Trust......and the rutting season in Derbyshire....

This blog post has to start with a request for forgiveness. The ruts I referred to in my last post that I had ‘mastered’ were at best mere bumps in the mud! What a difference a day makes!

Yesterday we spent an amazing day with Boyd Emmerich at OTT in the Peak District - getting in some training for the Enduro Challenge next September.

About 20 minutes into the day I had fallen off my bike twice and also fractured the radiator on my Yamaha (well Boyd’s to be correct) - fortunately water wasn’t spraying everywhere. I think my first spill fractured it and my second spill sort of pushed it back - therefore meaning that I was able to continue to spend the whole day on the bike. Though I must admit I did have a flicker of a thought about sitting in Boyd’s garden with book, admiring the beautiful view with his cat! Despite the fact that I’d just bent his bike, Boyd was charming, concerned and encouraging to get me back on the bike even though he must have realised that at this stage my confidence was somewhere near ground level along with when I had said I didn’t have much bike experience - I had meant it!

I then had a run in with a hawthorn bush, when on descending a quite steep slope littered with loose stones, I spotted a fairly sizeable boulder and frankly just panicked – hence pulled in the clutch which made the bike run away, then grabbed the front brake which caused the front wheel to lock up and wash out (I’m told an understandable reaction!). Meantime I look like I’ve had a run in with a vicious cat - no plasters mind- otherwise I’d look like Adam Ant. My daughter, aged 7, sensibly commented on my return home, ‘Why didn’t you put your visor down or have your goggles on, Mummy?’ ……shortly followed by ‘ Did you cry” …..hmm - out of the mouths of babes - not sure why I didn’t have my visor down and yes I did cry, in my head!...…… However, as a result of my numerous spills, I have rigorously tested my body armour and borrowed kneepads in the field and realise that it would be utter folly to venture out without!


So, ruts – good grief - they looked more like little grand canyons when I first set eyes on them – thinking of Boyd’s garden and sitting with the cat again! Boyd mischievously talked of one group who referred to them as their own ‘road of bones’ a la the McGregor and Boorman Long Way Round trip - it is actually called the Road of Death – ‘fondly’ known as the ‘road of bones'!

These ruts were about a foot deep (30cm) and some of them had nasty great rocks at the bottom too – see pic. I was tempted - very tempted - at this stage to turn tail and head off for the nearest village and a coffee!
Boyd had given us a briefing on ruts earlier in the day – at the sight of said ruts - anything I may have taken on board had departed my head to be replaced by something between fear, panic and ‘what am I doing’! Now, I know from my work as an executive coach that self-belief and confidence is paramount especially in a tricky situation – be that anything from financial sector meltdown to an ill-performing team. So, trying to give audience to the little voice in my head saying ‘you can do this’ as opposed to the limiting voice saying ‘ are you mad, you can’t do that’, I then heard Boyd say ‘Come on, Kate, connect with that ‘inner core’. So, whilst looking ahead of where I was riding I connected with that piece inside all of us that knows we can do it and off I went.

Now, riding on ruts especially as a novice is no mean feat. Getting your bike along a rut where there is a few centimetres at best either side of the tyre, if you’re unbalanced and/or too fast it’s a bit like a marble in a bagatelle – pinging off the sides rather rapidly until at some point another spill or collision with whatever is nearby occurs! For those experienced riders, like Boyd, you’re up on the pegs, feeling the bike and getting your balance in tune and navigating with ease through them and looking ahead to the future. However, as a beginner - getting up on the pegs felt maybe a step too far - so as you still need to keep all your weight over the front forks you sort of have to throw yourself as far up the tank as you can and get your legs out to help balance (very elegant). It worked for me though - and of course let the bike do its job - get the bike into a low gear then try to avoid the clutch altogether, feathering the brake and using your balance in combination with the bike momentum and those great sticky knobbly tyres. Tell you what - having achieved those ruts - the feeling was something else! A little technique, balance, self–belief and of course great teacher and support group and off you go.

It had been occurring to me whilst riding that riding on tough terrain on an enduro bike is not dissimilar to trusting the people in your company to do their thing, generally, in tough times or in conflict rather than the old command and control philosophy which truly doesn’t bring out the best in anybody. I.e. – had I allowed my bike to do the thing that it does well rather than inflict my controls onto it - I more than likely wouldn’t have spilled quite so often? So often in my role as executive coach and facilitator it is enabling people to allow themselves and others to do things their way, the way that works best! When you engage the bike, allow the engine to brake for you on the steep inclines, stand up on the pegs, pick up a bit of speed and look to the horizon and where you’re going, it all comes together and feels great! A bit like when you’re managing your team or company really effectively. At one point there was a group of delightful and friendly walkers holding a gate open for us, the track through the gate was strewn with rubble, big stones and some boulders - mind over matter - belief kicked in - and even I realised that I might just have looked like a pro for those brief moments. (When everything comes together as a leader, engineer, bike rider, in a conversation - we get into what’s called ‘flow’ - at that particular moment - I was in ‘flow’). There’s hope yet!!

