No. 537, January 23, 2006

A tip on managing with inspiration

A good life is a life in flow

One of the most popular books among our readers which we have reviewed in later years is Good Business – Leadership, Flow and The Making of Meaning, by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi. His book hints a better future when we have taken advantage of the combined effectiveness, creativity and joy of work inherent in the flow-experience in every human being.

To be in flow is to be here and now totally captivated by the task at hand. It can involve reading a book, exercise a sport, playing a musical instrument and doing a particular work task. Flow happens when we try to get a little better at something we are already good at but without the stress of excessive demands.

Csikszentmihalyi’s research shows remarkable results for youngsters who are often in flow. They develop more productive habits, they are happier, more optimistic and have a better confidence in themselves. They study more, have more active interests and more friends. All this is independent of income, education and social status of their parents.

Thus the flow experience is of high value. Already at the age of one we can see children entranced by a bucket, spade, sand and water. As we grow the flow activities become more sophisticated, of course. Many parents realise this and already at the age of seven or eight they consciously encourage an interest with a flow potential – an activity were one’s performance can be continuously improved for many years. Such an interest can give the child a healthy inner strength during the often difficult teenage years.

• Flow basics can be set when talking to an employee, a pupil or a child about future plans. Being in flow is a win-win situation whether at work, in school or at home. The activity needs a modest challenge, a clear goal, simple rules and freedom in exercising the activity.
  
  
• A valuable skill in encouraging flow as a leader, teacher or parent is to see when someone is in flow and not to disturb.

Flow is the healthy reward from life for commitment to learning and growing.

Creative regards! Jonas Himmelstrand

Read more on www.stratletter.com/537eng.html

© 2006 Strategies to Learn & Grow Newsletter • Printable version