Cheeky - Yes, I said it

I wish we could all hear with our heart and
stop smelling the dogma we stepped in.

What's Hard To Be With?

When I took my coaches training, a particular subject area related to "What's hard to be with?" Often times, we human-beings in our need to be right, or loved, or even simply liked all the time means that we fail to stick-to-it when the going gets tough. I, too, have often been guilty of the same behavior in my life. One place you often find yourself not doing that though, is in a relationship that you've already invested a lot of emotional energy into. So what about the rest of life and other relationships?

Are human-beings meant to be pleasant, unoffensive, and perfect - in your eyes - all the time? It just isn't possible, is it? I know that people rub me the wrong way sometimes, and even so I have stuck with it for a time - actually much longer in some cases than was healthy. Yet, giving other people a chance and allowing friction and conflict to exist is also a way to open my eyes to my own shortcomings and to then allow them theirs. As well, it also offers me an opportunity to develop my patience and perseverance in relating to others around sticky-issues. So what if I hit a rough spot? I'll speak my mind, I'll be passionate - quite simply, I'll be who I am. After all, isn't that what friendship is about?

If there is a continual butting of heads and a totally polarized perspective on life and values, then by all means, I feel free to go - I've often come to that place of understanding myself. However, if there is an opportunity to learn and gain insight about what makes someone tick, then I'll stick around and keep communicating. It's interesting that on one item a rawness will be exposed, and then just as quickly the conversation can turn to another subject matter and the conversation carries on like the first one never existed. Oh, but wait - that only happens within the animal kingdom; humans carry judgment, grudges, and expectation in their hearts. Or do they?

In my own imperfection, I hope that is not the case.

The Union Address: Asked, I Responded

What are my thoughts?

You know, I did read it and thanks for posting it by the way. I had heard some disturbing things and wanted to give it a once over. I confess, I didn't give it my fullest attention as I did a lot of skimming. Skimming in itself denotes a lot of bullshit to wade through, I would think - or at least not the kind of substance that I'd like to hear.

On the surface, it appears to say a lot of good and valuable things: Social responsibility, medicaid, not leaving children behind, and therein lies his argument for "staying the course." This is where he segues gradually into the war on terror. I don't doubt that there are extremists, after all, North American churches are full of them too. So there may be some valid points to the threats that exist to the advancement of freedom and democracy in the middle-east. We've certainly seen enough evidence of that in both of our lifetimes.

This is where there is a fundamental flaw though. Terrorists and extremists alike, are simply misinformed, brainwashed, socially conditioned beasts themselves - tied up in the prison of their own beliefs.Sure we can fight them, and in fighting them we can continue to reinforce their beliefs. It's hard to see how there is a win-win in that given scenario. So then, how to bring about change?

This is where the UN and Canada have traditionally had fundamental differences in our approach from the US. Canada has sent (in the past anyway) more peace-keeping troops per capita to other parts of the world since the inception of the UN than any other nation. It's the role we're all intended to keep - Peace-keepers - not war-mongers. This is where I found the economic growth and job creation in the US mentioned in the Union Address to be rather interesting facts that he introduced.

War is apparently a great money-maker for business. Business does well, more jobs are available, unemployment is down (soldiers are dead though - an irony buried in there), even though government spending on military is up. Take a look at other intelligent responses by Democrat House Members, and the disparity between the growth of income for top-earners and the average American and you begin to see how radically this so-called boon to the economy is out of balance with reality. Good for business, sure, but not so good for the average Joe and Jane.

So, it is all a bit complex and over my head on many levels. Isn't that interesting too though? It seems that the "system" has been designed in such a way as to keep people in the dark. Heck, even Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton said as much when they wanted to find the truth about UFO's and the history of research within the government system. Both were apparently told "You don't want to go there." and they were not permitted to go there. The Presidents, not allowed access to information within their own government bureaucracy!

I've missed something I'm sure - in the point I was trying to get to as well. That word bureaucracy ties me up with getting the spelling right just as badly as the system of it ties people and freedoms in knots too.

So what should be done differently? Well, once your in the fire, I think the fire-fighting has to continue. You got in and stirred the pot, have done a lot of damage, so pulling out now would be like going to your neighbor's house and tearing the foundation to shreds while trying to get rid of rot. Then when you see how badly you've mucked it up, you back off and leave your neighbor to fend for himself. Not a good policy. Now I don't ascribe to taking it any further either. I say quell what is there now, establish peace, the rest of the world needs to get into the peace-keeping role, and someone please start building bridges of education, understanding, and diplomacy to the process again!