One couldn’t ask for more in a teacher and guide such as Boyd. Attentive, mischievous, gently pushing you further than you believe you are able. The Peak District is so beautiful and we were treated to some wonderful spring sights - little lambs, tiny calves, some yearlings galloping in a field was a sight to behold and of course that wonderful smell you get when you’re in the rugged outdoors.

Practice makes perfect and I need lots of that, but will be back to further the training. That’s not to say I still don’t think I may have bitten off more than I can chew. Everything that can ache, does ache and a client just yesterday commented that I didn’t have my customary high heels on – hmm - bit stiff - stilettos just won’t cut it for a day or so........

During the day I pinged a quick photo to my sister via my iphone - whilst Mr T was learning how to do turns (and doughnuts) I was having a little rest against a lovely old stone wall with awesome views. My nephews apparently think that Aunty Kate is now a Power Ranger (largely based upon orange and black gear, and helmet) and could take on the world – on that note when confidence is waning - I’ll remember that!

‘til next time……

Cinderella is proof that a pair of shoes can change your life!

Way hey…….I didn’t think I’d get the opportunity to talk about footwear on my enduro blog!

I bought a pair of AlpineStars a few weeks back, Tech 7’s and felt somewhat like Darth Vader in them - not you understand - that I know what he feels like - but that’s how I felt - I have been riding in my riding(of the horse variety) boots. The Tech 7’s have been sitting in my hall for a few weeks - sort of taunting me. I was a bit concerned that stalling being a regular occurrence and going up and down the gear box in what felt like, stiff, heavy, cumbersome boots – would render my somewhat slow progress several steps forward and several more back!

How wrong a girl could be!

I kick started first time – couldn’t feel the pedal beneath my foot so just kicked away. Gear changing was fine - dare I say easy…… Enduro boots are designed for standing up on the pegs - so that was easier too! In fact ‘sitting’ on the GasGas in my new boots felt rather odd – bit like riding a horse with one’s stirrups too short - knees up around the chin styley! Whereas - stand up - well felt different again, I’m almost changing gear with-out thinking!

So, with my new found confidence in my new boots and in the glorious sunshine, I picked up a bit of speed and had a great time on a byway over the rough terrain a few dips and soft grass. I even got to grips with the hard ruts. Gave the bike a bit of throttle , let it do it’s stuff and had some fun. Riding in the ruts, on the ruts, across the ruts. Given that four weeks ago I seriously avoided anything that even remotely resembled a rut or indeed rough ground – progress indeed!

Also, proves that the right footwear for the occasion is unquestionably the way to go! Louboutin here I come!

Something in reserve.....

As you will know, my current challenge is that when I stall (a rather regular occurrence) I find it an almighty effort to kick start the bike again – partly due to the height of an enduro bike (high – due to the suspension required for rough terrain) and my lack of technique, welly, strength, something or other……

So, when after umpteenth attempt to start the bike again late yesterday I was on the verge of thinking perhaps I’d over-challenged myself - it was pointed out to me that perhaps I was out of fuel and needed to switch to the reserve tank! Switched to reserve tank, slighted exhausted attempt at kick-start and voila! Big roar, two stroke fumes and off we go……. A lesson learnt even if I did feel somewhat daft (one word to describe it anyway?)…….

It got me thinking about the challenges that individuals and companies face on a regular basis and sometimes the blindly doing what went before even though we don’t get the results - that is until metaphorically or truly speaking some-one points out that we need to switch to reserve or change something!

In a difficult trading period, economic climate, time of low morale et al, as leaders it is so important to listen and harness observations from others. There is a little story, if you will, of taking a group of people out to a garden with a statue in the middle and asking each to describe the statue. Each individual will of course have a slightly different view and standpoint – however the important thing is that their view is nonetheless valid and real.

So, how do we ensure that as leaders we capture the imagination and perhaps hearts of our teams and people. If we have a way of being that enables others to offer feedback and share views of our product, sales process, what competitors are doing, what we could do better – this will give a business the competitive edge.

It is being regularly researched and we so commonly hear that if a business combines its technical prowess and its emotional intelligence - it will stand stronger and very oft be much more successful.

Combining commercial pragmatism and passion can be a challenge, for some effortless and for others a step that they’ll think about but won’t actually make.

One of my clients, the CEO of a software company, oft says; ‘People can only be productive when they have balance in their life!’

By this he isn’t talking of the over –used work/life term but his team having a balance between their technical capabilities and their individuality, their personality - what they as unique people bring to the team, the company. He is particularly good at harnessing the creativity , innovation and passion in his people and runs a very successful business.

As business leaders, how can one harness the commercial pragmatism and the passion. I did a quick internet definition of the two:- ‘pragmatism - originally developed by Peirce and James / - a practical , matter-of-fact way of approaching or assessing situations or of solving problems’ and ‘passion – any powerful or compelling emotion or feeling, as love or hate’.

So, a few ideas on how to bring pragmatism and passion together:-

Listen - truly listen (it doesn’t mean you have to agree all the time!)

