the mad hatters

​“Mad Matter: "Have I gone mad?" Alice: "I'm afraid so. You're entirely bonkers. But I'll tell you a secret. All the best people are.”  - Lewis Caroll. Through the looking glass.

​When I tell someone, “You’re mad” I always mean it as a compliment. To me, it means that they are authentic, different, think lateral, are obsessed with something – and are constantly learning it or expressing it or  being it and are possibly (bravely) vulnerable in wearing their obsession on their sleeve. These obsessive mad hatters are not the necessarily purple haired, rockstar looking (though some of them have been that!). Their deep engagement with what moves them, made the work, the workplace, our conversations & culture richer.  

​The interviews that I have most enjoyed, both as an interviewer and interviewee are the ones where the conversations have intended to understand the person not just the professional; with the innate understanding that best leaders, organisations, never want someone to leave their personal at the doorstep of the professional, mindful of the fact that we all benefit from having the whole person, not slivers of their being.

Purposeful and passionate people are the biggest asset any organization can have. And the best ones are always bonkers about something. Find them. Celebrate them. Nurture them to drive a culture of deep learning and openness.