Well, today … sadly, the 2009 Applied Improv Conference drew to a close. What an event for everyone who participated. This event was my chance to dip my toes in the water of applied improvisation. I walk away feeling both nourished and satisfied … excited to be part of this community. I have made many new friends from the US, Canada, South Africa, Turkey and Europe. I have no doubt the conversations will continue with some and lead to future ‘stuff’ at home and abroad. So the question most will ask when I get home … “So, Geoff, what did …

Thanks to Carla Rogers for inspiring me to get back to my blog! I am currently in the USA attending the Applied Improv Network’s annual conference at Edgefield Manor in Troutdale just outside of Portland Oregan. Edgefield Manor is the most creative, interesting and ‘happening’ conference venue I have ever seen! Apart from being comfortable the atmosphere and vibe created can all be boiled down to ‘one’ word … FUN! The pre conference workshops are on today and I am attending a session called ‘Notice More, Change Less’. Here’s a description … In the organisational world, there is a prevailing …

I have heard Dave Snowden tell his “How to organise a child’s party” story many times on his podcasts. Apart from being very funny, the story highlights the utter absurdity of our planning processes and systems. We need to ‘let go’ of our need for control and prediction. We need to embrace a new mindset and whole new suite of tools when working in the complex space … most of my own work in behaviour change and sustainability is right in that sweet spot of complexity. Here’s Dave …

I am liking the Fun Theory. An initiative of the car manufacturer that brought us the Combi Van and the Beetle, the site opens with this … “This site is dedicated to the thought that something as simple as fun is the easiest way to change people’s behaviour for the better. Be it for yourself, for the environment, or for something entirely different, the only thing that matters is that it’s change for the better.” Here are the videos demonstrating people’s interest in something different and something fun. The thing I noticed most was how the initiatives bring people together …

I really miss my time writing here and making comments on your blog! Fortunately, I am still reading all my favourite blogs and websites on my iphone via Google Reader when I get a few moments. But … I have realised that the big Ah!Ha moments I get from reading ‘other people’s blogs’ don’t seem to have the same impact if I don’t turn what I read/watch/hear into my own. In other words, I don’t really learn until I’ve written and reflected about it. Tomorrow, I’ll be sanding and oiling 34 sheets of 2.4m x 12m eco-plywood for my office …