I still liked what Gandhi said once about Jesus' teaching about turning the other cheek. Gandhi said something to the effect, "I'm not sure he meant that we were to turn away. I believe he meant that we are to offer our other cheek. In that way, we earn the respect of our adversary and from there real progress can be made. To strike back simply affirms them in their wrongful convictions."

The Latest Newsletter

The Month of January summary of words, insights, messages, and happenings.

A Short Message

2007 is well underway and I hear many people speak about the great year ahead. It's as though you can taste the fruit on the vine and I, too, have had this sense of impending greatness. What a wonderful feeling to embrace!

Our feelings in our body that we create truly do act as a magnet, bringing to us the very joy we desire. In the same way, the bump in the road distracts you from that positive energy and the feeling transmutes into something more akin to fear and worry. I was recently surprised by a reaction someone had to all the good luck going their way.

"Something has got to give!" was the expectation voiced. Good luck like this doesn't come without a price! Or does it? Why is that not possible?

I immediately responded, "Then you better head off to your church or favorite charity and throw a little money into the bin!"

You see, right there, something had to give and I offered the way out. So, yes, there is a give and take to the experience of life and abundance. In giving we receive and with receiving we're able to give. They're not mutually exclusive. Additionally, the negative perspective can quickly shift the impending doom by taking matters into your own hands and making it an expression of gratitude. Giving to your favorite charity or church is a way to say thank-you for the abundance you may be experiencing. It needn't be monetary, and it needn't be a charitable group either. Who else can you gift with some of that abundance? What can you gift them with? Be creative and watch the abundance spill back into your cup.

In the News

1. A client I coached last year emailed me recently with some fantastic news. Here's his success shared in his own words. Visit his sites:
   • Canadian Corporate Soccer League, a great sport for BC and workplace wellness
   • Onebridge Consulting, for overseas business strategy and success
   • Work Overseas, a huge hit for talent with a bug to see the world
2. VanCity has launched a community-powered site called Change Everything. I encourage you to check it out.
3. Another local client has launched a web-hosting and web-development company.
   - Initial Design, Setup, and Support costs $650 for your Website
   - Hosting is $10/month and includes an online content management system: You be in control of your updates - no additional costs for changes.
   - Email with robust features and flexible storage capacity for minimal surcharge depending upon your needs.
   - Please direct initial inquries through me to determine your needs.
4. Another local client has a list-service specifically targeting Real Estate Investors with early-warning notice of foreclosures. The intent is to create win-win solutions for the homeowner and investor. I will forward your email enquiries directly to him for follow-up.

Time for Reading

Catch up on some recent blog-entries as time permits:

• Too Sensitve? Recent reading reveals another perspective upon what it is I do well.
• Wisdom of a Dream: A semi-conscious wakening moment offered rich perspective on values.
• Creation - Whose is it Anyway? Blog community question answered... sort of. Again, it's about freedom of choice.

Until next time, many blessings, love, and wonderful inspiring moments with family, friends, and colleagues. Together, we can do many amazing things.

Best wishes, Lee

Addendum: Not included in the newsletter is the creation of a new networking group that will begin towards the end of this month. The first session will be a discovery and it will grow from there. A group of inspired business people who are looking for a new way to live and work in harmony without compromised values. This is a local group in Vancouver, British Columbia and the clear intention requires by invitation only. If you are local and would like more information, please contact me at 778-862-1626.

Lee Down is a professionaly trained Coach committed to the awakening and development of the human spirit. In this capacity, and as a Spiritual Teacher or Guide, One Man Can wants to inspire and empower your life, your relationships, and your world: It's about the way of life, living, and being.

Creation - Whose is it Anyway?

I was posed with a great question tonight:

when one creates something, does this created thing belong to its creator? or upon creation does it suddenly belong to the human race? the reason i ask is because a few years ago, i was drawing during class, as i always did, and suddenly didn't like what i was drawing. so i scribbled it out. the person next to me was shocked that i'd do such a thing and chastized me for destroying something that he thought was beautiful. ever since then, i've had a hard time letting go of things that have any creation value whatsoever.

