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We first came across the concept of Alchemy thanks to management guru Charles Handy in his definitive work entitled: The New Alchemist.
This section looks at the basic concepts of what and how such Alchemy comes about.
Motivation is made up of Dedication, Desire and Difference
DEDICATION (aka hard work) central to the sense of self.
This can be a CAUSE or PROCESS (passionate about design and quality = pleasure). Without this success will be limited.
In all cases money is not the motivator although its importance is recognised. Money is also used as a measure of success.
DESIRE.
Important to understand the distinction between passion and obsession.
Families can help provide a stable centre.
Discipline is an important factor. Negative capability is the capacity to keep going when things are going wrong, in doubt or uncertain. This is only apparent if someone is convinced of their worth, have courage and the patience to ride it out.
At some point all have to face failure and overcome it. All mistakes are treated as learning experiences. These experiences can sometimes reveal who we are not. Every set back is an opportunity in disguise if one utilises their negative capacity. The ability to tolerate tension and anxiety is critical.
DIFFERENCE (aka talent).
To make a difference things have to be done differently.
The cultivation of one's difference is a secret of success especially when combined with the other two elements of determination and motivation.
Wear a dark suit when preaching radical thoughts to disguise difference. Credability is critical
Control over the process is necessary to achieve alchemy.
The environment becomes an extension of the people. It is important to be open to criticism and new ideas. This can cause alchemy to wither away.
The Third Eye is the ability to look at things from a different angle, to stand outside the mental box in which many people imprison themselves. Behind the eye is the principle of the 5 whys.
Creative males are emotionally developed in terms of self awareness and intellect.
Summary: These people are never satisfied in terms of wanting new challenges and competition.
They also have a strong desire to express themselves through their talents to generate some form of output.
Childhood, Education and Critical Events
CHILDHOOD:
Parental attitude and expectation is the most critical factor. Positive expectation almost becomes a self fulfilling prophecy. This can focus on character and spirit as well as career progression.
Parental pride in their children is a key motivator as well as their providing support. When this is missing the alchemist will find someone else.
Alchemy needs the curiosity and inventiveness of a child combined with adult maturity. This can be cultivated by providing a degree of independence.
Secure childhoods need not be static. Different experiences can be a good thing in preparing a child for the ongoing changes in life.
EDUCATION:
Adolescence is the main period of identity formation. The process of learning as well as content is critical. An understanding and flexible approach valuing difference and promoting self belief is important.
Creativity and intelligence are not interlinked. You can always learn what you need later on (Ozwald Boateng and his business course)
CRITICAL EVENTS AND PEOPLE: Luck.
Those who visit no orchards will catch no apples. Lucky people shake the tree.
Lucky people fasten themselves to individuals and situations that can help them.
Flexibility increases the chance for opportunity.
Taking the road less travelled offers different chances.
Being blinkered will screen out other opportunities.
Need to have right balance between those who are and are not alchemists. The development of alchemists can be influenced.
Alchemy is wasteful and unpredictable in nature. It takes 10 bad ideas to find 1 good one. Alchemy does not thrive in a controlled environment.
ZEITGEIST and FORMATION are key ingredients
ZEITGEIST:
A clustering of similar minds causes dialogue and promotes growth. This can create momentum and synergy.
Creative people flock to creative environments. This needs to be cultivated.
FORMATION:
Education plays only a part in the formation of an alchemist. Mistakes are not fatal and change can be exciting. It is important to create safe experimental environments for budding alchemists.
You can speak 5 languages but talk nonsense in all of them. It is important to identify what talents each individual has. Then it has to be horses for courses. Some want structure whilst others want freedom.
Diversity exposure is critical to development.
Some alchemists are also waiting to be activitated. Alchemy is not just for the young.
SUMMARY: Alchemy needs ambition and perseverance as well the right environment full of like minded individuals and sponsors.
They also need a chance to freely express themselves and be kept active with new challenges.
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