If managers across the company landscape remain insular,
they can end up repeating redundant routines
and retreating behind territorial barriers.

“Collisions” represent opportunities.

Visionary Tony Hsieh believes we need to “maximize collisions to accelerate serendipity.” That is, we need to put ourselves in the position to connect with as many pertinent resources as possible in order to increase chances for progress, growth, learning, and connections. Unthinking isolation can create separation.

During my campus days, I loved going into the classroom each day, closing the door, and working with my students.  The autonomy represented a benefit of teaching.  It, also, had a potentially devastating drawback. If I (and my colleagues) did not stay vigilant, we lost opportunities to maximize collisions.  We could become insular.  Chances for serendipity (growth) decreased.

The same holds true in a corporate setting. If managers across the company landscape remain insular, they can end up repeating redundant routines and retreating behind territorial barriers. Organizations like the International Facility Management Association provide space and time for members to collide and create. I saw this first-hand at their Facility Fusion Conference and Expo in Las Vegas last week.

In addition to small workshop settings and coffee breaks, the Expo hall (think vendors) provided a central location for attendees to meet, learn about new technology, and connect for worthwhile purposes to advance the calling. The collisions went beyond mere sales opportunities to teaching and learning moments.  The area “accelerated serendipity.”

This week, in Jacksonville, Florida, I will work with the IFMA Jacksonville chapter at their annual Professional Development Forum (at the University of North Florida).  The membership will have the time to listen, learn, share, and grow with their colleagues as they explore the challenges, vagaries, and opportunities of change management. The association allows them to amplify their knowledge base and strategize for optimal customer service.

Whether you work in facility management, higher education, or healthcare, consider how you break down silos and build bridges. Look at your workplace or community-based activities. Consider all the great resources you have. How do you share them?  How do you maximize collisions so that others know what you do and what you need? How do you generate new ideas when it comes to growth, resilience, and collaboration?

Speaking of Serendipity.  Last week, Laurie and I spent an afternoon touring the architecture and history of Downtown Las Vegas (off “The Strip”) with Paco, the Art Curator for Zappos. I had been hoping for a chance encounter to shake hands and get a photo with Tony Hsieh.  Chances were slim.  However, during the last five minutes of our more than two-hour walking tour, who did we bump into on the sidewalk? Tony Hsieh.

Collisions leading to serendipity.

Video recommendation for the week.

Tony Hsieh shares Zappos Ten Culture Values.  Can you see how collisions and serendipity connect?

Make it an inspiring week and H.T.R.B. as needed.

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