Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris: where religion and fiction meet

If Quasimodo is one of the most famous characters in French fiction, Notre Dame, where his story takes place, is among the most popular monuments in France. In fact, the Hunchback of Notre Dame certainly strikes a chord with many of us.

In fact, the Notre Dame de Paris Cathedral tops the list of popular monuments in France with more than 13 million annual visitors ahead of the Sacré-Coeur Basilica, the Louvre museum, the Palace of Versailles and the Eiffel Tower.

Not only because Notre Dame has been a part of the Parisian cityscape since the Early Middle Ages – in fact, the 850th anniversary of the start of its construction is celebrated from December 12, 2012 to November 24, 2013 – but also because it truly captures the imagination.

A world of angels and monsters from heaven and elsewhere

If you stroll along the left bank of the River Seine in the Latin Quarter, you’ll arguably get the most satisfying view of the cathedral from its southern flank. That’s because you’ll have enough distance to gaze at one of the world’s most illustrious examples of Gothic architecture, populated with angels, monsters, and lifelike statues posted as sentinels or patrolling the rooftops.

A multitude of gargoyles do the job of expelling rainwater from the cathedral’s facades, while the other fantastic creatures, known as chimeras, are purely ornamental born from the minds of men.

The crowd of figures around the base of the arrow (needle type) could be characters from a JM Barrie fantasy novel. But in reality they represent the apostles, descending in groups of three from each of the cardinal points of the base of the arrow.

steeped in religion History AND Fiction

Notre Dame is also the place where religious and allegorical figures meet fictional and historical representations.

You will find a large statue of Charlemagne on horseback in the square in front of the cathedral on the left looking out.

And if you look closely along Rue du Cloître-Notre-Dame, you might spot a small statue resembling the bust of the Hunchback of Notre Dame, protruding from the wall of the north transept. By the way, this side is where you will enter the cathedral to climb the tower of the great bell, known as Emanuel, to enjoy a breathtaking view of Paris.

With so much fuel for the imagination, it’s no wonder Notre Dame was the setting for one of Victor Hugo’s most famous masterpieces.

Suggestion for your tour

In high season, up to 50,000 pilgrims cross the threshold of the cathedral daily. Perhaps you would like to take some bread to feed the pigeons, it will help pass the time just in case there is a queue!

Gay bars in Haiti

The Haitian gay community does not have its own Haitian gay bars and clubs and for people visiting Port-au-Prince it will be the most likely place to find bars and clubs for entertainment. The gay community works by word of mouth and people from the gay community gather in small groups for dinner and drinks.

The designated place of these groups are the restaurants and beaches of Lyscha Beach. There is also the Montana hotel, which is known for being a bar frequented by the local gay community, for dinner and drinks on the upper terrace.

There are also gatherings in the central Champs de Mars square, this is where the locals gather and where there are often food vendors and a few tourists. Planning a trip to the central square amphitheater should be done with caution, as it is in the poorer part of the city, this is where there will be singles and couples sitting in the outdoor seats or walking into the theater.

There are no gay bars or clubs in Haiti, but the gay community has certain bars where they meet and there are other bars with live entertainment for the visitor to Haiti. Part of the reason there are no gay bars or clubs in Haiti is because the gay community has basically lived underground for many years and is just beginning to emerge. The visitor to Haiti will find plenty of other things to do on their trip besides hotel bars and clubs to patronize.

The best beaches in Jamaica

When it comes to planning the perfect holiday that includes sun, surf and getting away from the cold and wet UK weather, consider going to Jamaica! Accommodation in luxury hotels around the island can help you explore the best beaches on this beautiful Caribbean island.

