Few of us can understand any longer the enthusiasm of Caliph Ali ben Ali, who wrote: "A subtle conversation, that is the Garden of Eden." This is a pity, because it could be argued that the main function of conversation is not to get things accomplished, but to improve the quality of experience. - Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi … Continue Reading ››
All posts by Alexander
The importance of stories
Stories and storytelling have played a major part in three of the books that I've read lately.
It's interesting to see the ancient art of telling stories used in such different settings as change management and child therapy.
Nuts!, the success story of Southwest Airlines', emphasizes the role of the charismatic CEO … Continue Reading ››
It's interesting to see the ancient art of telling stories used in such different settings as change management and child therapy.
Nuts!, the success story of Southwest Airlines', emphasizes the role of the charismatic CEO … Continue Reading ››
Values as clear goals?
I'm currently reading Flow by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi. The book is about that state of consciousness where everything just flows. Where the gears mesh smoothly, there are no distractions, you loose track of time, and it feels really good.
You can achieve flow at work or in your free time. Concert violinists and mountain … Continue Reading ››
You can achieve flow at work or in your free time. Concert violinists and mountain … Continue Reading ››
Quote
What I "discovered" was that happiness is not something that happens. It is not the result of good fortune or random chance. It is not something that money can buy or power command. It does not depend on outside events, but, rather, on how we interpret them. Happiness, in fact, is a condition that must … Continue Reading ››
Book review: The springboard
Stephen Denning was faced with a task, which I do not envy him: He was charged with implementing knowledge management in huge and very conservative organization (the World Bank) which so far had not considered itself in the knowledge business.
This book is the story of how he did it - using stories. He found … Continue Reading ››
Quote
If we hope to live not just from moment to moment, but in true consciousness of our existence, then our greatest need and most difficult achievement is to find meaning in our lives. - Bruno Bettelheim in The uses of enchantment
Happiness at work
Seems a lot of people are interested in happiness in the workplace these days. Check out this Google search.
A few highlights:
These guys are starting self-replicating "Joy at work" support groups.
Tips for hiring the right people.
An article on interpersonal relations at work.
Health and happiness at … Continue Reading ››
A few highlights:
These guys are starting self-replicating "Joy at work" support groups.
Tips for hiring the right people.
An article on interpersonal relations at work.
Health and happiness at … Continue Reading ››
New design (yaaay)
New site design, thanks to Pernille. Is she good or is she good?
Learning styles
While webresearching about learning, I found some info on learning styles. It seems there are different basic approaches to learning.
You can be either:
Active or reflective:
Active learners learn by doing, reflective learners learn mostly by thinking
Sensing or intuitive:
This is the same distinction as in the MBTI personality type. Sensing … Continue Reading ››
You can be either:
Active or reflective:
Active learners learn by doing, reflective learners learn mostly by thinking
Sensing or intuitive:
This is the same distinction as in the MBTI personality type. Sensing … Continue Reading ››
Quote
Work is fast replacing religion in providing meaning in people's lives. Work has become how we define ourselves, it is now answering the traditional religious questions: Who am I? How do I find meaning and purpose? Work is no longer just about economics; it's about identity. - Benjamin Hunnicutt, historian and professor at the University of … Continue Reading ››