Insights Live London – a conference meeting people who share the enthusiasm for helping others to develop. Time well invested.

New connections, meeting people I have known for years. Casual conversation, new learning, sharing thoughts, ideas and more…and then the deeper conversations with fewer people. Conversations where we asked more and shared more – often pondering on the impact these shared thoughts can generate for the next steps we make at a collective and individual level.

Day one was big and bold – day two, for a smaller number, more thought inducing for me.

All wrapped up in the four lead colours of Insights Discovery - well illustrated with colleagues who are donning the coloured hoodies you can see in the picture.

Rather than delve into the content of the days and the specific learning, it is sometimes good to step back from the detail and consider the bigger picture.

As I travelled back from the event I was mulling on a few points when a fellow passenger, on the train, asked a question about the book I was about to continue reading. This led into a fascinating conversation on many matters related to my interest on developing people. My travel companion was an educator, indeed a don, so came at things from a very different angle from mine, equally valuable.

And further conversations into the late evening, with other people, were so enriching and thought provoking too.

Whilst I have not yet dipped into my notes and actions I will take from the two-day event, thoughts have developed from the bigger picture.

The one main concept is that of community and interconnectivity.

One is so easily connected with others through technology and speed, yet is this a real community? Many lonely people would question this.

So how does one create a community at work – rather than people merely being busy on the same topic?

How does one create a community away from work that has a soul, a purpose, rather than a transitory coffee once a fortnight?

Whist the conference raised many valuable points that I will action, perhaps the bigger opportunity is making an impact in community…following my actions during and before the pandemic as a mentor. The lessons learnt have transfer value…and need action!

Perhaps question yourself about the meaning of community and do people feel that they belong?

My best wishes,

Peter