Reflective – Colins Street

05/07/202105/07/2021

Melbourne, Liveability & The Perpetual Flux of Time

June saw Melbourne achieve joint 8th place on the Economist Intelligence Unit’s Global Liveability Index. This was a markedly reduced ranking for mighty Melbourne, which had for many years claimed a seemingly perpetual spot near the very top; frequently first, or at least, second of the most livable cities in the world.

Undoubtedly driven by the ongoing pandemic, many great cities have seen a change of fortune. Former European greats like Vienna [12] have faltered in the rankings while essentially covid-free Auckland [1] has now triumphed at the top of the table. No less than four Australian cities have made it into the top 10, with Adelaide [3] and Perth [6] faring strongly. Brisbane [10] also made the cut, and it can only be the scantest of consolations to Melbournians, that their traditional rival Sydney [11] has just missed out of a place at the top table. For better and for worse, many renowned cities have risen, and many have fallen across the globe.

Such change reminds us that great cities, just like great people, are subject to the ever-fickle churn of fortune; rising and falling within the perpetual motion of chance, circumstance, and human endeavor. It was ever thus, and as the father of western history himself observed, from his vantage in the 5th century BCE:

“… I shall go forward with my history, describing equally the greater and the lesser cities. For the cities which were formerly great, have most of them become insignificant; and such as those that are at present powerful, were weak in the times of old.” [Herodotus, Histories. Book 1.5]

In historical terms, we don’t have to go back that far to view a different Melbourne altogether. One that proudly celebrated itself as the ‘Seventh City of the British Empire’. The iconic 1930’s poster of Percy Trompf, for the Australian National Travel Association, showcasing the Manchester Unity Building, as a poster-icon of confident Australian identity, and an enduring classic of travel advertising.

Look back again further and another chapter in Melbourne’s fortune emerges when the largely unbuilt settlement exploded exponentially in size, following the boom of the 1850’s gold rush. Melbourne simply could not grow fast enough, and for a time it seemed the whole world flocked to Victoria’s booming city.

So does the lens of history, constantly focus and re-focus on the fortunes of a metropolis. Time changes many aspects in the circumstance, of nations, peoples, and their cities. Yet, no metropolis – no Athens, no Sparta, no Melbourne, no Auckland – has ever seen the end of flux or the ever-changing nature of fortune. Those that rise now will fall in time, and those that are laid low, have the potential to rise anew.

As a Melbournite, resident, and lover of the city, it’s been hard to miss the scarring effect that four significant covid lockdowns have had on Melbourne. However, knowing the spirit and character of this great city, can any doubt that Melbourne will, rise again.

11/03/202105/07/2021

My Shadow

I am not my shadow and my shadow is not me. Rather, my shadow is a version of me. But we are not the same.

Yes, we are closely associated, but we each have our own minds. We are intimate, but we are not one. My shadow represents me. He interprets my actions, but he does not always ‘get’ me.

I think my shadow admires me. Certainly he emulates, but there is a thin line between adulation and envy. He can also be moody and fickle. Changeable and prone to exaggeration, my shadow can be inaccurate, obscene and even ludicrous in his representations. At these moments, we do not always get on.

No doubt my shadow thinks me too rigid, and I certainly think him too flighty. Secretly, I think he envies my solidity. Though he tries to anticipate my every move, often I wrong-foot him. Dark and brooding, his resentment builds.

Who leads and who follows is a constant battle of wills between us. But we will never leave each other and we both know that. We are symbiotic. Bonded together. Closer even than family.

Moving to sunny Australia from overcast Scotland has only strengthened our bond. We rely on each other and hang out together, more than ever before.

We belong together, though we are not the same.

01/11/202005/11/2020

Melbourne’s Great Lions

Did you know that Melbourne is dominated by lions?

When I say lions, I’m not talking metaphorically. I mean actual lions. Mighty beasts, out and about on Melbourne’s streets! Fierce, noble, terrifying, majestic, powerful, glorious lions. All over this great city.

The lions I talk about prowl Melbourne’s streets. They can be found in many places and most interestingly of all, they have a ruler; a king of this great urban jungle, who resides at the heart of the city.

