Weekly       eCoach

BORA Consulting - Consultancy for Entrepreneurs - Ralf Borlinghaus
contact: ralf.borlinghaus@bora-consulting.com, +41 44 58 66 157

Last week I had the pleasure to witness Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's Magic Flute in a very special production. In the beginning there was a vision of a good friend of mine: Norbert Venschott, director of a home for disabled people close to Frankfurt/ Germany, wished to have one of the world's most famous operas performed by disabled people together with students and professionals. Orchestra and chorus were provided by students of a secondary school, the arias were performed by professional singers and the dialogues were spoken by the disabled people. The preparatory work lasted for more than 1,5 years. It took a lot of effort to create this piece of art, however, it was worth all the sweat, since the result was overwhelming.

Sure, the performance cannot be compared with acts of professional opera houses in terms of musical quality, however, the atmosphere of humanity and mutual respect, of concentration and dedication, of commitment and joy involved and absorbed the viewers totally. It was an allegory of an ideal peaceful world.

Early this year a German bank institute asked me to prepare a three days management seminar based on the concept of Strategic Self-Management. A group of managers should be supported in using their development opportunities and better coping with organizational change processes. In other words: The high performers should become even more competitive.

Since I knew about my friend's project, I suggested to have this seminar in the large old castle, which is the home of the disabled people, in order to link high performance with social responsibility. In parallel to the regular program, the idea was to bring the managers together with the disabled and to learn from each other. And there is a lot a manager can learn from these people. More than twenty years ago I spent two years with physically and mentally disabled and I found those representing values, which are listed in glossy brochures of so many companies but mostly far away from being implemented: Integrity, honesty, openness, friendliness, tolerance and mutual help. I've never experienced jealousy or underhandedness among these people.

Unfortunately, the managers did not dare to enter this new world of experience. So we had this seminar in a classic environment. But I don't give up. Once I will find a company ready for new and outstanding experiences.  

  Your comment is welcome

"And he said: I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven."
                                                               Matthew 18,3
 

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart - The Magic Flute         

Sarastro's priests played by disabled people
 

Strategic Self-Manager                                               

Mozart's Queen Of The Night
Aria: Hell's Revenge Cooks In My Heart!

  Would you have the courage to say "no", if you boss would come along that way? (For the text click > here)