Anyone for tea?

One of the "things you do" in a UK office is make tea for each other. I'd say it's about 2-3 times per day where someone stands up and says "anyone for tea" (not spot of tea, or fancy a tea). It's ok to say no, but most of the time people will say yes if they don't already have some. Yesterday, I was sitting with a group of folks that I don't normally sit with, and I jumped up to make my round of tea. (I'll post some other time about all the tricks for making it.) I came back with the drinks and one person said "where's my ladder". I had no idea what that meant, so I just smiled and nodded. She said, no really, and then someone else looked in her cup and said "oh, low tide". Finally I got it, I hadn't put enough hot water in there. Live and learn :)

I'll probably say too much on this next topic, but here goes. I've been working for a few months on a knowledge strategy for one of our businesses. I presented a draft to some of the leadership team last week, and if I'm honest, the work got beat up. It wasn't what they were expecting and it turned into a debate. I was pretty disheartened after the call, so having a good relationship with each of them, I called or emailed each of them afterwards. Bottom line, I had to learn my own km lesson of "working out loud". I had gone too much into a black hole, and didn't check in with them enough, so as the effort morphed, it didn't go the best way. It's turning out to be a good way to practice resilience too. I sent an update today and I think it might already be turning around.

While I'm sharing too much, let me go a personal route. I've been having a lot of headaches lately, really bad ones. After having two in one day, I decided to checkout the healthcare system here. It's known as NHS (National Health Services), and each person has their own opinion of it, quite a few extremes of like and dislike. I looked up doctors and hospitals and knowing the costs are covered by social medicine, I decided to walk to a hospital. Took about 10 minutes to get there and when I walked in, they said sorry, we're not an A&E, you'll have to go across town. So I walked home and drove to the A&E. I paid £3 to park and walked in. The woman at the reception desk was very nice but she basically said "is it an emergency", I said "well it's happening too much and I'd like to figure out why". She said they don't conduct investigations, she'd recommend a general physician for that, but she was more than willing to treat any symptoms right now. By the way, its currently a 4 hour wait. It was about 10pm, so I decided to drive home and sleep it off. I think the health system is fine, I think I just had to go and see it one time before I could understand it better. To end on a happy note, today was headache free and hopefully lots more of those days are ahead!

As the leaves change colour, so changes the season

The leaves on the trees are beginning to fall and change colour here. The air is becoming a bit more crisp and cool, yet the temperature is about the same. 

I've noticed there's a slightly funny little ritual that people do at the end of phone calls. Each person on the phone says "bye" twice, and if it goes perfectly, you VERY quickly alternate between each person. The second "bye" has a slightly higher tone to it as well.

In the states, we have a few different accents, I'd say it's probably northern, southern, central, you might toss in Boston, New York, New Jersey and maybe North Dakota and Wisconsin as unique accents or dialects. Now that I write those out, I guess we have quite a few. I'm noticing quite a few accents in the UK too, over very small areas. There's definitely a northern/southern, but there's something in Wales/central too. In just 6 months of listening, it almost feels like each major town has it's own accent/dialect. If you google "accent and dialogue map USA" (or UK), there are great ones out there. These accents are important to know because there are helpful ways to shift your wording, and even thinking, when building relationships.

Strange thing happened yesterday, I was driving to work and a guy in a suit on a bike hit my side mirror with his handle bars. He immediately raised his hand, said some kind of apology and kept going. I guess it was no harm no foul. Most of the roads have marked areas for bikes, and if there's a traffic light, there's often a marked space up front for bikes. So I guess the bumping of cars and cyclists must actually be fairly common. 

I've been invited to a formal dinner event. It's not called "renting a tux", it's called "hiring a dinner jacket", in fact the stores call it a DJ (which is even more confusing :) ). Oh, on a side note, we don't call them sneakers or tennis shoes here, we call them trainers. It cost me around £80 to get the full tuxedo, ahem dj, which sounded about right to me. My trainers actually have US and UK sizes written in them, so it was easy to share those with the tailor. UK sizes tend to be one number lower than US sizes, for example a 12 shoe is an 11 shoe. A 17 neck for a shirt in the US, is a 16 in the UK.

