Davos 2008

Every year, the Worlds top leaders from Governments and organisations meet at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland to discuss how to make the World a better place. This year anyone with computer access, anywhere in the world, had an opportunity to participate through U tube. The Davos Question was posted up: ‘What one thing do you think countries, organisations and individuals must do to make the world a better place in 2008?’ Many sent their views via their webcam. Others voted for the best ones which were then screened at plenary sessions so the world leaders could watch and listen. Technology encouraging democracy.

For me change starts with the individual. It is very easy to say what we want countries or organisations to do to make the world a better place. If we want a change in the world it has to start with us taking responsibility for changing what is in our world however small or large it is. Work forms a big part of most people’s worlds and it is where we all have an opportunity, to quote, Ghandi ‘be the change you want to see in the world’.

But are you of a mindset that says I only do things in my work that enhance my career. But what is a career now? Career paths in most organisations were once clear. For well documented reasons this is no longer so. If career was reframed to be our work in the world or our world, it becomes more personal and you can answer the question what can you do in your work that makes the world a better place. Think about it, listen to your intuition that has probably been nudging you with ideas, change your behaviour to live the difference you want to make and encourage others to think what difference they can make. Making a difference can range from being more understanding of your boss who has a lot of financial pressures, to coming up with a new idea to make money, to having a sympathetic ear to someone who has personal problems, to being supportively honest over performance issues. We advance in our career through our actions, achievements, and wanting things to improve and grow, this includes ourselves.

If we all did one thing, organisations, the world and who we are will be in a better place in 2008.

I have to confess I went to my local pub to write this over a glass of wine. I got talking to my neighbours about it. One committed to being more courteous to his employees, the other to smile as smiles are infectious. I committed to writing regular articles, going to the pub when I had the inspiration to do it, talking about them and only having a small glass of red wine!

© Judith Mills 2008