Located just south of Cuba, Jamaica is the third largest island in the Caribbean. First occupied by the Spanish, then by the English, in 1962 it gained full independence by leaving the Federation of the British West Indies. When you’re planning a Jamaican vacation, luxury hotel options tend to focus on the more well-known stretches of beaches, but they can also be found in hidden locations, which can provide a secluded getaway. Depending on the type of beach vacation you prefer, there is one (and more!) for you on this beautiful island. For starters, you might consider visiting Doctor’s Cave Beach, Boston Bay Beach, or Seven Mile Beach.

doctor’s cave beach

Doctor’s Cave Beach is located on the north shore, in Montego Bay, Jamaica. Luxury hotel accommodation abounds in the area and will give you access to this beautiful beach, which is one of the most famous on the island. With a 200 meter stretch of almost pure white sand and sparkling blue waters, it’s no wonder this is the place to ‘see and be seen’. With all the amenities at your fingertips and plenty of activities to partake in, this is one beach not to be missed. While the small entrance fee to get to the beach may put some people off, it helps keep the crowds down and keep it a quiet place, even in high season.

boston bay beach

There are few places in the world with bluer waters than Boston Bay Beach. If you’re into surfing, you should definitely head here to take a look. The famous turquoise color of the water is truly spectacular. As the birthplace of jerk foods and flavors, Boston Bay is an ideal place to sample a variety of traditional and absolutely delicious snacks and foods. Jerk shacks (up to a hundred) line the region’s roads and many people end up spending more time sampling the food than in the water.

seven mile beach

On the west coast of the island, in the Negril region, Seven Mile Beach is one of the longest (and most popular) in Jamaica. The luxury hotel options available nearby will give you unlimited access to the (almost) seven-mile stretch of white sand and stunning blue waters. One of the real draws to the beach is that it is famous for its fun-loving, liberal vibe. You can sunbathe topless if you wish, shop for almost anything, hit the nearby bars and restaurants or get a great variety of local foods, all at your fingertips. Seven Mile Beach has been voted the best in the world multiple times, and the reasons are no secret.

The place of blue smoke

The Cherokee called this mystical land, “The Place of Blue Smoke” or Shaconage, (shah-con-ah-jey) in their language. I decided to go for exactly that, and took my family or 4 on vacation to The Smoky Mountains this year.

Tennessee is a centrally located state. No wonder Great Smokey Mountain State Park is the busiest state park in the US.

There are a few observations I’d like to make about Tennessee. The first thing I noticed was that gas was 20 cents cheaper than Indiana and 30 cents cheaper than Kentucky. It’s like the whole state is using a Kroger plus card.

In Indiana, residents are charged $5.00 to enter any state park. Non-residents pay $7.00. I was shocked that I accidentally drove into The Smokey Mountain National Park while driving. It’s free!

By the way, they have 1500 bears in the park. That’s 2 for every square mile. You can pay $3.50 to see bears at the town’s Christmas store or you can drive to the park for free. Today, works for free.

Speaking of free, the park has Junior Ranger tours and classes for kids, during travel season. This includes classes in blacksmithing; like the old west, and even a hike to a beautiful waterfall in bear country. Many of these classes or tours are free to the public.

When we got to Pigeon Forge TN, we saw Country Glitz, the likes of which I had never seen; and i lived in texas for 2 years growing up. You’ll see Hatfield’s and McCoys with Rhinestone Sparkleys, and they even have a Mind Reading Pig. We have 3 Farris Wheels on the parkway and 5 miniature golf courses (to die for).

On our first day, we went to Dollywood’s Splash Country. The park has some rare attractions. For starters, it has the only water roller coaster in the world.

As you enter the park, there is a sign stating that profanity and actions will not be tolerated, even on t-shirts. Most places nowadays, they want your money, a little too much. It’s refreshing to see a place that places the needs of a decent clientele above the almighty dollar. Dollywood also offers a 30% discount to military personnel and their dependents.

In fact, I was able to see a little more of the God fearing presence, in that whole area, than I usually see in other places. One example, we saw what appeared to be a huge adult sex shop; right next to which someone planted a huge white cross. They do not have cuams, about a good fight on them there are hills.

Both days of our visit it rained and there was a storm. This may have been a blessing, as I got burned pretty bad on the lazy river. My son was too short for a single 15 foot slide. So, he convinced me to go on a double raft ride; that it was a thousand foot spinning vortex of tubed terror; which of course he was allowed to ride, just with me.

He had convinced me to next ride a ride he referred to as the “Toilet Flusher” (real name unknown), another weird ride, where you apparently fall straight down at a speed of 300 miles per hour before being thrown out of a circular bowl. Thank goodness someone saw lightning a few miles away or I would have blushed.