I felt compelled to explore. I wanted to see these fantastic beasts. I wanted to meet the mighty one, the mythical El Lion, the king of Melbourne’s city streets.

Befuddled though I was by long weeks of lockdown, I set myself on a great lion adventure. I reasoned it was sensible to start at the Zoo. Great roars and growls drifted over the high walls, yet not a mighty cat could be seen. Melbourne Zoo was closed, yet lions were within.

I wanted to know what they knew of the Great One. I resolved to take a chance and shout over the wall “Did the great lion reside within?” After long paws, this is what followed:

“Nah, not here man. We have pride in our pride, for sure. But shame is, we are in lockdown. We is always in lockdown man.” drifted the throaty chorus. “Take a kyk in the city to seek the Wonderlik. Make like a butterfly and flutter into town”

Not discouraged, I decided to take the advice and began floating into town.

At the Shrine of Remembrance, I found eight mighty lions, each in pairs, at the corners of the stone monument. Each pair led by a young boy, pulling a chariot. Guardians of something precious, each chariot signified a virtue:

- - Patriotism
  - Sacrifice
  - Justice
  - Peace & Goodwill

Respectfully, I approached the mighty sentinels and asked if any knew the Wonderlik Lion?

In measured order, the sombre chorus rang:

“We are great, but we stand in honour of the sons and daughters of Melbourne, who sacrificed everything in wars gone by. We do not stray from this our sacred vigil. Roam deeper in the city. Look to the laneways to seek the Great Lion of this city”

Heartened, I was more determined than ever to maintain my quest. Paying sombre homage to the guardians I floated on, down the grand boulevard.

On the boulevard I passed the monument to King Edward VII, flanked by two grand and regal lions. I stopped to ask my question to them both “Are either of you the Great Lion of this fine city?”

Perhaps there was something too casual in my tone. For the response was as cutting as any claw:

“Be gone with you” came their haughty growl, “We are royal lions. We reflect the regal dignity of a King now laid to rest. He is the only King we recognise. We do not converse with the likes of you.”

Feline somewhat offended – but far from deterred – I hovered steadily on. I had only drifted as far as the old GPO building when, out of the corner of my eye, I sensed I was being watched from above.

A fine looking beast though modest in demeanour, I did not expect him to be the mane event. Though I still had to ask him my well-versed question. His response followed:

“Well … it is not me, though my masters did make me to reflect the roaring success and grandeur of this prospecting city. My fur is not golden, though be sure that gold paid for me. You will see many like me around this place in the ironwork and plaster facades. We are part of Melbourne’s heritage and grandeur. Fine as we are, we cannot claim to be the Mighty One. Prowl on farther and tell them I scent you.”

I did as I was bade and at the Tianjin Gardens I encountered two guardians of time, space and culture. Fierce and exotic to my eyes, I was not at first sure if they were lions at all. But they were. Could one of these creatures be the Great One that I sought?

With trepidation, I asked my familiar question and in response they growled:

“We are not the Great Lion that you seek, though we are fierce and powerful. Our duty is to protect this sacred entrance and drive away all enemies and evil spirits. We are found in pairs. My female consort channeling ‘yin’, resting her great paw upon our playful cub. While I the male, channel ‘yang’, and toy with my ball of imperial influence. Go deeper into the city if you truly seek the King of this Jungle. He has a tail to share.”

Weary I hovered on. Deep now into the city, down streets and laneways, always looking, always seeking. Tall buildings towered above and light itself became reluctant to follow me. I was tired, my spirits low, my energy all but spent.

Turning into a dark and gloomy laneway, a seeming dead-end beckoned. A constraining space holding little promise, though some strange power drew me on. As I progressed, a subtle transformation took effect. Imperceptible at first, though growing with incremental steps, a golden glow grew steadily in warmth and power. By the end of the lane, I was enveloped in light; illuminating the laneway in warmth that almost tingled the skin. The experience held no fear as golden light beaconed me forward, comforting in its warmth. As I rounded the lane and looked up, the source of this power became clear.

