Friction Free

June 9, 2009 by Mary Wynne-Wynter · Comments Off 

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An underlying technology of the machine tool industry I was involved with was tribology, concerned with friction, lubrication and wear. Round and cylindrical parts last longer when the hardness and smoothness is improved and continually lubricated. The need for tribology grew when tolerance for friction decreased as engines became smaller (example: compact cars) and applications became more critical (example: artificial hip joints).

Without tribology applications, anything from grit to human antibodies will abrade, erode and eventually destroy surface finish.

Its a good metaphor for how to respond to the changes and uncertainty resulting from an increasingly smaller and connected globe, lack of tolerance for bad systems and replacement of worn-out structures.

Worry, doubt, ego, hubris and what Julia Cameron beautifully describes as giving in to “the temptation of despair” will just as quickly erode individual and collective human potential as a speck of dirt will destroy a bearing. Self-aware people and organizations are vigilant about thinking, assumptions and expectations. The result is a mirror-finish belief system or culture that deflects what’s not wanted and functions smoothly, regardless of circumstances.

Relationships, networks and social capital provide the lubricant.

Filed under: Creativity, Generations, Machine Tool, disruption, longevity, metaphor, resilience, self-awareness, social capital, social networks, strength, stress relief
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The Right Time to Raise Your Game

April 7, 2009 by Mary Wynne-Wynter · Comments Off 

If you’re a solo or creative professional and feel stuck or in a rut, this could be a good time to put your normal business practices and processes aside and focus on your bigger game.

By bigger game I mean an idea or inspiration above and beyond what you usually do and not driven by desires and goals related to earning a living. You play a bigger game to get a different kind of fulfillment, to make a positive difference in the world and to create meaning in your life.

If you have a dormant bigger game, consider why now is the right time to bring it to the world.

  • Comfort and security are illusory
  • Self-interest only is a zero-sum game
  • The connected world provides limitless allies and support
  • World recovery is dependent on growth, expansion and rising up to challenges, not protection
  • We’re stronger and bolder than we knew we were

I took The Bigger Game workshop 6 years ago and now feels like exactly the right time to bring it to life with structure, content, collaboration and sharing.

My Bigger Game: to increase global youth (tween) self-awareness and leadership skills through entrepreneurship and philanthropy.

Is it the right time to think about yours?

Filed under: Bigger Game, Community, alignment, integral, intention, self-awareness, shift, youth
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Social Networks: The Pre-requisites

September 18, 2008 by Mary Wynne-Wynter · Leave a Comment 

Businesses of all sizes and industries, from solo firms to large corporations, are becoming increasingly interested in using social networks, both internally and externally, to build collaborative and conversational communities.

When I talk to owners, managers and executives about their approach and expectations, I often hear answers that combine elements of Web site initiatives and marketing campaigns. But social networks are about sharing and relationship building. A traditional approach will likely fail.

What I usually don’t hear is a deep understanding of why social networks make sense for them and how social networks are related to shifts in control of markets, knowledge, media and technology. Unlike pre-Web 2.0 online marketing, branding, communications and e-commerce, social networks initiatives bear little resemblance to traditional business and marketing models. Although its good to carefully and consciously experiment, a serious social network program requires that deep understanding as well as integrating a clear purpose and message in all content and communications.

I like the holon as a metaphor for an integral social network strategy.

Social Media Integral Strategy

Social Media Integral Strategy

A holon (Greek: holos, “whole”) is something that is simultaneously a whole and a part. The word was coined by Arthur Koestler in his book The Ghost in the Machine (1967, p. 48). Wikipedia

Whatever the planning process, a visual will ensure that strategy and execution is anchored to the underlying understanding and purpose. Simple questions should be asked at the outset and periodically, for example:

  • Is this good for me?
  • ….for us?
  • ….for the community?
  • ….for a greater good?

Once the purpose is clear, a road-map for short-term experiential learning, and long-term actionable metrics can be developed to direct your social networks to go the right way.

Filed under: Creativity, Generations, alignment, differentiation, integral, intention, metaphor, multi-dimensional, shift, social capital, social networks, strategy
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