1. A couple of weeks ago, I was talking to a client about creativity, innovation and the like. He mentioned to me that he loved the book A Whack on the Side of the Head, by creativity master, Roger von Oech. I recommended that he also read von Oech’s other book, A Kick in the Seat of the Pants. Both books are classics and have been around since the ’80’s.
Then we both got to wondering about what had become of the author and what he’s up to now.
I didn’t know Roger von Oech, although I’d always been a fan of his work. I’d never met him or knowingly met anyone who’d met him.
Then yesterday, this comment appeared on my blog:
“First time to your site. Spending the evening ‘surfing the web.’ Came from a comment you made on Dick Richards‘ site, and before that Dave Rothacker. Amazing world. Looks like you’re doing some interesting things with a lot of interesting people. I crossed paths with Tom Peters a few times in the mid and late 80s when we were on the same program. Good luck to you! Stop on by sometime!”
and it was “signed” simply,
2. My blog-pal, Tim Johnson (one of the finest writers in the blogosphere, by the way) was kind enough to send me the pre-edit manuscript of his forthcoming book, Gust: The “Tale” Wind of Office Politics. The guilt mounted each day that I didn’t get around to reading it. I’d promised him, after all. And I really did want to, but other things kept piling up and, well, you know how it goes.
So, today–finally–I carved out the time for Tim’s book. I turned off my computer, went outside (San Diego!) and settled into a chair in my back yard.
25 pages later, my cell phone rang. I wouldn’t have picked up, but after seeing the caller ID I had no choice.
It was Tim Johnson.
Coincidences? Fate? Divine Will? Synchronicity?
I’ll leave that debate to the philosophers. For me, these kinds of experiences can be boiled down to one simple word:
Goosebumps.
Hi Steve,
I subscribed to your site, but hadn’t gone to Bloglines to see what you’d done today. Then I noticed a bunch of traffic on my site linked here. Imagine my surprise when I found your current post. Thank you for the very nice words. Goosebumps indeed!
Best wishes,
Roger von Oech
Let me echo Roger’s sentiments. It was great talking to you on Friday, Steve. Your comments and feedback so far are very helpful, plus you’re just one heckuva fun guy to chat with.
Carpe Factum, buddy!!
Tim
Steve,
I think our intention attracts the subject and object of our attention. What is interesting is that our links grow beyond like-minded people to a greater sphere of connections once we accept the creative flow and the chaos (or disruptive power, in a good way) of the conversation we further and participate in.
I would not have met (virtually) Tim (comment here) had I not read Ann’s blog (Manage to Change, a fellow Philadelphian), had she not posted a comment on Bob Sutton’s blog, had I not read about Bob on Tom Peter’s blog, etc., etc.
Kudos, Valeria. Well put. I came to know Tim in a similar manner.
Agreed, Valeria. That’s part of the beauty of the blogosphere.
The Goosebumps, though, are a result of the timing. It’s the fact that Roger connected with me just after my random, unconnected, off-line conversation about him; the fact that Tim called while I was reading his manuscript. That, for me, is what gives the whole experience a wonderful/mysterious quality, and the feeling that nothing is random, unconnected or off-line at all.
How pleased I am to be in the middle of such worthy synchronicity!
No coincidences, Steve. This is the work we are to be doing in the universe. The “goosebumps” are validation. I Know that (with a capital K).
Thanks again for your help with my book. Your blurb is now on a bookmark for my book as well as on the home page of the book’s website (www.100percentfactor.com).
You’re making a huge difference in the world. Just look at the ripples!!