Magisterial in glory with a glowing yellow mane, adorned by a crown of gold, the Great Lion transfixed me with his gaze. Jewels and medals glittered, reflecting light from his golden coat. The Great One looked down upon me. Powerful and fierce in his gaze, but with no hint of malice.

Noble and powerful in presence he spoke in a deep throaty lullaby:

“I am the great one of whom you seek, I am El Lion, the great King of Melbourne’s streets. This laneway is my kingdom and this city my hunting ground. Some pass without knowing I am here, but I am lord of this domain, guarding over this laneway and the night-time revellers of the Butterfly Club. The one who created me, CHE, travelled from foreign lands to share love and contribute to the art of this city. A proud King of this urban jungle and a noble lord of Melbourne, I protect this place. Though not so many have passed in recent months, I stand still true and faithful in my duty, undiminished in my resolve. Time has not faded my vibrancy; pandemic has not weakened me. I will stay where I am set until people come once again.”

I have never forgotten my meeting with El Lion, or indeed with any of Melbourne’s mighty cats.

Never again have I found myself in that lane and I have many times wondered if any of this was real, or just a dream? Perhaps the months of lockdown really confused my brain? Perhaps I will never see El Lion again? I cannot be sure.

However, when I think about my adventure, I am reassured by another’s famous words:

“He’ll be coming and going … one day you’ll see him and another you won’t. He doesn’t like being tied down – and of course he has other countries to attend to. It’s quite all right. He’ll often drop in. Only you mustn’t press him. He’s wild, you know. Not like a tame lion.” [C.S. Lewis, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe]

What I learned from my quest – or dream – is that mighty lions roam all around us. They occupy every part of this great city. They transmit their power, their nobility and their majesty throughout the environment we all call home.

The prestige a lion commands should never be underestimated. Truly, they are the Kings of this our urban jungle.

The El Lion Mural by CHE @Vivacheman @VivacheDesigns

To find the El Lion Mural, you will need to look for the clues and search in the city like I did.

The El Lion was created by CHE. Inspired by great lions of his youth like those found in the ‘Wizard of Oz’, and ‘The Chronicles of Narnia’ and other tales. CHE is also a Leo himself and has an affinity with lions.

Crafted in free hand using a 10-foot ladder, the El Lion took 14 hours and was produced using spray paints and latex. As a street art capital of world importance, CHE was drawn to Melbourne to paint the mural and in so doing provide a ‘hidden gem’ for those brave enough to seek it out.

Happy hunting.

With thanks and credits to CHE of Vivache Designs. The creator of the magnificent El Lion Mural.

www.vivache.com

12/10/202005/07/2021

The Surgery

In a city conspicuous for it’s high-rise modernity of glass and steel, the man found the old surgery tucked away, low down in gloom, a time capsule of the past, partially forgotten, or so it seemed.

Hidden in a non-descript, concrete building, the surgery was a stagnant box of stale air and synthetic light. Everything was in stasis, dated to the past. The room had probably felt modern back in the 70’s. It had never since, left that time.

Old, sickly ceiling tiles floated above faded, tired carpet, dragging magnolia walls inward to seal an airless box. Brittle plastic diffusers emitted jaundiced light, sapping life and energy. The room induced feelings of ill-health. It co-opted all but the hardiest into the prerequisite conditions necessary to see the doctor. Time itself grew sickly in that room. A small consolation, if there were one, were that germs themselves might conceivably shun such a bleak environment. The man had visions of bacteria, crawling for the door.

On the waiting-room wall hung a tired print of Monet’s fog-bleary outline of the Houses of Parliament in London. It had taken the man until his third visit to place the famous image. Age and time had rendered the masterpiece so faded as to be almost indiscernible. The fog of London’s Thames made hazier still by the long slow passage of time. ‘Surgery time’.

—

In the flesh the Receptionist had warmed up somewhat, employing a business-like formality for the opening engagement.