Actually, for some reason, when it comes to water wrinkles, I’m not afraid. I once rode the Neste Dive on King’s Island; a trip that was deemed too dangerous, so it was removed. In fact, they have what appears to be a duplicate on Dollywood. The one on King’s Island actually threw you off the slide for a few seconds; which I can attest can lead to uncrossing your legs, resulting in a groin injury… Ouchhh!

Day 2, we went to the actual Dollywood park. We had a great time! The staff of the Tram; stated that if you have a flat tire, need a jump, or are locked out of your vehicle; Dollywood security will help you for free. Polite, country houses are plentiful here.

My son got to drive a silver T-Bird and squealed the tires. My daughter’s favorite ride was the Grand Gusher; a walk that no visitor should do without. You simply don’t visit the amusement parks in July or August without getting your crotch and socks wet. I sat next to 2 young people with my family. They proudly declared: “Better get The Gold Bond” (medicated itch cream).

We saw 2 shows to help beat the rain. The first was GAC (Great American Country). I really enjoyed the interpretation of the staff of His eyes are on the sparrow. This was followed by Kristy Lee Cook. She is as talented as she is charming. She came out after the show and let me take a picture of my wife and daughter with her. She had no idea that she was writing a travel review.

Speaking of classy girls; You can’t visit Dollywood without learning a little about Ms. Dolly Parton.

You get to see, a recreation of the church Dolly grew up in, as Country Baptist as it gets. There was a quote somewhere, very obvious, that Dolly attributes her success to the good Lord above. She also has the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in one of her museums.

Dolly’s fame can be attributed to her Opry-quality voice, and a figure who in her hayday, was as good as ever. However, her inner beauty is even more charming.

Dollywood has a section called “Her People” and they have a show called “Song of the Heart”, which featured her family. She values ​​family and treats it decently. There’s even a replica of her family home that she grew up in.

The park is also scheduled for a $30 million renovation/update. There will be even more rides and shows (I guess that’s possible).

In conclusion, the Smokey Mountains of Tennessee is an area full of southern values. It’s brimming with country sparkle. There are many things to see and do, some in the National Park, or free gates; some not so free.

Hidden Transcription of a Surfer: Hawaiian Surf Culture, Localism, and Representation

Formulation by James C. Scott, from his book Domination and the Arts of Resistance, of the “infrapolitics of subservient groups,” is especially interesting when thinking about one of Hawaii’s greatest cultural and social exports, the art of surfing. If you browse, you are no doubt aware of the various unspoken codes and rules that govern the tribe. These codes and rules exist, in part, as a kind of self-control in rosters and as a warning to outsiders or “non-locals”. (“Local”, especially in Hawaii, is quite a loaded term, however we may limit it in our discussion to replace surfers who are not from the area/surf break.) If you don’t surf, then what think knows about these codes or rules is largely filtered through the public transcript. However, the fact that there are, to varying degrees, different representations of the “surfer’s code” in both the public and the hidden transcript, offers us an interesting window into how the hidden and the public collide.

As Scott explains, underpolitics “is a politics of disguise and anonymity that takes place in the public eye, but is designed to have a double meaning or to protect the identity of the actors.” Surfers are known for rubbing wax on windshields, cutting tires, removing distributor caps and spark plug lines, pumping gasoline, and various other acts of surf terrorism against cars they don’t recognize as “from” where. they surfing all the time. For example, one afternoon a friend and I got out of the water at Lahilahi, a shark-infested deep-water wave just down the road from Makaha to discover that every car parked on the side of the road (except ours) had “haole go home” written on them. My friend grew up on the west side of Oahu, so we saved ourselves from having to wash off the permanent marker (or whatever). Likewise, “warning” signs abound on the way to some surf breaks. Crudely spray-painted or drawn on walls, signs, sidewalks or trash cans, the markers indicate who can surf and who can’t. Again, if you ever surf China Walls, a surf break in Portlock on the east side of Oahu, jump over the fence (which was put up there for public safety, thank you Linda Lingle) and walk down the path to the stairs leading to the “Finger” (a specific section of the wave at China’s) and you will see warnings like “if you don’t live here, don’t surf here”, (which is ironic because who can afford to live in Portlock?) “go home” and “hit him haole”.

