I’m a man with no means to reach your distant shore
When the need for love
Heart and soul accompaniment
That seems to make me different from you
I’ve tried to build bridges
But they all fell down
I’ve taken to the air on wings of silver
But always hit the ground
Well I tried to book passage, but you have no ports
And I tried to sail in but your wind and waters
Tore my sails and broke my oars.
Island I see you in the moonlight
Silhouettes of ships in the night
Just make me long that much more
I always wanted to be at a Jimmy Buffet pool party
Well, in a few weeks someone responsible for this blog will be holding a birthday party for reaching a key milestone and there will be loud shirts and leis for everyone…
It’s About Connection, Not Perfection – Yo-Yo Ma
Posted on August 28, 2023 21 Comments
As I logged into YouTube this morning, a delightful advertisement for a Yo-Yo Ma masterclass popped up…
Without me saying too much, Yo-Yo Ma is, apart from being an amazing cello player, a wonderful human being.
As I was transfixed watching what he had to say, he said he found it difficult to tell people what to do. Then, in hand with this, he said one time when he was playing at a concert he had an epiphany. He didn’t have to be better or to be the best.
It’s clear, this moment simplified his life. The stressors began to melt away.
It occurred to him, it was about connection, not perfection. By being with others, he was making it better for them, him and those who shared in the experience.
Like a Thor thunderbolt, it hit me. The greatest successes I ever had were about connection, not perfection.
I was at a zone meeting on Friday, a regional meeting of local governments. Suddenly, the environmental and waste advisory manager for the local government industry came rushing over to me. It’s amazing, she said. You got 10 – 15 times the funding others applied for regarding e-waste transfer stations and other strategies. I was intrigued when you said you had applied for the grant, but you’ve actually done it.
At this point, I realised she was seeking a pearl of wisdom.
Our success happened because of the connection we had with each other when compiling the grant, a team effort. It was not about telling each other how the application should be done, but about developing the content together. By being in each others orbit.
Then when discussing the parameters of the proposed e-waste transfer stations externally, the team tasked with this project made sure the funders were fully apprised at every stage of the application when it was developed.
The feedback we received: this was the best strategy they had ever seen re the implementation of e-waste transfer stations 😊
Music, like all of culture, helps us to understand our environment, each other, and ourselves. Culture helps us to imagine a better future. Culture helps turn “them” into “us.” And these things have never been more important.
Yo-Yo Ma
This is Great News Regarding The Platypus!
Posted on August 6, 2023 21 Comments
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-08-06/platypuses-in-sydney-hills-district-near-development/102685842
If you click on the above link, it will take you to a video where you can watch them releasing the platypus back into their natural habitat after evaluating how healthy they are 😊
The platypus is one of the all time great animals found on Planet Earth. Those involved in the recent rediscovery of this amazing animal after 25 years in Sydney’s northern fringe is a great example of how we should never give up on protecting our environment. Read on…
Platypuses confirmed living near development in Sydney’s north-western Hills District
ABC Radio Sydney / By Declan Bowring
Posted 2h ago
Platypuses found in Sydney’s north-west suburbs(Supplied: Dr Michelle Ryan)
Platypuses have been confirmed living in waterways near urban areas in Sydney’s northern fringe for the first time since 1998.
Key points:
The discovery confirms DNA and anecdotal evidence of platypus sightings in north-west Sydney
Council is running information sessions this month to educate residents about living with the monotremes
Pollution and habitat loss are big threats to the population, a researcher says.
Following sightings and DNA evidence, researchers with Cattai Hills Environment Network (CHEN) set up nets and captured a healthy platypus in the Cattai Creek catchment in Sydney’s Hills District.
Western Sydney University ecologist Michelle Ryan says she’s surprised to find them so close to urban areas.
“Those creek systems really face increasing pressures and development pretty much goes up right up to the creek,” Dr Ryan says.
“It was really good to see that they’re able to, at the moment, withstand that development.”
The environmental group and researchers found DNA evidence of the monotremes living in the catchment zone in 2020.
A healthy platypus was captured by researchers in the Cattai Creek Catchment in Sydney’s north-west.(Supplied: Dr Michelle Ryan)
In addition to the capture of the healthy platypus in February, this evidence has led the group to believe there are at least 18 in the creek system that runs from Castle Hill to the Hawkesbury River.
It confirms anecdotal evidence of sightings in the area, which CHEN has been trying to confirm since the group’s foundation in 2016.
The platypus named Bluey was the first scientifically confirmed sighting since 1998, Dr Ryan says.(Supplied: Dr Michelle Ryan)
“The fishermen would keep telling us that they’d seen one,” CHEN chair Sue Martin says.
“It looks like we’ve got a healthy population but we need to do more study.”
“This was a very exciting discovery,” Hills Shire Mayor Peter Gangemi says.
“It shows that our waterways and the biodiversity of our catchment are very positive.”
‘They need a healthy ecosystem’
‘They need a healthy ecosystem’
The discovery just minutes from homes and development has brought into focus the need to protect the habitat.
Dr Ryan says there is a risk of damage or removal of their environment.
The team used nets to capture the platypus in order to confirm the animal’s presence in the creek system.
“Plastic bags, hair ties, elastic bands can all cause really horrific damage to platypus and can cause death,” Dr Ryan said.
“All those water bugs that the platypus eats is what really gets impacted by pollution, which then has an indirect impact on platypus.
“They need a healthy ecosystem to survive.”
Cr Gangemi says most development in the council area is near train stations away from the platypus habitat.
