Want Engaged Employees? The Work Matters!

This article is written by Alison Eyring

Most mornings I listen to the BBC on my way into work. The story today was about the continued crisis in Syria. The reporter spoke of two journalists who’d been killed and two who were injured - one was an expectant mother. With a heavy heart, I reflected on the amazing commitment of these professionals who risk their life for their work. Ever since I had the pleasure of working with journalists at Reuters, I’ve admired these professionals. They are obsessed with finding out and telling the truth - even when it’s ugly. They don’t choose journalism as a career to become rich. They go into journalism because they are curious, because they want to learn and to tell the news. When a journalist or cameraman or -woman dies covering a violent or dangerous situation, it’s a tragedy. Yet their death is a tribute to their personal courage, and their commitment to their work. Their work has meaning. It is important. It matters. They matter.

CEO Blog: Countdown to 50

This article is written by Alison Eyring

For the past decade, I’ve used races to motivate myself. I’m really not the workout type. I need purpose and it’s got to be something more meaningful to me than exercising in a gym. Over the years, I’ve participated in all sorts or races marathons, half-marathons, triathlons, and a few Ironman 70.3 (that’s the sexy name for a ½ Ironman). Most recently I trained for a 100k race, which ended as a mountain marathon. I’ve raced to grieve and I’ve raced to have fun. I’ve raced in Singapore mostly, which some find odd because it’s hot and humid here. But I love it especially when it’s raining lightly. Each time I’ve publically declared my intentions and then gone about training. This is fun, scary, and at times humiliating. My greatest challenge is always finding the way to balance training for my race with everything else in my life.

Learning from Failure

This article is written by Alison Eyring

I started writing this entry in my head sometime mid-morning on the 3rd of August. That was when I realized I’d failed and was going to need to tell the world about it. Now let me put this in context. At this point in the morning, I’d just run and crawled my way up and back down two mountains in northern Mongolia. Blood was still fresh on my left leg. My hands were swollen like the Pillsbury dough boy’s and my left foot was hurting. In the ascent of the second mountain, my heart rate had raced over 170 bpm. I thought I might like to sit down and die, but the mosquitoes were so horrific, this seemed more like fodder for a horror movie than the ending I’d want for myself.

Go Slow to Go Fast

This blog is written by Alison Eyring

One more month and I'll be trotting over mountains and around the world's clearest lake (or so they say) in the Mongolia Sunrise to Sunset ultramarathon. If I'm lucky, l'll finish somewhere near 18 hours after setting off in the pre-dawn darkness on what should be a cold, mid-summer morning.

Honest & Fair

This blog is written by Alison Eyring

I had a special developmental assignment this year as a Daisy troop leader. A Daisy is a pre-pre-Girl Scout for 6-7 year olds. There were 8 in my troop – all in the first grade. I’m a big fan of the Girl Scouts in spite of the fact that I was kicked out as a child because I kept spending my dues on ice cream. Girl Scouts is all about helping girls grow into leaders. It’s extremely experiential. The girls aren’t told about being leaders. They are asked to take leadership responsibilities and through this they learn.

Back to Basics

This blog is written by Alison Eyring

Last week, I was half-way through an 18k run and started chatting with my training buddy about navigation for our upcoming race. We’re preparing for a 100k run in Mongolia in August and as he’s the seasoned distance enthusiast, I find him to be an endless source of good ideas and insights. On this run, I was particularly keen to know how one can navigate back onto a course if they get lost. I’m a tad afraid of getting lost in Mongolia and the fact that the race organisers post herdsmen around to keep us from getting attacked by wild animals does not give me great comfort.

When Purpose Can Get in The Way

This blog is written by Alison Eyring

I ended 2010 reading a book about Nelson Mandela. I’d never have bought this book because it’s huge and I couldn’t carry it on a plane and it didn’t seem to have a purpose to me. But, it was given to James and me by friends who are from South Africa. Surely they must have thought James would read it because he’s a thoughtful, reading kind of guy. I’m the sort of person to whom people give utilitarian gifts.

Hard as Nails

In 2009 I started to write a blog called, 378 Days. It started as a public declaration that I would train for my 2nd Ironman 70.3 and an invitation for others to join me on this personal journey. After completing the race and writing my epilogue, I didn’t write again. But, I’ve missed it. I’ve missed the reflection my blog afforded and the opportunity it gave me to connect with people on a personal way. So, my blog is back!  In my new, reincarnated blog, I’m not going to document my training, but how I’m learning and changing – and what I’m learning about learning and change. Now this might sound a bit odd. Allow me to explain.

 

The Epilogue: Journey Back to the Singapore Ironman 70.3 - Lessons Learned

It’s been a few weeks since the race and I’ve had the chance to reflect on my experiences over the past year. A year ago, I set a goal to complete the Singapore Ironman 70.3. I was in a funk and needed to get out of it.