Before it was appropriated by the mainstream and disseminated to the masses, the speech of surfers is also a good example of hidden transcription. Words like “rad,” “tubular,” “gnarly,” and “bitchin” were used. inside the public transcript both to mark the identity of the subservient group (if you knew how and why these words were used, you were aware of the club) and to alienate the elite (I’m thinking here of Sean Penn’s character “Jeff Spicoli” doing match wits “Mr. Hand” in Fast Times at Ridgemont High.) These days, what it’s not Said seems to carry more weight. For example, all surfers know that if the waves are good at their local beach, don’t tell anyone. There’s nothing worse than a carload of surfers piling into the lineup because one of the “brothers” spilled the beans on a new swell. The “secret spot” is another prime example of this discourse of silence, as surfers go to great lengths to make sure hidden spots stay hidden. For example, I took a ride in a friend’s boat across the channel to Molokai to surf a “secret spot,” only to find half a dozen other boats there when we arrived. My friend was visibly irritated. He recognized a couple of friends on some of the other boats and proceeded to curse them out for leading people on the run (when he was guilty of the same crime).

Inevitably, these codes and rules lead to confrontations with the public transcript. However, these incarnations of the hidden transcript inside the public sphere, as Scott posits, is no longer meant to “protect the identity of the actors”, rather the actors are very much in the public eye. So while the events that led to the formation of surfer groups like The Hui, Wolfpack and Bra Boys find their origins in hidden transcription, their establishment and resulting reign being a very large part of public transcription (as evident in movies like North Coast, blue crush, boys bratv shows like the 808, and all the Da Hui and Wolfpack merchandise available at your local Costco). I find it ironic that these groups complain about how they are perceived in public given their pre-revolutionary antics. Watch any of the aforementioned shows or movies and these groups (literally, boys, Kala Alexander, Fast Eddie, Makuakai Rothman, etc.) act in the same stereotypical “gangster” manner. Sure, these are popular renderings, mediated by corporate dollars and sales predictions, but try catching a wave anywhere between Off the Wall and Ehukai anytime between November and February and you’ll get the same attitude from these kinds of pranksters, regardless. how well versed you are in hidden transcription. It makes me wonder if, at the very moment of its introduction into the public narrative, the hidden transcript cannot help but be subverted in some way. At what point does the hidden transcript become “the self-portrait of the ruling elites as they would have seen themselves?” It seems as if these inherent codes and rules, once encoded in a representative identity, reads a lot like the narrative of the elite. It is, in many ways, “designed to be impressive, to affirm and naturalize the power of ruling elites, and to hide or euphemize the dirt of their rule.” So what do we do with Scott’s formulation? Is the object of analysis liberating for him, or is it similar to Althusser’s “steel trap”, in which we simply exchange master ideologies for other master ideologies?

Works Cited:

Scott, James C. Domination and the Arts of Resistance: Hidden Transcripts. Yale University. Press, 1990. Print.

Travel to Ireland

A tour of the major cities in Ireland would take 12-14 days, however please note this is only an overview of the sites. You’ll find that these itineraries generally spend only one or two nights in the larger cities and are on the go the rest of the time getting from one place to another. This is why many travelers choose to focus on a specific region of Ireland, to ensure they can take it all in.

The larger cities of Galway, Limerick, Killarney, Cork, Belfast and Dublin offer their own unique flair with central locations that are perfect for exploring the countryside.

Dublin, which is the capital of Ireland, is a favorite for travelers. Visit pubs, museums, restaurants and shops. Popular sites include St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin Castle, Malahide Castle, Guinness Storehouse, and the Garden of Remembrance. Take your time to wander through Dublin’s beautiful Georgian squares. Enjoy entertainment in a theatre, club or pub with traditional Irish music.

Killarney is considered the tourist capital of Ireland due to its natural beauty and the world renowned Ring of Kerry. Other popular sites include Ross Castle, Dingle and Tralee, Ladies View and McGillicuddy Reeks. Golfers can enjoy some of the world’s best championship golf courses nearby.

Belfast is a dynamic city in Northern Ireland, rich in history and culture. It is said to have the best nightlife in Ireland. Wonderful restaurants, shops, pubs and old markets offer plenty to do.