To which I responded:

I'll answer that in a different way since this person has a belief around a value that is important to them.

First, in another unrelated conversation I've been having with a difficult group of people, their perceptions are based upon a lot of social stereotypes and ideologies. As I'm an individual who tries to create higher awareness and call people on behaviors and attitudes that trespass upon other peoples right to free will, conflict sometimes ensues. This time, they directed their judgment towards me. Today, as part of this ongoing saga, I stated:

Just because you believe does it make it true?
Who else, beside yourself, is held in the prison of your beliefs?
Defensive? Then consider just one example that all of us can recall.
How long was the world flat?

Second, let's examine creation. God created everything and the quantum field of energy that creates all physical matter is in some way connected directly to the force of God or could be the God - the exactness is not for us to know from this physical realm. We just know God is and can, with science, see the truth that all matter comes from this source of energy, that makes tiny particles that make up quarks, that make up atoms, molecules, and so on. Another thing that is known is that created matter decays - we know this from so many perspectives - as the human body that is born, we die, return to dust, and so on - just as every other piece of matter in the universe - each having its' own life-cycle.

Does the creator have free will?

If the creator has free will, and if all of creation is for humanity, then why do we die? Why does so much die? And why do planets also die - stars, etc.?

Is it simply a part of the natural order, or is it simply a means for the creator to experience creation again and again?

As you can see, there are many questions that can be pondered, but we also see, simply in the realm of our own living planet, that death is needed for life to continue. Out of destruction, it would seem that something new is born.

As a child plays with creative toys, they create, build, construct, draw, paint, and so on. For a time, there may be simple joy in experiencing what is created. And then what? Boredom, a need to move onto something else. So, the object - maybe in this case something made from lego - is destroyed and the child can create again. Each time, experimenting, growing, adapting, challenging, and above all, enjoying the process even though they may be unaware of the relationship on the subconscious level.

As you can see, this is no direct answer. It has a lot of clues, a lot of leeway, and above all else, the free will to determine for yourself:

• why you do what you do?
• who you do it for?
• what your relationship is to the creation?
• what you get from the act of creation?
• what you obtain from appreciating the creation?
• what freedom you experience from destroying the creation?
• and so on.

I hope this helps you to explore various perspectives and to come to the place within you that knows the truth that is only important to you.

Too Sensitive?

• You're Too Sensitive!


• You're Reading Too Much Into It!


• You're Too Emotional


• You're Very Intuitive


• How did you know?!


• You're Overwhelmed Mentally and Emotionally

Have you ever heard any of these things? I've heard them or variations of them for a considerable time. Strangely, with different people, during a different era of my history, this was not the case at all. There was more love and respect, more authenticity, more openess and honesty, and generally, a greater sense of community that allowed this sensitivity to exist in harmony. Once the harmony disappears though, a sense of craziness overtook me - until.

A number of years ago, an encounter with another sensitive soul opened my eyes and awareness to the gift that this represents and assured me that I wasn't just losing my mind. Suddenly, I embarked upon a journey to grow and develop the skills, tools, and insights that integrated the sensitive nature of these talents that are now a foundation of my Spiritual Life Coaching.

This morning, as the lingo becomes more articulate in ways that can help more people understand what they may be dealing with, I felt the urgent need to bring this to the attention of the public. More than 20% of the population has this kind of giftedness, and quite often can feel like it's a curse.

The overwhelming stimuli of the workplace environment, the city environment, the hustle and bustle, the competition and egos, and hurting emotinos of others can be extraordinarily difficult to bear. Yet, it doesn't have to be so overwhelming. Balance can be restored and the stimuli can still speak into situations appropriately so that the wisdom and gift of who you are will help others in their lives.

Remember, walking the tight rope gets easier each time you get back on it.

Make a Difference, you know it's calling in your heart.

Wisdom of a Dream

I found myself in an interesting dream this morning and how it carried itself into the waking state. There was a conversation of sorts with others that had them quite intrigued with the ideals I present. I am unaware of the first key individual I met who carried some importance, but then suddenly my dream found me vacationing or visiting back east.

As I was venturing through the supermarket, looking at whatever and tending to errands with another, I met a local news personality from here on the west coast, Bill Parsons. I nodded and he smiled, and as I turned away he said, "Go ahead, give me your card. I understand you're a rather interesting fellow."