It's now Sunday morning and I'm going to make the same French toast I made yesterday. It's a recipe from Gordon Ramsey, so of course it's amazing. It's called Eggy Bread w Sugared Apples. You hear up some sugar, toss in some butter, then chopped up apples with the skin. Then you slice French bread, dunk it in pretty standard French toast batter (eggs, cinnamon, sugar, milk) and you're good to go, delicious!

Playtime is Over, It's Time for Business Collaboration

I was fortunate to be invited to a small dinner party last night. The "keynote" was given by Bonnie Cheuk, whom I've been a fan of for years. 

There were 21 of us in the cozy, yet swanky "back room" of a hotel in London. It was literally called the back room. If I recall correctly, it had all white walls covered in some stucco white design, with one huge glass window facing the street. The room was probably 25' by 25' with one long dinner table diagonally across the middle. In one corner there was a secret little table in a cutout area of the wall, people put their bags and belongings there. The chandelier was overwhelming, the ceiling was only 10 feet and the chandelier was just feet above you and purposefully way too big for the room. A posh white couch, chair and side table anchored the other side of the room.

For the first 30 minutes they served drinks and we stood and chatted. It always fascinates me to watch group dynamics. We started in a small group standing in a circle, once we hit 8 people, a side conversation started. That spurred several other side conversations to start and all of a sudden there were 20 people each talking 1:1. 

We were asked to sit down so the evening could begin. We were literally shoulder to shoulder and yet we had just enough room to not feel over-crowded. Some people would say it was perfect for group conversation.

Bonnie Cheuk kicked off the night and shared her thoughts on global knowledge management, having just lead km for a multi billion £ organisation. I've admired Bonnie's work for years, so it was great to meet her in person. 

As the fantastic food came out in course after course, I was slightly surprised that conversation remained at the full 21-person group level. It felt like a family dinner, quite nice. Several key points were made, and it was a bit of an "information versus knowledge, culture vs technology" tone. 

Here are some of the key points I heard:

-Believe in yourself, KM is hard

-Change is one conversation at a time

-Drop the "social solution", focus on business needs

-Focus on business processes, as opposed to tools

-Focus on user experience (which later became a debate about "users" vs "employees" vs "people")

-Replicate the success

-Be passionate, find the other passionate people (one org called them "agents" as opposed to the popular naming of "ambassadors")

-Find the ppl in your org that are on linked in and twitter and send them an email, use them as a first pilot community

-"We have an org memory of about a year, older than that, it may well have not happened"

-"All of our reward is based on heros, how do we change that?"

-"After completing a task, we don't think about 'who else should know this', and how would you know?"

-"If you've been here 20 years then you know who to go to, how do you get employees that have been here 2 months to know who to go to?"

-"Playtime is over" (I thought that was a cool quote)

-"Better to get punched in the face on your intranet than to be stabbed in the back on glass door[.com]" (wow, there's a backstory there for sure)

After dinner was over, a few people stuck around to do a bit more networking. The whole night had a great feel to it, very comfortable and validating. I'm hoping to keep in touch with several of the folks I met, I definitely appreciate the invitation and where it might take us in the future.

How to get out of our own way

I've grown very comfortable with driving around roundabouts. It actually didn't take long at all. I often think about the parallels between driving and life, or driving and business. My buddy Nimmy recently wrote some of them so I don't need to recreate those of course (http://nirmala-km.blogspot.co.uk/2014/06/driving-and-life-13-metaphors.html?m=1). I do have many more that I'd add to the list and one of them is "get out of own own way".

The beauty of the roundabout is that it handles traffic as it arrives. It rarely uses any electricity for street lights and it barely needs signs. On one hand it's a bit of wasted space in the middle, but really, it's often beautiful landscaping or even just nice simple green grass reminding you to take a deep breath.

Contrast the roundabout with the traffic signal. You know, the 4-12 traffic signals needed at every single intersection, not to mention all the secret hardware nearby to control those lights. Or the confusing, wait for me, I'll go, no you go, I got here first, my car is faster, stop sign. 

I think we often think that more control, more direction, more structure is better. Just look at airport security as another example. We over analyze the problem, over engineer the solution and the result is expensive, frustrating, inefficiencies. 

I was reading a great book recently that said, actually it's not the leaders that make the employees, it's the employees that make the leader. It's not the parents that guide the kids, it's the kids that guide the parents. It's not the teachers that teach the students, it's the students that teach the teachers. It's not speaking that creates listening, it's listening that creates speaking.