Limerick City, on the River Shannon, is ideally located for visiting the Cliffs of Moher, Bunratty Village and King John’s Castle. Durty Nelly’s is one of the most famous pubs in the area. Situated in the southwest of Ireland, Cork boasts beautiful scenery of river valleys and western sandstone hills. From here you can visit the Blarney Stone, Blarney Castle, Woolen Mills and the thriving town of Kinsale. Walking around Cork, you can see the Opera House, the Church of St. Ann Shandon, the Cathedral of St. Finbarr.

Galway is full of narrow streets and medieval buildings that make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. See the Spanish Arch, St. Nicholas Church, and Lynch Castle.

The shorter tours generally allow you to spend at least two nights in each of the major cities, so you have some free time to venture out on your own. You can always add a few nights before or after your tour starts as well. Tourist accommodations range from budget hotels and inns to five-star hotels and overnight stays in castles. Of course, the better the accommodation, the higher the price. Another thing to consider when selecting a tour is how much sightseeing is included, versus what will be offered as optional and cost extra during your trip. Also, how many meals are included, as this can be a considerable saving for you in Europe. Are there any special trips or highlights included? All of these factors can affect the price of a tour, but you may find that spending a little more up front is a better value in the end to ensure you’re getting the most out of your visit.

In 8-10 days you can take a tour of Southern Ireland and spend time in Dublin, Shannon, Killarney and Waterford which will include highlights and visits to places like Old Jameson Distillery, Bunratty, Ring of Kerry, Kenmare, Blarney. Kissingstone and Waterford Crystal Factory.

On an 8-10 day trip to Northern Ireland, you would stay in places like Galway, Derry, Shannon and Dublin. The journey from the west coast to the east coast incorporates natural beauty and historical sites. Visit the Cliffs of Moher, The Burren and the Connemara region. Some of the highlights of the trip may include Kylemore Abbey, Glenveagh National Park, Giant’s Causeway, Trinity College and St. Stephen’s Green.

You can tour Ireland all year round, but the best weather is from May to October. The weather can always be cold, so pack warm clothes for the evenings. If you don’t mind cold weather, winter is much less crowded and prices are about 40% lower than traveling during high season.

You can find great shops in Ireland for hand cut crystal, Irish whiskey, jewelry, handmade sweaters and more.

Choosing a garden cover

Most people, if they want to enjoy their garden or the exterior of their home, will often consider building a garden deck in their chosen location. Having a garden deck will not only allow you to enjoy the garden area of ​​your home, but it will also extend the living area of ​​your home to the outside, making your home appear larger and allowing you to enjoy your garden.

There are different types of decking to choose from, decking is usually made of wood or a wood-look product, or another option is to have a brick or concrete patio, which can either be tiled or have wood decking. built on the surface. For a natural and traditional aesthetic feel, consider the appeal of wood decking materials. Wood deck building materials can last under daily exposure to sun, wind, and general weather conditions. When choosing a deck construction company, make sure that their services will include expert maintenance and weather protection, such as specific lumber and wood treatments.

For weather protection and depending on the location of your house, it is wise to choose one that will not only withstand all weather conditions, but one that you can afford in your budget. If you decide to build a wooden terrace in your garden, choose a professional terrace construction company who can advise you on your best options and guide you in choosing the perfect terrace in design and materials. The company you choose will not only help you in the development of your design and advise you on the choice of your platform, but may also offer maintenance of the platform for the future.

When choosing a wood deck, it’s important to get information from your chosen builder about changes in color over time. Some decks can retain their initial color with strong varnishes and weather protection chemicals, while others are designed to change over time. Stains and varnishes are more considerations to take into account when designing your garden terrace. The construction company you choose will be able to provide you with expert advice and insight into the appearance of your deck over time. You should also be able to get advice and information on the preventative methods the decking company of your choice will take to protect against termites and fungal decay.

In addition to wood decking, people are also considering composite decking materials; these offer a practical and affordable material for consumers. The composite deck is made from recycled materials and has a smooth wood grain appearance. Composite materials are durable and do not require sealing, staining, or painting. Many people choose this product for its affordability and limited maintenance needs. Vinyl decking is becoming increasingly popular with consumers who want to save the most money in the long run. Vinyl decking is a weather-resistant and extremely robust product, where maintenance is also limited, installation and construction are simple.

Casinos boost tourism in Cambodia

While most of Cambodia’s casinos have been located in the border areas of Thailand and Vietnam to cater to residents of those countries, renovations and new facility development have taken place in the tourist areas of Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville.