The man did not know it, but over subsequent visits he learned that like the fluctuating four seasons of Melbourne’s weather, the Receptionist was capable of rapid change. She could exhibit hot and cold spells with everything in between. A frosty chastisement for not filling out a form, or following ‘The System’, could quickly give way to a warm front of genuine affection; a favoured patient, blowing-in mid-gust, to disrupt the prevailing front. In those warmer moments, the Receptionist looked almost youthful, a glimpse of her younger self, showing a kindness and vitality now diminished by years. The summers of our past being almost always more radiant than those of the present.

She existed purely in the physical realm and no computer or smartphone was her dominion. Rather the index-system was mistress here and she a slave to it. Fingering through narrow trays of well-thumbed, yellowing cards, it was conceivable that some represented long-perished souls. When not filing, the Receptionist fielded intermittent calls via the large button telephone, while perpetually ordering the disordered files, that littered the desk.

Behind that desk and without any notion or irony, hung a faded classic, Turner’s iconic ‘The Fighting Temeraire’. The noble sail-ship the Temeraire, the proud glory of her day, ignominiously towed to oblivion by the modernity of a mechanical steamer. Progress held at bay, but never in the end defied.

—

It did not take long to realise that the surgery induced a clientele that could, conservatively, be described as mature. In all his visits he did not remember seeing anyone who looked below the age of 60 , with most being far older.

On his first visit the man had been accosted, warmly, by a gentlemen whom he affectionately named ‘The Ambassador’. A jolly, eccentric, of the old School, who was keen to talk and reminisce about travels in past times and past places. Oblivious to the single sided nature of the conversation, it had resulted in the production of a calling card, the Ambassador extending an invitation: the man warmly invited to call at a later date, “at a time favourable to both parties”.

—

01/09/202001/09/2020

Remote Working in the ‘Covid Upside-Down’

This Linkedin article is a piece I wrote with input from a client, reflecting their professional experience.

If one thing has become clear in the post-COVID world of work, it’s the notion that we may never work the same way again. If that is true, even for the foreseeable, I ask myself:

How should we motivate teams, maintain purpose, achieve goals and look after one-another?

I’ve seen a renewed focus on strengthening management structures to support colleagues and teams. This includes:

- reviewing effectiveness of reporting lines,
- regular ‘check-ins’,
- virtual mentorship,
- clear signposting and communication, and
- increased support and guidance to mitigate distance.

Everyone in the project team (me included), must understand evolving goals and aims. Managing roles and expectations and adapting them to be COVID-realistic is a must, this was especially true here in Melbourne where we have experienced a second wave with more stringent restrictions.

There’s a shift of emphasis in working dynamics. Working through the ‘COVID Upside Down’ is about employing the management techniques and tools we already know. It only requires a change of emphasis in how we deploy them and relate to our colleagues. It’s important teams are given the encouragement to step-up and engage, however it can’t all come from the top down and in truth few people want that kind of environment.

Team building is at the heart of what I do and has never been more important. Addressing known barriers and resolving misunderstandings early is a focus. Not letting problems snowball when we are remote from one another, requires effort.

Remote meetings and interactions have obviously changed. Meetings must become smarter: conceived, structured and facilitated in ways that ensure remote effectiveness. Everyone must be brought into the debate and if old formats do not work, ditch them; for example:

- avoid webcam fatigue by using alternatives like messenger, Teams chat or WhatsApp,
- talk wherever you can to improve connectivity with colleagues and stakeholders. Pick up the phone,
- use operational logs, remote forums, digital information boards and other technical aids to keep notes that can be accessed by all,
- diversifying engagement: we recently progressed stakeholder relations via FaceBook Q&As, as well as taking a digital stall at a virtual conference.

How we relate to one other is most important. Motivating ourselves through tough times requires thought and effort. My company has used support-strategies like pastoral calls and informal buddy systems. We have arranged digital socials, bringing us together for quizzes, end of week talks and banter. The key is offering colleagues a chance to not feel alone, when there is danger that any of us may become isolated. Acts of appreciation can play a part in maintaining morale; for example, in a lovely gesture, my company sent colleagues a home-hamper to acknowledge the resolve they had shown. It wasn’t about the gift, as much as it was about the recognition of effort.