'Hmm," I thought to myself, "how about that." and proceeded to reach for my wallet when I remembered that I just emptied it of business cards yesterday. And in fact, I had emptied it of my last remaining business cards and hadn't replenished it yet in reality either. Just then, his cell phone rings which he answers and finds he now must abandon his shopping and attend to urgent matters. I found myself a little disappointed for allowing my cards to run out, yet again, and then carried about my business.

As I went to carry about my business, other forms of reality began to pass through my consciousness. I found myself contemplating the things we love and enjoy about the world conveniences, business, and prosperity. I rebel against it sometimes, and realized it isn't the system itself that I am rebeling against - although I do get the issue confused myself quite often - and it became clearer this week that it is the blindness of some people who are playing the game. This carried my consciousness towards further realizations as I was slowly drifting towards wakefulness.

First, I found myself gravitating towards the standard soapbox that says we're better than our behavior suggests. We're not animals and needn't display the visciousness and territorialism displayed by animals in the wild. Yet, in business and politics we quite often see the players in the game forget themselves and forget the reason they got in the game. In fact, I daresay there are some who simply got into the game with the wrong intent in the first place. For the most part though, my guess is that most get into the game for the right reasons. But how often do we find ourselves in a game of some kind and we forget everything else and focus solely on the power, the winning, and the glory, forgetting the value of relationship that brought us to the game? Then it becomes an encounter of dominating another instead of enjoying the other.

Then, suddenly, a realization began to form in my consciousness around the realities of business and politics and how it has been so beneficial to the human development on this planet. Thirty years ago there were so many borders and tensions around the world. Business across borders was restrictive and relationships and perceptions of others around the world was loaded with prejudice and judgment. Slowly we saw all that change. The Berlin Wall came down, the USSR splintered and independence began to take shape in many places around Europe. Naturally, players in the game lost sight of the real purpose and power struggles arose as new-found freedoms cause a sort of drunken stupor that lead to some very idiotic and tragic behaviors. All the same, progress has been made.

Now we see many positioning themselves to do business with China and ironically, in doing businss with China, there will be a gradual process of improvement of living conditions and personal rights as that country gains ground from where it was to where it can be. Their controlled assertion of power restricting freedoms may actually be one of the wisest moves when looked at in retrospect. Rather than a sudden departure from the past, the gradual changes allow the system to catch up with the ideals in a way that doesn't see that country fall into the same chaos that many experienced in Europe when that Iron Curtain came crashing down.

These things that have advanced the global village, made the world smaller, and has seen all of us become much more aware of the world at large, is mainly due to the influence of business in a free enterprise democratic society, even with all of its' failings. I saw as all this slipped into the conscious mind as I began to awaken this morning. It was in putting this together that I realized that it's failings are not those of the sysem itself so much. In particular, this became more real as a result of recent conversations with others who abdicate the responsibility of government.

In that conversation, I still hold firm to what I say and the intentions of the position I presented. Big business and government are problematic, moreso in their size and autonomy. Accountability within structures of such magnitude has a tendency to be difficult to enforce; people are slippery and like that autonomy. Bureaucracies are great places to get lost, and often are established in ways to discourage too. So, yes, there are problems and there are corrupt values that need to be considered and challenged. Will the business or government ever be accountable to change though? No.

As it arose in that conversation, I was not calling on business or government to do anything. Yes, I want the business and political leaders to take responsibility, to be better leaders, to offer better stewardship, and to be better custodians of our planet and resources - including human beings. But wait, it appears a contradicition in terms between the things I'm saying, when in fact there is none. So I explain further: Government and Business are merely positions and playing pieces or entities, if you will, of the game. People are the players, people are accountable, and accountability also must be accepeted by voters, consumers, and in each and every choice we make that sustains what we see as wrong or evil, and in every choice we make that fails to bring about results for the greater good simply because we're more focused on our own position in the game.

