The MAGIC formula:
Moving
Attuning
Giving
Inspiring
Connecting
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Are You Alright, Deer?
I am very privileged to be able to walk my dog around Christ Church Meadow in Oxford every morning. At the time of writing, it is icy cold and beautiful. A frozen flood covers half of it. The trees look amazing in the frost, picture-framing the dreaming spires beyond.
The footpath runs around the outside of two large fenced-off fields. A substantial hedgerow runs down the middle. There is a small herd of roe deer that live inside it. The whole hedge currently has its roots underwater, forcing the deer out into the open. This morning, seven were together in half of the meadow, but one was in the other half, separated from the rest by the flood, sitting all by itself on a grassy knoll.
I was sad for that deer at first. I thought it had been separated from its friends. But then I realised that it was there by choice. It had decided that, at least for that day, it wanted to be alone.
Deer-y Me
As I walked, I reflected that I am a bit like that deer. Sometimes I just want to be by myself. Other times I am happy to be with the crowd. Everything seems to go better when I organise my life and work with this in mind.
Have you attuned to your own optimal way of working and your individual way of recharging? The answer will be different for everyone, but it is worth thinking about it. And, once you get clear about this, you can start to design and structure your life in a way that is suited to you, and you will become happier and more productive.
Antlers on a Postcard, Please
Are you a solitary deer, or do you prefer to stay with the herd at all times?
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Help Please!
If you know any groups or companies that could benefit from my speech “The MAGIC Formula to Win the Respect of Your Team”, please put me in touch.