The mayor says council has engaged CHEN to prepare a platypus strategy for council.
How to help the platypus
The discovery has prompted The Hills Shire Council to hold information sessions for residents about how to live near platypus environments.
Workshops combining with CHEN will focus on bushland restoration and how to sustain local waterways.
The Hills Shire is holding sessions to help residents learn how to sustain their local waterways. (Supplied: Dr Michelle Ryan)
Dr Ryan says it’s “simple” things residents do at home that can help maintain healthy water quality in nearby streams.
“Simple things like washing your car on your lawn, making sure you don’t litter and remove any litter that you have,” Dr Ryan says.
“Don’t blow your leaves and your grass clippings down the stormwater drain.”
Dr Ryan suggests joining local bushcare groups and helping replant vegetation in riparian zones can also help the platypus.
“You don’t need to live on a creek system to really help the platypus population.”
Shifting Focus – The Importance of Adjusting Your Lens
Posted on July 23, 2023 27 Comments
The hardest issue to address when it’s not going well or embracing a change in direction is the need to adjust your lens…
We all view the world in a particular way
Sometimes, we don’t realise we need to change direction. This is because we are continually engineered by the environment in which we exist.
We are confined in a box not of our own making, but one created by others. They give you and I a label, because they don’t know how to treat or deal with us in any other way.
This phenomenon, perhaps, has its greatest impact when we need to make a key or even difficult decisions.
We all experience those moments of fight or flight
When faced with making a choice that’s difficult to make, we need to adjust our thinking. Often, we are pulled back, like an elastic band, to some time in the past. Often, to our childhood, triggered by events we are not aware of.
Often, a brave choice is required. And, what does it mean to be brave anyway? Perhaps, it just means making the right smart choice.
You need to understand whether you stay and duke it out or leave and return (survive) for another day.
Some Key Considerations To Help Adjust Your lense
So, how do you do make the smart choice, you may ask.
This is where the art of adjusting your lens or how you see the world is changed. Here is a list of five different ways I have learnt over a long period of time of how to do this:
- Put yourself in the other person’s shoes i.e, try to understand them. Ask them “what keeps you up at night?” You will be surprised at the response. Suddenly, you will find yourself on the same page working towards a resolution.
- Undertake more research on the subject matter and apply critical thinking as it were. There is no doubt that the more you interrogate valid information, the broader your thinking becomes.
- Challenge perceptions (and by that I mean common misconceptions). This is similar to the above point, except it is putting what you have learned into motion.
- Discuss the ramifications of a course of action with a mentor. Try and frame your discussion with your mentor in terms of options or perhaps it might be what Plan A, Plan B or even Plan C should be.
- Use humour. Sometimes, matters are that bleak, that the only way is up. Finding humour in something during the most perilous moments helps to reset yourself mentally.
Food For Thought
By way of example, I recently dealt with an issue that has beleaguered my organisation for 20 years (I kid you not). I asked the party concerned “what keeps you up at night? They told me. I asked them to write it down, so I could go through it with them once I had finished my research into 20 years of perception and misconceptions. At the end of our initial conversation, the protagonist of this story thanked me for listening to them, treating them fairly and now looked forward to a final resolution. And what is my research highlighting – that perhaps, they have been treated unfairly, even if they were in the wrong some of the time. It’s food for thought.
Uber’s Evaluation of its Customers – From My Offspring’s Perspective
Posted on July 16, 2023 18 Comments
Our three young adults all use Uber. My wife has. But, in true grumpy dad tradition, I never have…
Setting the Scene
In the current world of 15 – 20 meaningful customer metrics, Uber’s process is very interesting.
Uber states that after each trip, riders and drivers are given the opportunity to rate one another based on their trip experience
The rating system works to make sure that the most respectful riders and drivers are using Uber. Ratings are always reported as averages, and neither riders nor drivers will see the individual rating left for a particular trip.
The Conversation
I have often listen to our offspring talk about their Uber experiences. However, the discussion between our two boys this morning took an interesting turn.
To set the scene, the older brother is very protective of the Uber rating given to him as a customer. The younger brother though, is the dead opposite – he couldn’t care less.
So, the discussion reached its zenith when the older brother said he did have a five star rating as an Uber customer. He also explained how this is not the norm for most Uber users, but not outside of the realm of possibilities.
However, this perfect experience all changed for him, when, one day he shared an Uber with his younger sibling. Apparently, the trip didn’t go well. The younger sibling managed to alienate the Uber driver and in the process, tarnished his brother’s perfect score.
The older brother’s current score: 4.96. They haven’t shared an Uber since. I know what some of you are thinking 😂🤣😂
Should We Evaluate Customers?
Anyway, the above story by The Brothers Karamasov (the youngest would be amused by this), got me thinking. Afterall, I lead a customer focussed organisation.
My simple thought was this: should I evaluate our customers? As I pondered dabbling with such a process, a range of images appeared at the forefront of my mind. None more so than how we really do need to work hand in hand with our customers to ensure the best experience possible for all involved. In this regard, Uber has a better than solid argument.
In many respects, my contemplation of such matters borders on social engineering, something the Chinese government is keen to pursue. However, I would never go this far with such a concept. The data gathered would purely be for internal use only and not for sharing with anybody else, other than the broad data gathered e.g. 80% of customers are rated as 4.5 stars or better.
Apart from the above, I do have a sneaky suspicion that our customers would have a problem being evaluated. To this extent, it’s always interesting when the shoe is on the other foot!
strategic teams 