How Far Can We Scale Communication and Retain our Humanity?

For years our organization has shrived to 'be human.' It almost sounds silly, how could we (over a hundred yoga teachers and committed practitioners) 'be' anything else? I believe the issue is 'scale', that subtle affect of going so far past the past the 'tipping point' in the paradigm structuring relationships that you aren't even aware that there was such a point.

Earlier in the week, as I heard a commentator saying that a particular event was ' staged' (and they meant it in a derogatory manner). I was struck by the absurdity (as well as the lack of intention to genuinely serve) in the comment. Of course, when we are talking to individuals, small groups or large groups we need to be thoughtful of what we say. I would call this bringing consciousness and awareness to a relationship. In a one to one I can relate consciously in a way that simply won't work in a much larger group. When on the stage in front of millions of people, it is probably a more responsible thing to be aware of what one is saying ahead of time, and VERY thoughtful about delivery, phrasing and pace. However, simply by virture of this consciousness brought to the interaction one cannot doubt the authenticity of the moment. It is up to us to us to decide, to 'be with' the moment if you will, to trust our perception. We humans can perceive other humans acting with integrity even in extreme situations, if we are willing to be conscious and aware.

Recently Seth Godin wrote this:

Organizations will work tirelessly to de-personalize every communication medium they encounter.

You can read the entire post here. I think what we have consciously done, and consciously do day by day is to violate this law. We strive to put our 'humanness' into each and every communication, piece of paper and conversation. Its hard. It may cost more. But it feeds us, and allows us to retain a level of humanity and satisfaction that drifts away in most organizations. And its simply because we insist on being human. We insist on being conscious. And we insist on being aware. And in the presence of that insistence is where we begin to communicate from. And then we trust our audience - one person or many - to listen with open hearts and hear the subtly from which we speak.

So far, its working out ok. I think you can scale communications just fine, as long as you are aware and as long as the conscious heart felt intention is there from the beginning, and steadfastly insisted on throughout.

Join Me at UT Informal Classes - October 7th

Thsi should be fun. I'm going to teach a class at UT Informal Classes entitled "Socially Responsible Business Practices". Here's the course description in the catalog:

This class will cover both practical and philosophical aspects of the current business environment and practices which can be thought of as "socially responsible" business practices. Participants will learn how to bring these practices into their own work lives and businesses. The course will cover marketing to the "Lifestyles of Heath and Sustainability" market, and how to explore reworking your business strategy to incorporate this set of dynamic, successful business principles. This material is appropriate for business owners and employees at any stage of their career, if they want to learn these competitively superior business foundations of the emerging socially responsible economy. Rich Goldstein is the managing partner of one of Austin's premier yogic learning centers that supports and contributes to the unique and diverse culture of Austin. He practices combining strategic business management, marketing and operations with a deep respect for each individual's commitment to living with a more heart-centered work experience. Seating is limited. (2 meetings)

The class will meet on Oct. 7th and 14th, from 6:30 to 9:00 pm. My plan is to use examples from around the economy of success stories (and some not so successful stories) illustrating the power of this conceptual approach to business. In the second session we'll be developing action plans specific to your business or career. If you are reading this and here in Austin, come join us and help make these 2 nights interesting, exciting, challenging and fun.

Here's a link to the class in the course catalog. (Its in a frame, so you may need to click here to get to the home page of the catalog). The class is in the Business & Personal Finance Section.