This brings me back again to the animal kingdom. This brings me back to remembering why we are playing the game. This brings all of us back to remember the intrinsyc value each of us has as a human being. Work is work. Life is temporary. Love is eternal. Knowing the intrinsyc value I have as a human being, I have the utmost love and respect for the life of all others, man and beast alike. Knowing the work is just work, a means to an end, I do not put its' value over that of humanity or the welfare of our planet. Knowing that life is temporary, I do not forget the reason I am in this game, and it is to be with you, my fellow man, and enjoy the very thing that is eternal - Love. Knowing that Love is eternal, I embrace my spirit, your spirit, and the spirit of God, just as the Spirit of God embraces me.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I still feel a need to send a business card to Bill Parsons, the local news anchor. Ironically, the phone call he received could simply have been his alarm clock waking him up to go off to work today. Spirit travels in sleep and greater mysteries are waiting to be discovered. I am intrigued by the possibilities as yet uncovered.

The World is a Changin'

I understand that there is a groundswell of change on the horizon, an evolution of human-consciousness. In fact, I have experienced it within various communities over the past year or more myself. In spite of those who hang on desperately to their power, the consciousness of the planet is shifting and something will give.

I read something intriguing today about this in Eckhart Tolle's new book, A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life's Purpose.

A New Heaven and a New Earth
The inspiration for the title of this book came from a Bible prophecy that seems more applicable now than at any other time in human history. It occurs in both the Old and the New Testament and speaks of the collapse of the existing world order and the arising of "a new heaven and a new earth." We need to understand here that heaven is not a location but referes to the inner realm of consciousness. This is the esoteric meaning of the word, and this is also its meaning in the teachings of Jesus. Earth, on the other hand, is the outer manifestation in form, which is always a reflection of the inner. Collective human consciousness and life on our planet are intrinsically connect. "A new heaven" is the emergence of a transformed state of human consciousness, and "a new earth" is its reflection in the physical realm. Since human life and human consciousness are intrinsically one with the life of the planet, as the old consciousness dissolves, there are bound to be synchronistic geographic and climatic natural upheavals in many parts of the planet, some of which we are already witnessing now.

A Rebuttal

Upon hearing the suggestion that I am insulting and underselling people, let me share some additional perspective.

"Nonviolence is the greatest force at the disposal of mankind. It is mightier than the mightiest weapon of destruction devised by the ingenuity of man."

This in response to detractors who feel that a demonstration en masse is a show of force, while individual action is a sign of thought and concern.


"Truth, purity, self-control, firmness, fearlessness, humility, unity, peace, and renunciation - these are the inherent qualities of a civil resister."

I don't know about the rest of you, but I have been weakened by the comforts of our pampered society. I work at bringing these qualities fully to bear upon the life that I lead, and in the face of what our society has become, the challenge is at times overwhelming.


"Non-cooperation is a protest against an unwitting and unwilling participation in evil."

Right here, it is clear that the creation of the system of democracy and free-enterprise contains many hidden elements of evil that we unwittingly and unwillingly participate in. Discovering the truth, we resist cooperation and that is what the worldwide general strike offers us all an opportunity to voice.


"Love is the strongest force the world possesses, and yet it is the humblest imaginable."

Underneath my inspiration for all my actions, whether seen as crazy or not, is pure Love.


"Poverty is the worst form of violence."

Before we're so quick to judge such an extreme action like a worldwide general strike as foolish, a show of force, or some such other foolishness, let's remember the violence that we inflict upon our own world through our consumerism, through our selfishness, and even our complacency. Again, unwittingly and unwillingly participating in an evil that is having an impact right now in life and death balances half a world away while we sleep comfortably in our beds with down-filled duvets.

Now let me reiterate, that my only intention is to amass a collective consciousness that will respond to the state of our world affairs, our national affairs, and our business affairs in a more just, and honorable way.

April 6, 1919 India Came to a Stand-still

On April 6th, 1919, Gandhi's influence witnessed a country of 350 million people, without the benefit of internet communications act in a unified and peaceful way that saw India stand still. Given the nature of the governance in that time, it was called A Day of Prayer and Fasting. This was part of Gandhi's peaceful resistance movement to regain rightful ownership of India back to the Indian people.

Many others have been inspired by Gandhi, one of whom was Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. who is remembered today as well.

On another personal blog, as a result of blog-surfing, media reports, and the many travesties we've become familiar with around corporate abuses, political abuses, poor leadership, custodianship, and stewardship, I posted an entry suggesting a world-wide general strike. I'm not sure how serious I was about it when I initially posted it. It was sudden, half-baked, and without a clear agenda for any immediate action by any particular individual or party. Intriguingly, it has garnered considerable attention and support as people that are aware do see the value in awakening their fellow man.

