Alchemy, Artisans, Relationships, Creativity and Change.

The first stage of alchemy is the reduction of material to its basic elements so that the material for what comes next can be found.

It seems appropriate for what is happening at the moment as our economies and societies fragment, organisations splutter and old models of leadership are increasingly called into question. There is no data for what happens next and in these circumstances it is the classic and timeless elements of leadership and strategy that are important. The Stoics had them as courage, justice, moderation and wisdom. None of these can be taught, only expressed. We need leaders to show them right now.

Artisans have always expressed these qualities. They are prepared to stand alone rather than court popularity because they are accountable to their work. Their relationships are equally deep - not just with the other humans around them, but equally with their environment, from the materials they use, to the tools with which they express their craft, to where they work. Artis…