The main casino in Phnom Penh, the Naga World Casino and Hotel, has come ashore from its previous location as a floating place on the Bassau River. The Naga World is now a 508 room 5 star hotel with the Casino containing 176 gaming tables and 211 gaming machines. The table games offered are Blackjack, Caribbean Stud, Pai-Gow tokens, Roulette and Tai-Sai.

A 30 minute drive from Phnom Penh International Airport, the Casino is well placed to cater to players from the traditional markets of China, Malaysia and Singapore.

A recent addition to the Phnom Penh landscape is the state-of-the-art Golden Tower Slot Club on Nehru Boulevard. In addition to gaming machines, the club offers roulette, baccarat, and sports betting. Other recently opened arcade machine clubs include Tin Tin Slot Club, Comfort Slot Club, Macau Club, Koreana Club, Pacific Club, and Elysees Club.

A 2-hour drive north of Phnom Penh is Kampong Thom, on the banks of the Stung Sen River. Here The 108-room Grand Casino and Resort at Chrey Thom Village offers 55 gaming machines and 48 table games including Blackjack, Baccarat, Roulette and Tai Sai.

South of the capital city, the seaside resort town of Sihanoukville has a growing casino industry with new development projects underway and renovation of existing casino facilities. A new casino, the Kampong Som City Casino and Hotel in the Golden Lions roundabout area, is due to open shortly and is reported to be the largest casino in Sihanoukville. Arenas Doradas Beach Club. At the other end of town, in Victory Beach, the Holiday Palace Resort and Casino offers 40 gaming machines and tables for blackjack, roulette, poker and baccarat, as well as live sports betting. At the top of Victory Hill, the New Peak Hotel and Casino, in addition to its gaming facilities, offers excellent views of the city and the Gulf of Thailand. Sihanoukville’s casinos are a rewarding complement to the area’s main tourist attractions along the beaches and offshore islands.

Because Thailand has no legal casinos, Bangkok residents who make the four-hour drives to the border casinos at Poi pet have ensured that this is one of the largest gambling areas in Asia.

There are eight casinos in Poi pet, the largest being the Holiday Palace Resort and Casino. Players here can choose from 300 gaming machines and 70 table games, including Blackjack, Baccarat, Pai-Gow, Tai Sai, and Poker. The Grand Diamond Casino is also a large facility with 220 gaming machines and 95 live gaming tables. 68 of these tables are assigned to the popular Baccarat games. Other casinos in the area are Golden Crown Resort, Ho Wah Genting Poi pet Casino, Poi pet Casino Resort, Princess Hotel and Casino, Star Vegas International Resort, and Tropicana Resort and Casino. Each site has between 104 and 166 gaming machines, as well as table games.

Another entry point to Cambodia from the easternmost point of Thailand is Koh Kong. There, on a quiet beach on the border of Baan Had Lek, is the Koh Kong International Resort.
The game room here has 100 slot machines and four table games.

150 kilometers southeast of Phnom Penh is Bavet, located at the Moc Bai border point with Vietnam. Since Vietnam’s casinos are only open to foreigners, Ho Chi Minh City residents travel the 80 kilometers to relax and gamble at Bavet’s casinos. There are seven casinos in the Bavet area. These include the Full House Hotel and Casino with 40 tables, 30 gaming machines and 40 electronic Baccarat tables, the Macau Casino and Hotel with 35 gaming machines and 25 tables, the 172-room New World Casino-Hotel offering 35 tables to play Baccarat, Roulette, Blackjack, 7 card poker and Tai Sai. The other casinos in the area are the Las Vegas Sun Hotel and Casino, Bavet Mac Bai Casino, Kings Crown Casino and Hotel, and Sun City Casino and Hotel.

Personal Mastery: The First Discipline of Learning Organizations

In my last article I wrote about learning organizations and the five disciplines that, when fully integrated, will transform an organization into a learning organization. This article is dedicated to the first of those five disciplines, personal mastery. Personal mastery is the foundation on which organizational learning is built.

What is personal domain?

