Border Control. And My Amazing Reflection Hat.

 

Closing time.

Last day of 2010. Time to put up my Amazing Reflection Hat.

This year for Blogging-Me was all about finding the right words to describe what I am trying to say for the last few years.

I am writing on the crossroad between personal development, change management, project management and social systems. With a dash of sociology.

And for four years I am explaining you about "border control". Only, I didn't know that.

Border control.

Making sure that you're comfortable under every circumstance. It's easy to be Your Great Self when there is no stress. It's doable to let your freak flag shine when people are not screaming into your ear.

But what happens when stress is put onto you? When you get tired?

Using personal development practices you can solve this by creating a bubble for yourself. Create a zone in which you feel comfortable. Creating boundaries with the language you use, the social cues you sent out, the identity you choose to express, the room you sit in, the music you play and the songs you sing.

Containers. Shelters.

It is a membrane. You don't close yourself entirely for your surroundings, you just pay more attention to the environment you create for yourself.

Border control.

This scales up to projects.

In my writings I focus on projects that are interventions in larger organizations. It is easy when no interruptions are made. But you change things for other people. You change how other people work or operate. You cause stress into their social system. And they push back.

You have to shelter you and your team for this. Set boundaries.

This works identical to the border control around Self.

You create an awesome working environment for the ragtag crew you are having your incredible adventure with. One that creates a homogeneous team. Of course without losing the cognitive diversity.

This working environment, this culture, works as a boundary. Some will like it (hopefully your team) and some don't. People in and people out.

You set filters. Like a change procedure. Or a dedicated time slot for a meeting.

Boundaries.

That control your borders.

It took me four years to see it this simple.

I hope you have an incredible 2011.

Bas de Baar is a writer who draws about people in transition. He loves to make visual maps and travel guides for the collaborators of our brave new world.