If you haven't, maybe you should...
A majestic cauldron has burned brightly over Paris during recent weeks. The flame is more than symbolic, it radiates a spirit…
It signifies through it's glowing presence, a reassurance that the principles, proposition and purpose of the Olympics are being religiously followed. And whilst a host of officials dutifully read these out, during every opening ceremony; the sight of the continuous flame is a simple and clear reflection of loyal adherence to them.
Edinburgh also shone brightly over the last few weeks.
The Fringe arrived and a similar cauldron of ‘festival sprit’ sparkled across the city.
Here again, through its glowing presence, was a reassurance that the principles, proposition and purpose were well understood and were being observed.
Conveying the cherished Olympic torch to Paris was a relay of several weeks, deliberately using the journey to both lead and align everyone involved, to the movement.
Whilst it might not fully replicate the pomp and ceremony of the torch, the annual pilgrimage to Edinburgh, as either performers or audiences, is similarly driven by a cherished belief in being part of a valued movement.
And yes, there’s a flame, a big one… but this one you simply feel.
In every organisation, a flame exists and should be nurtured.
It helps set the sprit, direction and principles that guide people forward and provides the framework within which they can use and develop their own unique strengths and capabilities.
With this in place, you can securely navigate the choices and decisions that you continually face – as an organisation, a team or an individual.
Both cities were better able to navigate their own climatic weeks, with emerging issues now being addressed, to reflect the spirit of their flame.
Paris endured a challenging opening ceremony, being staged outside, during the worst ever recorded August downpour. The event not only survived but witnessed a motivated movement of athletes and performers determined to deliver the promised spectacle, to the fullest of their capability.
In Edinburgh, artists faced the challenge of increasing costs, plus increased uncertainty in forward financial support… but here again, the spirit of the festival was evident, in navigating how this current reality was addressed.
Anthony Alderson, CEO of the Pleasance, was certainly concerned by the cost issues, but in its shadow, observed the refreshing return of ‘simplicity'. He sensed this backdrop had revealed a new depth of writing and talent that may not have otherwise emerged.
Producer James Seabright, on a similar theme, observed and celebrated the return of ‘spontaneity’… surely one of the founding values.
In summary, as with Paris, the sprit and DNA of the Edinburgh Fringe, it's who, what, why, held firm… whilst how it was delivered, continually adjusted to reflect current reality.
This is the central part of creating balance… consistently demonstrating an ability to address the world around us and adapt how we then do things, is the only way to survive, succeed and move forward.
Plus, doing this, with a clear understanding and commitment to who we are, what we do and why we do it delivers the necessary confidence to be agile and retain balance throughout… as an individual leader, a team or an entire organisation.
So, do you have a light?
You should… perhaps it's time to talk to us.
In every organisation a flame exists and should be nurtured… they are more than symbolic, they radiate a spirit.
We’re a small, tight team of experienced consultants, who have helped leaders and organisations through the best and the worst of the past thirty years.
We help you create balance - the ability to adjust your position relative to the world around you, so you can survive, succeed and keep moving forward.
Where we share our client stories from the past 30 years.
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