Personal mastery, as defined by Peter Senge, is “the discipline of personal growth and learning.” (the fifth discipline, p. 141.) It’s more than competence and skills or spiritual growth. It is about creating a desired future and moving towards it. People with high levels of personal mastery are adept at creating a personal vision and accurately assessing their current reality in relation to that vision. The gap between current reality and personal vision propels them forward. This gap is often called “creative tension.” Personal mastery is about generating and maintaining creative tension and living comfortably with that tension.

So how do you recognize people with a high level of personal mastery? Below is a list of the characteristics of those individuals:

• They have a special sense of purpose: a calling.
• They accurately assess their current reality; in particular, they are quick to recognize inaccurate assumptions.
• They are adept at using creative tension to inspire their forward progress.
• They see change as an opportunity.
• They are deeply curious.
• They place a high priority on personal connections without giving up their individuality.
• They are systems thinkers, that is, they see themselves as a part of a larger system.

These people are continually expanding their ability to create the desired future. In doing so, they create the potential for considerable development of organizational capacity, a potential that can only be realized through the integration of the five disciplines of organizational learning.

How do individuals develop personal mastery?

Developing personal mastery is a lifelong process, and it’s never too late to start. Much of what needs to happen has to do with changing the way we think about and view the world in which we live and work. Here are some things to try:

 

• Think systematically: When you encounter an unexpected or undesirable result, try to think about what processes allowed that result to happen, rather than looking for someone to blame. Thinking systemically consists of looking at the whole and the relationships between the individual parts. It’s also about looking for patterns over time, rather than taking a quick snapshot.
• Assess current reality: To be effective at assessing current reality, you need to be very aware of the assumptions you make about existing situations. Those assumptions shape, and sometimes cloud, our view of reality. Assessing current reality requires a great deal of reflection on your own thought processes and the ability to recognize your assumptions.
• Balancing promotion with research: Most of us are accused of entering into an argument with our well-established defenses. What this means is that we often don’t listen to what others are saying. Balancing advocacy with research, it takes us just as long to understand the views of others as it does to explain our own point of view. Those experts in the personal domain will gently probe until they fully understand a different point of view while inviting others to question their own perspectives and thought processes.
• Creating Shared Meaning: Creating shared meaning takes the previous point to the next level. It involves finding common ground within various perspectives and broadening the understanding of all involved. People with high levels of personal mastery understand that they only have one piece of the puzzle and only by inquiring into the points of view of others can those pieces of the puzzle begin to fit together and take shape into a clearer picture of current reality.

Each of the above techniques can take a lifetime to master. In fact, one never really “arrives”; There is always something new to learn. Therefore, it is important to start with small incremental steps. It doesn’t matter where you start, just start somewhere where you can feel progress and success.

How can organizations foster personal mastery?

Organizations must have people at all levels capable of personal mastery to become successful learning organizations. However, it is important to remember that it is a matter of choice. It cannot be dictated from above. Efforts to do so will only backfire, as employees are likely to develop a “personal view” that they believe the boss wants to hear.

The most important thing an organization can do to help employees develop personal mastery is to create an environment conducive to individual activities. Here are some ideas for doing so:

• Encourage inquiry and curiosity: In most organizations, people are rewarded for finding solutions, not for asking probing questions. The problem with this is that an organization will often go for the quick fix instead of taking the time to really understand the nature of the problem. Encourage employees to dig deeper into the nature of the problems, particularly recurring problems.
• Encourage employees to challenge the status quo: New employees are particularly good at doing this because they don’t have a history with the organization and aren’t yet assimilated into its culture. Take advantage of your new perspective and encourage veteran employees to do the same. The results will be contagious.
• Change your assumptions about what motivates your employees: Most organizations, whether they admit it or not, use external incentives (money, recognition, fear) to motivate their employees. Personal mastery is all about inner motivation, and given the right conditions, it will flourish. Create an environment that is consistent with the belief that most employees are motivated and want to do their best.
• Be a role model: It is important for organizational leaders to practice their own personal mastery. By setting an example, you will send the message that this is important.
• Commit to the long term: Personal mastery is not a one-time event or one-day workshop. It is also not a precise process. Do your best to be flexible to help employees develop personal mastery and realize that profits will increase over time.

By creating a safe and supportive environment where employees can develop their personal mastery, you are helping them build that creative tension that will propel them forward and ultimately make the organization a learning organization.

In my next article, I will focus on the second discipline of learning organizations, mental models.