Many quotations leave me cold. They sometimes seem over used especially by people who have nothing original to say. Then I found this one. I commend you to read it. Perhaps frame it. When your team is working on a new strategy or a change, have a quick reminder of these words.

‘Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back. Concerning all acts of initiative and creation, there is one elementary truth, the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then providence moves too. All sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one’s favour all manner of unforeseen incidents and meetings and material assistance, which no man could have dreamed would have come his way. Whatever you can do, or dream you can do, begin it. Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it. Begin it now’

For me it sums up two important dynamics. It reminds us of the power of action and the stream of events that can unfold from a decision. It also warns us not to be over analytical as our decisions will start an unpredictable chain of events. These are areas we emphasise on our strategic thinking and change workshops.

I found the quote in a small book called ‘The Vital Coincidence’ which I picked up in the Hayward Gallery. The quote itself comes from Johann Wolfgang von Goethe who was a German writer, artist, and politician 1749 – 1832.

 Music In The Office and other things

Firstly we recommend a visit to the Hayward Gallery on the South Bank for the ‘Light’ exhibition. Just fantastic and very inspirational. The final gallery featuring water fountains and strobe lights can only be experienced. Books and videos will not capture this.

And music this week. A strong recommendation for the new album by Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds ‘Push The Sky Away’. This is very different to his usual heavy melodramatic style and better for it. Strongly recommended for any of you who want to stretch the music collection into something new.