We see the world as we are. Many have said it before me. The perception that colors how we take in information and how we approach decisions also depends on the circumstances in which we find ourselves at the moment. Our attention and the attention of our readers is always divided -- part of us may be in search of that word or phrase that inspires; part of us wants proof.
Is what we're doing the right thing? Only we decide. Yet our availability to advice and connections depends on our frame of mind. And so does our readers'. That is the subject matter of this week's post at The Blog Herald. Let's go over there and see what I'm talking about.
And here's my story, for now. Today is my last day at my current company. We were acquired back in February. Our old parent company was based in France, which was a challenge at the time fries were being renamed 'freedom fries'. The new owners are based in Mumbai, India. This in and of itself presents a cultural shift that is only beginning to be felt at the moment.
My departure was not a choice, staying wasn't an option -- communications are not that important. I beg to differ. We demonstrate how important they are every single day through the connections that result from those communications in this space. New media is not about the tools. My money is on the conversation. And this space is certainly not about me as much as it is about how we can make sense of and (hopefully) execute ideas, together.
This space is more about you, your projects, your learning, your passions, and your feedback. What's your story?
Great post, Valeria. Love your last line in The Herald Post: "In both cases the beginning of a relationship with them depends on the story you craft –- yours alone and yours together."
You've beautifully summed up why I read blogs.
1) To gain information and learn for myself.
2) To connect with the writer through comments, emails, etc...
The best part of all comes when your thoughts start coming through in someone else's stories or when you're asked to collaborate on an idea.
That's when you know you have a hand in crafting someone else's story.
Posted by: Mark Goren | June 01, 2007 at 10:15 AM
My story? Blogging is an adventure, and I don't actually know where it is going. But I am certainly having a great time getting to know my fellow travelers (including you!)
Posted by: Steve Woodruff | June 01, 2007 at 02:17 PM
Valeria,
First let em say that your were certainly under-appreciated where you were. You will be a great asset wherever you go.
My story - is slowly being revealed online, in print and everyday. Just trying to remember to enjoy the ride and not just focus on the destination.
Posted by: Roger Anderson | June 01, 2007 at 03:57 PM
Mark -- something of the sort you describe here just occurred with Tim @ Useful Lunacy in my post about story. He tracked back to it and continued the conversation, expanding on what we are saying there.
Steve -- I can see that you're having fun. So if a voice and an attitude can come through on a site, imagine the possibilities...
Roger -- I end up breaking new ground wherever I go so focusing on the destination is not really an option for me. Although I do tend to plan, I let the story unfold, too.
Posted by: Valeria Maltoni | June 01, 2007 at 05:29 PM
Keep up the good work! Continue to inspire us with stories of innovative collaboration, as we're all in this journey of life together :-)
Looking forward to where the next page in your story takes you and the rest of us Valeria! Keep rockin!!
Posted by: Shahrooz Bhopti | June 02, 2007 at 01:27 PM
Valeria,
Ever forward my friend! The next company to get you on their team will be incredibly lucky, and smart.
You choose to work on the edges, where remarkability can be found: that is a great story.
My story: why doesn't everyone love what they do for a living? It is one of the driving forces propelling me in organizational development.
Posted by: Joe Raasch | June 02, 2007 at 01:40 PM
Shahrooz -- You are very kind. Our conversations are always so filled with interesting bits. It would be neat to work on a project together. I find that we express our best/higher selves when going to work on something we're passionate about.
Joe -- or maybe the edges find/choose me. You are a dear friend, too. We should explore the issue of passion and work. Maybe we can start the conversation here. When asked, I always respond that I LOVE what I do, regardless of where I am. That's probably why I get hugs on my last day at work and not shrugs.
Posted by: Valeria Maltoni | June 02, 2007 at 10:27 PM