In the vast expanse of human endeavours, some tales echo through time, stories of triumph and failure. Today, we embark on a voyage through the tumultuous seas of success and the desolate wastelands of failure. But please remember that this is not a tale for the faint-hearted. This story is steeped in disappointment, a narrative that does not shy away from the harsh realities of life.


The Illusion of SuccessLet’s begin with the illusion of success, the tantalizing mirage that lures us into believing that everything is within our grasp.

Take, for instance, the dot-com bubble of the late 1990s. Companies like Pets.com and Webvan were hailed as the future of e-commerce, their stock prices soaring to dizzying heights. Investors were drawn in by the promise of exponential growth, the allure of being part of the ‘next big thing’.
But alas, this was a journey destined for failure. Despite the initial hype, these companies were built on shaky foundations. They lacked sustainable business models and when the bubble burst, they crumbled. The journey, so full of promise, ended in disappointment and financial ruin.
The Harsh Reality of FailureOn the other hand, we have the stark reality of failure, a path littered with the wreckage of dreams and aspirations. Consider the case of Kodak, a company that once dominated the photographic film industry. Despite inventing the digital camera, Kodak failed to capitalize on this revolutionary technology. They were too invested in their traditional film business, too afraid to embark on a new journey.
The result was a slow and painful decline. Kodak filed for bankruptcy in 2012, a stark reminder of what happens when companies fail to adapt to changing times. This was a journey that ended not with a bang, but with a whimper.

So, what can we learn from these tales of success and failure? Perhaps, it is that the journey is never as straightforward as it seems. Success can be fleeting, and failure can be a stepping stone to greater things. But no matter the outcome, it is the journey that shapes us, the voyage that defines who we are.
Remember, every journey is fraught with challenges and setbacks. But it is in facing these obstacles that we truly grow. So, let us embark on this journey together, not with a sense of trepidation, but with a spirit of adventure. For it is in the journey, not the destination, that we find our true selves.
And so, we continue on, ever forward, ever onward, guided not by the promise of success, but by the lessons learned from failure. For in the end, it is not about the destination, but the journey itself. And what a journey it has been.

In any environment where groups of people have to work together, be it a community, workplace, or even a community group, sometimes we create a divide that simply can't be understood.

This only happens when perceived power and perceived value create a toxic divide. 

Because of the perception of both parties, it becomes so toxic that the divide can't be understood.

Each of the parties, however many there are, can not understand the perception of the other. 

Don't worry about disagreement - worry about silence
Disagreement is a natural part of human interaction. However, when disagreements are not managed effectively and they are linked to perceived power and perceived value they lead to silence and fear. 

Power 
 When power is unevenly distributed, it can lead to feelings of resentment and unfairness. Those with less power may feel unheard and undervalued, leading to disengagement and decreased motivation.

Value
When value or contributions are not valued or recognised, those who feel like they are not valued withdraw from participating or contributing their ideas and skills.

Conversations are how communities think together.
Using an experienced facilitator who understands perceived power and perceived value is crucial in managing disagreements, balancing power, and ensuring everyone’s contributions are valued.