As I spoke to a local friend of mine tonight, he made it perfectly clear to me that a focus seemed to be missing. I suppose that has something to do with the subversive nature of how I teach. I'm only just seeing this as I write and recall other previous conversations around my intent and desire to change the world. You see, while leaders do need to change, they are not the ones who will make any lasting impact. It is you and I - the people.

Were there to be a Worldwide General Strike, people everywhere would begin to recognize the power we have when we act in a unified and peaceful way to let our leaders know when they're doing a good job, and when they're not doing a good job. As I said, I've watched blog after blog, with all their complaints, and see little action. In conversations within my own personal blogging community, it has been expressed that many feel overwhelmed and powerless to bring about any lasting or meaningful change.

This is because we act only in small splinter groups, and depending upon our current state of affairs. We have been so complacent as people in a society that has grown fat and lazy, being spoon-fed politics by the media, spoiled by materialistic desires and entertainment, and find ourselves puzzled by the dullness we experience. Broad-brush, I know, but even I, without a TV, do feel this influence on many levels - in the supermarket, within business culture, having a conversation at the coffee shop. It has become so pervasive, we don't even realize that the wool is being pulled over our eyes.

We all want the same thing: Love, Life, and Happiness.

How that will look for each person will be different and so will our preference for our livelihood. In order to have the best opportunity to achieve these things, we need three main things from leaders in society, and leaders in business:

• Better Leadership: understand that a leader is a servant to ALL equally.
• Better Stewardship: manage and care for the resources of finance and people with greater responsibility and fairness for ALL equally.
• Better Custodianship: clean up our act so that our planet's health, our health, and our future generation's health will stand a chance.

So, were there to be a successful Worldwide General Strike, as proposed for January 31st, 2007, the message to these leaders would be that this is what you want. However, this is not the main purpose of the general strike either.

People, you need to also wake up and become more aware of your choices. You need to become more conscious about the power you have individually and collectively. You need to become more responsible for the impact you have for, or against the greater good.

This isn't an initiative to wake up the leaders though, this is a call to wake up the people. You put the leaders there and you're the ones who, even in your complaints, tolerate the status quo: War, Poverty, Homelessness, Pollution, etc. --- and all their accompanying side-effects on environment, social, mental, emotional, and physical health in so many different degrees and ways.

You want to make change happen? Be that change.

I'm a professional coach committed to being change. I start with my heart and I've done a lot of very difficult personal work over the past ten years. I've also encountered a lot of difficult personal, professional, and societal obstacles along the way. It's a nasty minefield for the novice and many give up along the way. I mentor young, middle-age, and older folks too. I invite you to inquire into my coaching and being challenged right down to the core of your heart to grow and challenge your perceptions and beliefs.

We're not looking for overnight change, we know that this will be the same task of patience exercised by farmer's at the beginning of every season.

Celebrating a Success Story

I happened to contact a past client out of curiosity and heard a wonderful success story worth sharing. In doing so, you may also find the links to his sites valuable to you, depending on where you live, and what you need.

Congratualtions Albert and thank-you for sharing the wonderful news!


Lee,

In the middle east, arab culture believes very strongly in the sixth sence. So much so, that people often speak to others about "feelings". These "feelings" are believed to have caused wars, feuds and also marriages and new ventures.

The fact that you have contacted me, I believe I was "feeling" this would happen.

For the past month, I have been talking to people about how my life has turned around because of a person I once spoke to over the phone. People do not understand what a profound effect you have had on my life.

I believe you must have heard the echoes of these murmurings, because you contacted me today.

Lee - what can I tell you? I have dreamed all my life to build a business of my own. To build a practice I believed I can do and something that would complement my skills, personality and vision.

Well, since talking to you, I spent 2006 building the initial structures. These structures can be found at the following addresses;

http://www.onebridge.ca
http://www.corporatesoccer.ca
http://www.goworkoverseas.com

I dreamed of building one thing - instead, I found energy and time to build three!

I was "downsized" in April 2006 from HSBC. I have been much happier since then. I have not worked since April 2006, but I have put alot of effort to build this practice.

I feel better. I think better. I am happier with myself. Of course, there remains the occasional low - but a lot less frequent than the time before I spoke with you.