I'm not trying to sound anti-establishment, or oblivious to group dynamics, or even unaware of good intentions to make things better. I think I'm simply saying that maybe we should consider spending more time understanding the true problems at hand, and consider many more possible solutions. Roundabouts dynamically handle traffic as it arrives without any unnecessary stopping. On a grand scale that keeps everything moving as efficiently as it can. How many times have you come to a stop at a red light when no one else was around, wondering why you're waiting? How many times have you had to ask for permission at work, or wait for a decision/approval and wondered if you're empowered?  Google "wirearchies" and "org network analysis" and "value network analysis" and "expertise location" and "talent markets" for potential new approaches to get out of our own way in organizations.

My first ever Cronut

I wandered over to London on Sunday with three slightly strange goals: eat a cronut, see the red poppies at the Tower of London, and meet a celebrity. 

I started at the Tower of London since that was the only goal I was fairly confident I could achieve. First I looked up if you had to go into the "pay area" of the tower to see the poppies. Several people on twitter said you could see them for free. They were correct. You can see the almost 900,000 red poppies as you approach the tower. Each one represents someone who gave up their life in World War One. Its an emotional piece of art if you think about it. You can buy a poppy online for £25.

Like a local, I grabbed a sandwich and grapes at Pret as I set out on my next two goals. If I haven't mentioned, there are pre-packaged sandwiches at all of their chain coffee spots, M&S, Cafe Nero, Pret a Manger, Costa, Eat, Starbucks. You'll see Burger King, Subway and McDs here, but you'll see many many more of the coffee shops.

I'm not a big car guy, but I saw a stunning Ferrari as I walked out of the coffee shop. In fact, I noticed many amazing cars that day. 

I stumbled upon a very small wedding at a beautiful little church. I noticed the church was connected to a "free house". I can't remember if I've mentioned that a free house is a pub that isn't tied to a single brewer. Many pubs will focus on a single type of beer or two, but the free house has many options. Maybe I'm the last to know that.

So I'm not big into cars or celebrities, but celebrity houses are exactly what I did next. It's pretty easy to guess that the houses probably aren't really theirs, and even if they are, it's probably just one of many homes they own, but I thought I'd look anyway. 

George Clooney supposedly owns a place next to the courthouse for his wife, and when I found the place, it looked empty and there was a for sale sign up. Oh well.

I found myself walking through really nice neighborhoods in the heart of London so that was actually pretty fun. I noticed a store called Maplin a few times. Story on that place is that I've walked past the one in Guildford literally dozens of times and never noticed it. Then my daughters hard drive crashed and I learned that Maplin was the closest computer shop. Now that I know it's there, I see it every time. How did I miss it? Reminds me of knowkedge management, there are collaboration approaches hidden right in front of us, but we rarely see or use them until someone calls them out, or sees a specific need.

There's a restaurant called Heights that supposedly always has celebs in it, plus a great view, so I popped up there. It's the 15th floor of a hotel that's somewhat close to the BBC One radio tower. There were two people eating up there, but I didn't recognise them. The view was nice though. 

Next I stopped by Lady Gaga's new flat. Pretty quiet spot right next to a tube stop, which is strange to say. No sign of lady.

I feel like I visited other houses but if course no one was home. I was the most excited when I got to Gwen Stefani and Gavin's house next to Regent Park. It felt the most "real" to me and I think they're great. I chatted with an older lady at the park, she was from Bari, Italy. A high school English teacher, she enjoyed speaking in English with me. I thought she was very wise and I could tell she's probably a great teacher. Photo below would be the view out the front door from Gwens house.

There's a secret little river walk in the nice neighborhood (Mayfair, Marylebone). I thoroughly enjoyed that walk. Although I realised I'm old, had walked about 10 miles at that point, and my feet/knees were starting to hurt. The view helped it feel better though.

I ate some brick oven pizza from a pub in Marylebone. I had a vibe of actors and actresses in there, but no one I recognised. The family right next to me had a mom that was a dead ringer for Sandra Bullock but I'm pretty sure it wasn't her. She could def play her as a stunt double though, it was that close.

Took the train home, had a great conversation with the people in front of me, watched X factor when I got home and went to bed. 