378 Days: Strong and Courageous

The day after the race, I woke up feeling tired and heavy. Nothing hurt too much which made me feel I had not pushed myself enough. I had to fly to Dubai late that evening so the day ahead was full of last minute preparation for my trip.

378 Days: The Race – 70.3 Miles

More than 378 days ago I started this blog and two weeks ago I ran across the finish line of the Singapore Ironman 70.3.

Top 10 Highlights from a Decade in Organisation Solutions

Normally I write about my training in this blog, but this is an exception because my company turned 10 years old this week! I've had a great time reflecting on my experiences creating and leading OS and am pleased to share my top 10 highlights and insights from these with you. These are more or less in order of their occurrence from the beginning.  Enjoy!

378 Days: The Prequel (Part Two)

The following is the 2nd chapter in that book I never wrote. After you read it, you'll understand why I dedicate this one to my dad. I don't think I'll publish any more of this prequel because my writing got worse.

378 Days: The Importance of Hope

The morning of the Standard Chartered marathon finally arrived. I’d opted to run the ½ marathon a few months back. James ran the 10k this year so we drove together to the race. It was more fun running together last year – even though we hardly spoke or even looked at one another. It always amazes me that I never tire of his company.

378 Days: Routine Matters

I love to plan. I think I’ve mentioned this before – but then again, I also repeat myself. In training for the Ironman 703, I have a training plan that takes me to the day of the race. This is helpful. But, what I’ve found is even more useful are the myriad of routines and rules of thumb that keep my going and able to execute the plan – more or less that is.

378 Days: The Prequel (Part One)

This is the first chapter of a book I never finished. It is the Prequel to my blog, 378 Days. If you enjoy this, please let me know! If people enjoy it, I’ll publish the other two chapters.

378 Days: Good Enough

Entry Date: 21 October 2009. What just happened? Six weeks just flew by. The day after my last entry began a crazy 4-week period of travel, being sick and huge workload. Needless to say, my training took a huge hit.

378 Days: Some Learnings along the Way

Entry Date: 12 Sep 2009. I’ve come to dread this little blog of mine. Don’t get me wrong – I’m still training and am actually on track for the Ironman 70.3 in March. Over the past few months I’ve been so busy and while I often think about things to say in my blog while running or cycling, I never can seem to find the time to write down my thoughts. What nudges me are the sweet little notes my friends leave for me in facebook, “Ally, look forward to your next blog” or “can’t wait to read the next blog”. My universal translator reads these words as, “get off your fat ass girl - and write!”

378 Days: What Everyone can Learn from Potty Training

Entry Date: 14 July 2009. Please note that I started this blog a few months back. If you’d like to catch up with that’s happened so far, the old posts are in the Archive.

It’s been years since Susan (now 7) and Megan (5 in 2 weeks) were in diapers. Being a working mom, you can imagine my delight when I came across a book titled, “Potty Train your Child in 1 Week”. I quickly read through the book and learned a few powerful lessons. First, it takes a week only when your child is showing all the signs that they’re really ready, you have about 3 days to stand by them to mop up the mess, and you’re prepared to positively reinforce the right behaviours once they start to happen. The amazing thing is that it really worked!

378 Days: The Spring Break Effect

A quarter century ago - wow, can it really be that long ago?!? - I was working on my master's thesis on transfer of training. The study was decent for a thesis. I trained two groups of undergraduates in the use of time management techniques and set them free to manage their time and use a daily planner for several weeks.

378 Days: Getting Better at Getting Better

Just about everyone I know wants to improve something. Be faster. More efficient. More satisfied. More fit. Certainly every organisation I come across constantly pursues some kind of improvement strategy. In the pursuit of improvement, people and organisations often make themselves worse off. Measures put in place have unintended consequences.

378 Days: Taking Stock

The days are ticking by. 3 weeks have gone by since I started this blog and my journey back to the SG Ironman 70.3. So, what's happening and what have I learned? It's time to take stock...

378 Days: Two Steps Forward, One Step Back

"Two steps forward, one step back; two days later and you're back on track". Nearly 20 years have passed since I heard those words from an executive leading a company in China. I suppose this is still somewhat true for getting things done in China - and it's certainly true for much of my training.

378 Days: Go Slow to Go Fast

Too often, leaders become obsessed with speed. Massive reorganisations get rolled out in the form of a well coordinated series of communications, possibly some engagement. New ways of operating are often "implemented" in the form of a slide pack attached to an email.

378 Days: Beginnings are always Messy

When introducing change to a business, team or individual, it's never easy to start. Beginnings are always messy. My dad used to say that if everyone waited until they were ready to have children, no one would ever have a child. I think he was right. But getting ready can often be a great excuse for never getting started.

378 Days: Another Beginning

I lied. It's now 377 days until the Singapore Ironman 70.3 -- in 2010 that is. It's not my first such race and hopefully won't be the last. Six years ago I ran my first marathon. I'd spent 6 months mourning the death of my parents in a car accident and needed hope. Goals and plans always seem to do that for me. At that time of my life, hope was what I most needed.