Writer's cramp

I was asked recently by a colleague why my writing of posts and other items has diminished to a trickle of late. Well I guess it’s because I’ve said most of what I’ve wanted to say at this point in time. I continue to comment when and where I have something relevant to add, but for the most part my time and energies are directed elsewhere right now. One of those major interests that is receiving a great deal of my energy at this time is my joining the board of Conscious Companies and its subsidiary, the Conscious Leadership Academy (https://www.consciouscompanies.co.za ). Conscious Companies evaluates participating corporates in terms of governing standards (according to the King 4 Rules of Corporate Governance), leadership styles, employee wellbeing and inclusiveness as well as the value-add to the communities and the environment at large. It is a tremendous initiative and one which resonates with my core values.

But the question about my diminishing writing caused me to pause and reflect on this writing thing. I am indeed a practicing clinician, coach, coach trainer, but in essence, when this spectrum of engagement is analysed, my real passion is to teach, instruct and mentor – in all these specialist fields of interest. And so the primary incentive for my writing has been to teach or create awareness. Indeed, the acknowledgements and complimentary feedback have been gratifying , but the real gratification has been in the creation of the post and in the value of its content. On reviewing all my posts/articles to date, the one’s that I am most proud of have received far less ‘eyes’ and comments than the others. Being the profiler and analyst by nature, this prompted me to review the posts of others to identify exactly which genre of articles received the most ’eyes’, comments and ‘relevant’ stamps of approval.

It turns out that the most popular articles are the ones that engage with a broad spectrum of folk where daily issues that are common to many, are narrated. Popularity of the article escalates if the producer ‘orchestrates’ participation through various means (call-outs etc). The participation in group collectiveness presumably results in oxytocin secretion which is physiologically gratifying and thus self-perpetuating. The next most popular group of articles are those that relate authentic real life experiences which by their nature resonate with many. Generally, the more suffering and unhappiness incorporated in the main theme, the more buy-in, presumably again based on our intrinsic neurobiological predisposition to empathize and secrete oxytocin. Following shortly behind this genre are the well written articles about specific interest areas.

On analyzing individuals and their comments in many posted articles over a period of time, it became apparent that with few exceptions, reader’s points of view don’t change very much. People appear to be stuck in their prevailing belief system. And not only is there a rigidity in a subjective belief, but many will rigorously defend their subjectivities. This is somewhat disappointing when seen from the teaching/mentoring perspective since it reflects a diminished capacity for learning and change (based on the neurophysiology of neuroplasticity). And then invariably there are the commentaries from the ’experts’ who have done a ‘cut and paste’ exercise, authoritatively packaging the info and assuming the role of experts. I’ve said enough about this issue in previous articles posted here on beBee (https://www.bebee.com/producer/@ian-weinberg/drowning-in-snake-oil ).

Right now therefore I believe that I’ve said most of what I wish to say in my buzzes. My compilation has been updated with all the latest articles from beBee and other platforms (http://www.pninet.com/articles/Compilation.pdf ). In addition I’ve added a very personal introductory preamble at the beginning of the compilation (personal narrative). I continue to read the superb articles posted by the likes of Gert Scholtz (proudly South African), Paul Walters (my tour guide and inspirator), Paul Walters (my mate in the land up-over, my home from home) Sara Jacobovici (a really wise and inspiring lady), Ken Boddie (my connection with authenticity) and Savvy Raj. Also Sara Jacobovici (my connection with the highest echelons of chefdom!). From time to time I indulge in sparring and receiving a jab and left hook combination from Phil Friedman which is exhilarating in its authenticity and keeps me seriously on my toes. 

It is also greatly inspiring to read the insightful and wise comments of Pascal Derrien , CityVP 🐝 Manjit, Savvy Raj , Sara Jacobovici , Randall Burns as well as the comments and inspiring shared contributions from David B. Grinberg , Phil Friedman , 🐝 Fatima G. Williams and Harvey Lloyd I miss my buddy Gerald Hecht - I hope he's well and gratified in his space. Finally, a toast and tribute to CityVP 🐝 Manjit who made this all possible.