I credit you with my turn around and I credit you with restoring my confidence, my vision and my conviction of what I was put on earth to do.

So to say the least, 2007 will be the year I finally cash in on these ventures. I believe the effort and the patience will pay off. To think, I have waited 10 years (since graduating) to get to this point.

I am a happier dad. I have two beautiful girls who inspire me every day. I am striving to build on an already solid foundation of marriage.

Lee - a big thank you. I will probably be thanking you for many years to come....

I, too, "feel" 2007 will be a very good year!

A warm new year greeting to you and to all those you care for.

Take care mon ami!

Albert

A sea change is about to hit the workplace. Are you ready?

VIRGINIA GALT
WORKPLACE REPORTER
Globe & Mail Article

David Shaw scans the horizon from his 30th-floor office in downtown Toronto and warns of a coming "tsunami" that will leave bureaucratic, old-style organizations with a lot of empty desks.

With the majority of baby boomers contemplating retirement in the next decade, and the newest generation of employees placing a premium on work-life balance, employers will need to adjust their recruitment and retention strategies radically, says Mr. Shaw, chief executive officer of Toronto-based Knightsbridge Human Capital Solutions.

And they will be forced to manage their organizations "very differently" in light of what the aging boomers and their entry-level offspring have in common: Attitude.

Many older, experienced employees might be willing to delay retirement if they can continue working "on their own terms," he says.

The same goes for the youngest generation of employees, who are willing to expend a tremendous amount of energy and brainpower -- but again, "on their own terms," says Mr. Shaw, who founded Knightsbridge five years ago after leaving his post as president of Pepsi-Cola Canada Beverages.

"The successful organizations in the future will be those that understand where the [labour] market trends are, and understand the need to be adaptive to the people who work in their organizations."

Those least willing to accommodate the desires of their employees will most likely suffer from labour shortages in the coming years, Mr. Shaw predicts.

Employers do not have the luxury of time in developing new approaches to recruiting and managing talent, he adds. In the public sector, for instance, "every provincial government, in the next five to seven years, is going to lose 60 per cent of their work force.

"I don't think people will recognize the work force between today and 10 years from now in terms of . . . the way we work, the people who are engaged in the work force and the work that people are doing."

To reinforce his point about the challenges facing employers, Mr. Shaw brandishes recent issues of The Economist (cover story: The search for talent. Why it's getting harder to find) and BusinessWeek (cover story: Smashing The Clock. No schedules. No mandatory meetings. Inside Best Buy's radical reshaping of the workplace).

The "results-only work environment" initiative, introduced last year at the Minneapolis headquarters of Best Buy Co. allows employees to decide when, and how, they will work -- their performance is judged on output rather than the number of hours spent in the office. And, according to company executives interviewed by BusinessWeek, productivity is up and turnover is down.

It is a gutsy move by Best Buy, says Mr. Shaw, who applauds the initiative, although "it remains to be seen" how effectively the company can run its North American operations when, for instance, head office employees have the freedom to leave at 2 p.m. to catch a matinee, on the understanding that they will make up the work later.

"At the end of the day, results always count," Mr. Shaw says. "They're taking a lot of risk.
"Still, having the guts and courage to do something like this is invaluable because the people who work in the organization are looking at the leadership and saying: 'You know, at least they are trying to do something that reflects an understanding of who we are and the needs that we have,' " Mr. Shaw says.

What Best Buy has gained, through its flexibility around work schedules, is a highly engaged work force, which will serve the company well in the future when the pool of available labour shrinks and employees have far more choices about how, and for whom, they want to work, he says.

"I think every organization should be looking at doing things very differently . . . knowledge workers can migrate very quickly."

Those most likely to suffer labour shortages will be hierarchical organizations that continue to dictate working hours and methodology in the belief that employees will only work under the watchful eye of a manager, Mr. Shaw says.

Those organizations willing to innovate -- through such initiatives as flexible working hours, telecommuting and phased retirement for older employees who want to cut back their hours -- will attract and retain more employees.

But this will also make the jobs of managers far more complex, he says, because they will still need to ensure that the work gets done.

"This isn't about becoming a complacent, fluffy organization, because results still matter," Mr. Shaw says.

"But the way and the manner in which you achieve those results is very telling in terms of the company that you are . . . and whether people are willing to work in these environments."