Being ‘COVID-collegiate’ is something we must all focus on. Offering and seeking help, when needed, is an important aspect of ensuring we all operate safely. Compassion and understanding are needed, as the personal challenges can be different for each of us. These are tough times for us all. It’s especially important we remember that distanced-working brings different challenges – depending on our home setups. National and regional variations also create different conditions. Professionally, we need to be realistic and accept the challenges of a working world that is (for now) not the same as it was.

Find balance in the COVID Upside Down. It is incumbent on each of us to not overload ourselves or others. My temptation to over-meet, over-manage and over-control against the backdrop of a crisis, is strong. But with awareness, it can be overcome. Remote working, while great for some, is challenging for others. In my own experience, delineating between work-life and home-life, while working every day within the home is tough. It’s hard to escape that computer. The novelty of working at home was fun for a while, but now after many months, that novelty has worn thin. I struggle to escape from work and achieve necessary down-time. There is no judgement. We are all different people. We must try to achieve the balance that is best for our individual health.

It’s going to be a long-game. Finding the clutch-point that will progress our goals but avoid burn-out or drop-out, is crucial.

It’s not all bad. There are fantastic positives, as colleagues support one another and raise their game to meet the challenges. Life in the ‘COVID Upside Down’ is about finding the balance, utilising the relationships, techniques and technologies, that help us all reach our goals and maintain health.

It has been a very strange time for us all but having worked out of Melbourne (Australia’s most locked-down city), I have prepared a reflection on what has become our normal.

—–

Thanks to Colin Campbell for helping with the word-craft.

#remoteworking #melbourne #teambuilding #motivation #COVID19 #lockdown #newnormal #COVIDUpsideDown

24/08/202001/11/2020

The Weight of the World

This article was written for the Melbourne based arts charity, Culture Cue and can also be viewed on their pages.

The Weight of the World

Ever feel like the weight of the world is on your shoulders?

Ever get that sense you’re toiling just to hold everything up? The work project, the mortgage, the bills, the commute, the boss, the kids, the in-laws … no doubt about it, there’s enough responsibilities to go around and they sure can pile up. Even the most upbeat of us feels the weight when we’re tired.

But have you ever looked around and noticed what others are carrying? They’re certainly out there, no doubt about it. No matter how easy they make it look, others carry great weight too.

I’ve been looking at the richness of Melbourne’s city environment and I’ve seen a few figures that are carrying heavy loads. Some of them might be well known, but others are true unsung heroes and heroines. They’re putting in some real shifts and holding up more than their share.

Like true battlers, you won’t hear from them, they won’t make a fuss. That’s why they deserve a shout-out, for sheer effort, for inspiration and for what they give to this great city.

A Titan of the CBD, Collins St

Halfway down grand Collins Street, a Titan (literally) of the CBD can be seen carrying the weight of the world on his broad shoulders. It’s not a CEO of industry, but mighty Atlas the legendary Titan. A bronze statue residing at 406 Collins Street, Atlas bears the world on his mighty back. Once, sat atop the old Atlas Assurance Building – back in the day – this proud giant of the ancient world, holds up the globe without ever a complaint. In our times, Atlas has been retained as a feature above the door of a modern office block.

The Titan is a sobering symbol of toil and commitment. What figure can better symbolise, fortitude, strength and solidity? As well as holding the world steady, Atlas is a reminder to any stressed executive, that they might not actually have the toughest job in the world.

In Greek classical mythology, Atlas was condemned by mighty Zeus, after the great battle of Olympians and Titans, to perpetually support the celestial heavens on his back. In later interpretations, Atlas came to be depicted as supporting the world, rather than the entire celestial sphere on his mighty shoulders. But let’s not split hairs, that’s still some weight!

The Power-Women of Old Melbourne, The Block Arcade, Elizabeth St

It’s not just muscle men that are taking the weight. Sisters are doing it for themselves.

Not far away on Elizabeth Street, we can see another impressive building where two powerful women hold up their share of responsibility, supporting the grand arch to the main Elizabeth Street façade. Above the Block Arcade, is a beautiful Victorian façade that is just one of the many impressive heritage buildings that adorn Melbourne. With Victorian modesty, elegance and real strength, you can see the two figures holding up the central arch of the grand building façade. Overlooking tram stop 2 on Elizabeth Street, these two power- women keep a clam watch over busy commuters.