Wait wait, how am I forgetting the highlight of the whole day?? I researched the places to buy cronuts in London. There are about 5 places and they're all a little different. The idea of geniusly blending croissants and donuts fascinates me. I was a little scared to hear they have cream filling, but I'll get over it. So the place I wanted to find was called Cocomaya. I knew these places sellout very very quickly and it was 15 minutes before close when I got there. I walked in and sure enough, 2 cronuts left!! I talked to the guys there, saying it's my first ever and how excited I am. They were very funny, telling me how much better theirs are compared to NYC. They pulled one more out if the back and gave it to me for free, and a plain croissant too. I walked to Marble Arch to sit and try this piece of food heaven. Oh man, that first bite was beyond words. I couldn't believe it was actually better than the hype. It's food genius. I'll try to not mention the km tie, but c'mon, combining two great ideas to make an even better one...with some effort and collaboration to pull it off... :)

The devil has a punchbowl

I hiked another AONB this past weekend, the Surrey Hills. They have endless trails for cycling or hiking. I was overwhelmed by options so I started with the trail that was recommended by locals. That stunning trail was called The Devils Punchbowl. 

There are several local stories as to how this huge crater was created. I like the story about the devil throwing dirt at the god Thor. There's also some scientific story about how springs created the hole and now it's this fantastic blend of hundreds of types of trees, wildlife and flora.

I ran into five wild bulls whilst I was there. I had been hiking for about 2 or 3 hours when I ran into this guy. 

He was about 15 feet from me and there was no where to hide. He was very nice though and didn't seem to mind a few photos. 

You wouldn't believe how many big time authors and poets have been inspired by this hike. Here's a few:

http://www.surreylife.co.uk/out-about/places/literary_surrey_lewis_carroll_arthur_conan_doyle_agatha_christie_and_other_famous_authors_1_1568831

I felt it. It's a special place with clean crisp air. A view that's stunning yet visually manageable. Each turn provides a glimpse into a different set of leaves, sounds and smells. The crater teases you as you try to look down, often blocked by small trees, bushes or flowers. Every once in a while when you catch a glimpse, it's like a finishing chord in a major symphony, it just all comes together. 

Art of the Possible

I'm feeling strangely nervous to write this post. I think it's even more personal than normal, or something. I've grown accustomed to presenting to British audiences. I've adapted my presentation style and the words I use. 

Last week, I "presented" via the phone to an all American audience for the first time in 6 months. As always, I asked for lots of feedback from the group and from individuals after the call. The feedback was exactly opposite to what I normally hear, this time it was "speak with more enthusiasm". Fascinating to me because in the past I've heard "keep your believability high by not over-selling it". I wonder if I've over-corrected? Or if audiences are that different? I'm so thankful for the feedback because it helps me be aware, and improve.

I left the office very late after presenting to the American audience, since it was an afternoon presentation for them. There was a road closure on the way home, so I had to quickly adapt. I instantly had that strange feeling of "wow, I kinda have no idea where to go now". I circled a roundabout or two, thought really hard, and eventually made my way home safely. 

There's a popular show here called the Great British bake off. It's a reality show where about 10 people have to face individual cooking challenges. It's full of innuendo, but in a very very subtle way.  I think it's intended to be a comedy, but it's so subtle that I'm actually not sure what the intent is. 

A phrase I've heard a lot lately is  "Art of the possible". Related, they don't say "create and share a vision" here, they say "envisage the future". Art of the possible is somewhat used in the states I guess, but I don't recall hearing as much as I do here. It basically means to create a vision statement, or better, discuss the possibilities of the future.

I had another great dinner with David Gurteen. It's quite surreal to me because I still look to him as a European, if not global, KM leader and here I am having all kinds of group and individual activities with him. We're already planning our next event. Awesome.

Have I mentioned before that they don't say "at 10pm" here, they say "from 10pm". (Or whatever time) Just another little difference. 

I stumbled upon a Gordon Ramsey cooking show here. I just watched one episode but I found it fascinating that he was so so kind and thoughtful on this show, his whole approach was the exact opposite of how it is on American shows. 

The X factor with Simon Cowell is in full swing here. It's very good, lots of talent and I'm a little surprised how emotional the shows are, I would have expected it to be more subtle?

I stayed up very very late last night to watch the Virginia Tech Hokies play Ohio State in college football. The game STARTed at 1am local time and didn't end until about 5am. I felt like I was in undergrad again. It was worth it though because the Hokies pulled a great upset and I felt lucky to be able to watch it live across the pond. Costs £9 per game by the way, again, completely worth it.