Establish a culture where people are ‘genuinely’ able to fail or just mess up, brush themselves off and onto the next thing

Have regular meetings that have no agenda - the amount of creativity and innovation that comes from these is quite extraordinary

Know your people , know your business – when was the last time you ’walked the floor’ …

Passionate and creative individuals are vats of innovation – seeking better and often fixated on better solutions to problems. It might be something technical or something more personal but either way it evokes an emotion that the person really needs to feel.

Like it or not, our best judgements and decisions are most often anchored in how we truly feel about something - even in the most clinical of us!

As for reserve tanks, I started writing this on a train to Newcastle and spotted a horse trotting along the fence of its field. Horses always leave a bit in reserve – they are flight animals - so whatever eventuality may transpire they will always have a little energy in reserve, a means to escape, make a change whichever – even highly tuned racehorses. If horses don’t epitomise the practical with the passion I don’t know what does!

Is your business bringing together the pragmatism and the passion……………?

Mind over matter .......

As Henry Ford said - whatever you think you can or can't do - you're right! If was with this in mind that I set off on my off-road bike practice yesterday ( clients stuck abroad and therefore I had an unexpected few spare hours in the diary and whilst I would usually fill the time, this time I decided to get on my bike, as it were, instead! I have an off-road day booked with Boyd Emmerich in the Peak District in 10 days time which is focusing the mind somewhat too!

Though momentarily wondering if I was breaking some-one's silence on my little bike - the skies and the UK generally being rather peaceful with-out inbound or outbound aircraft due to volcanic ash. I live in a peaceful rural area and it still seemed quieter still. Anyway, those thoughts aside I set off.

Beautiful day - no-one around - saw many rabbits and a hare, I really started to thoroughly enjoy the bike and what it can do. Much like in life, if you trust rather than inflict tight controls, you generally get a better result! The ground was hard, lots of ruts and bumps however if I let it, the bike takes them all in with ease. Of course, the more speed you have the better - by this I don't mean flat out - just momentum. Had a few scary moments - nearly did a girly burst into tears - however with only bunnies to assist figured that possibly wasn't the best way of dealing with frustration. Nearly dropped the bike too - *&*&^***!! Goodness - that got my heart racing!

I still can't kick start to order - argghhh - however mind over matter - when I think I can funnily enough I can ( within 3 kicks anyway!). I oft refer to that statement on various leadership workshops I facilitate - it's true. If you believe you can't, you limit your possibilities, thinking and potential resource and therefore you will diminish the ability to achieve whatever it is. Believe you can (genuinely) and your world will metaphorically open along with your belief, confidence and potential and chances are you can.

So, after a few miles, whilst still stalling, at least I was re-starting - went down into and up out of a few soft ditches and am beginning to believe that perhaps I will complete this challenge. I can in fact!

Have a top day...

Passion and determination......

I've been doing some research at work around commercial capability meeting passion in the corporate world. A fascinating topic from Goleman's Emotional Intelligence, Maturana's Biology of Business and Love expands Intelligence to Disraeli's theories, it's becoming one of those moments when one realises quite how little one knows.

With regards to learning to ride an Enduro bike, to use Ken Blanchard's stages of development, I'm somewhat in the 'Disillusioned Learner' category - I know very well what I don't know! We started route planning at the weekend and some of the terrain looks a bit 'hairy' to say the least!

However, despite kicking starting my bike many, many times at the weekend after stalling - I'm getting some nice muscle tone coming along and I can go up and down the gear box more fluidly still whilst standing up. So, going in the right direction.

More importantly, I've been looking into Child Poverty in the UK - it's extraordinary that we can build businesses, great technologies, lead the world stage (in some fields!!!) however feeding our children and giving them basic food, shelter and love is not happening. Hard to imagine! I can't in fact imagine that.

If, we can make a difference that makes a real difference to a young life then we'll have done well and the bruises, aches and pains will be mere trifles.

There's four of us thus far in the merry band - if you would like to join us, let me know and the more people, the more money we can raise for KidsCo and Great Ormond Street .

21 times!

It takes the repeating of a new behaviour or technique twenty one times to embed. I have a few to go from today’s little outing though have certainly created a few new neural pathways to be re-trodden!

Changing gear standing up I can do and whilst I had a few major swerves - no spills, so to speak! A good outing! Got very muddy and boy - eight hours on I believe I’m going to have rather a few aches in the morning.

Whilst I was not hurtling exactly but enjoying going along the byways in the nearby countryside – I was thinking about riding a horse and riding a Gasser as I now realise they’re more fondly known.

Like on a horse, the faster (mostly) you go the smoother the ride. A horse will travel the terrain and make lots of little subtle adjustments to its balance. The bike also it will do its job if you let it and you make up with balance and the odd subtle little movement. Too slow and the wobbles are major.

Still stalling and having a huge effort to re-start – that’s exhausting – good for the abdomen muscles mind (silver lining!). The holy grail as understand it - is a dirt bike with a started motor - albeit heavier.

Of course the one big difference between horses and bikes - bikes don’t go at thirty miles an hour with a mind of their own and the ability to spook (a big six foot sideways movement sometimes due to a bird, flapping plastic bag - sometimes apparently nothing)!