Holding on by the Teeth, Flinders St

Down to Flinders Street next and another pair of heroes, perhaps brothers, are also doing their bit, supporting the grand canopy to the Rendezvous Hotel. With the bit well and truly between their teeth, these guys pull a shift every day.

Day in, and day out, these under-appreciated strongmen, do their duty and accept the job fate has given them. Often overlooked, but never complaining, they won’t say a word. These fellas take the strain with stoic fortitude.

The Strong Man of Fitzroy Gardens

The final figure of strength can be found just outside the CBD in the lovely Fitzroy Gardens. The River God is an ancient resident of Melbourne, who also has a heavy load to carry. He’s moved around a bit over the years and he wasn’t always in the gardens, but it’s a good place to go when you want to slow things down a bit … and who doesn’t want that when they get that wee bit older.

Sat aloft an outcrop of rock the muscled figure of the River God strikes a strong silhouette and provides an elegant fountain for the gardens. Dating from 1862 his original siting was on Clarendon Street and Gipps Street, before moving to the park in 1995. Bearing the weight of a massive conch shell on his powerful back, age has not diminished his physique. The River God is another figure of strength and endurance; holding up his part of civic Melbourne and providing beauty and inspiration to all that pass.

So, there it is. It’s more than just you or I that’s carrying a load. When I’m feeling tired and worn – and when I take the time to notice – some of these figures give me real inspiration. I mean, at least I don’t have to carry the actual world, or hold up a building!

I’m certain, there’s got to be plenty of other heroes and heroines out there. Do you know any others? Do you have a favourite figure who inspires and lends you their strength? Keep looking as I think they are all around us.

25/07/202018/08/2020

Noisy City

Noisy Melbourne

Have you ever stopped to listen to the city? Really listen to it in its entirety? Lifted your head and conceived of the symphony of noise that demands to be heard?

Those impatient, abrupt noises that compete for life. Only existing, only validated, if they can are heard above the din.

Noises that rudely cut across each other, jostling in their selfish desire to make their way. Barging through over-crowded space.

The sharp, cutting noises that rent the air and scream most shocking distress. Inducting others into their state of madness.

What about those low rumbling noises that fluster and bluster their laboured, ‘oh so tedious points’. Unaware – uncaring even – that no one is listening to them. They know themselves well to be bores, yet they bore on, undaunted.

And what of the angry outbursts? Those abrupt loud BANGS that forcibly interject. They will not be ignored. They will make their point! In rage they subside as quickly as they flare. Until the next time.

There are as many noises in the city as there are souls. Some loud, some, flamboyant, some soft and anonymous. All shapes and sizes, all personalities and types. It just takes a close ear to know them, but in truth, few people take the time. Other peoples noises are not their business.

Why don’t you stop and listen to them, next time you are in the city?

But remember – and keep this to yourself – listening for noises is something best done on your own. Noises can be self-conscious. More than a few hide furtively when everyone stops to listen.

24/07/202014/08/2020

Hitting the Skids

We all ‘hit the skids’ at some point. That’s an inevitable fact. It should be expected and when it happens, it must be accepted.

However, what is truly shocking, is not that challenges come along and destabilise our lives, but that more than often, real signs of our impending catastrophe were actually all around us.

The signs were there! Sometimes many of them. In big bold colours. Some of them were even FLASHING. Yet we simply did not see or recognise them. Those signs did not – perhaps could not – prevent the catastrophe that awaited us.

Like many, when I have experienced real reversal or hardship in my life, I have revisited situations in my mind, only to realise – most shockingly – that the signs of impending disaster were indeed all around me. They were prominently displayed and they all screamed their messages of warning. The signs were doing their job, if only I had been able to recognise them.

There is no bitterness towards anything that has made me who I am – that’s the acceptance part – but it’s never wasted effort to become a better reader of the signs.

I suspect that is a true lifetimes work.