Thailand - Swelling Head and Aching Back!
Wow, what a trip this is! I have been in Bangkok since Sunday. Just a couple hours after I got checked into my hotel, I put my back out. My schedule was packed, so I have been grinning and bearing it - a test on how to focus!
That's the aching back part...Now for the swelling head...
The government of Thailand has been a wonderful host. The hotel, food, and company have all been outstanding.
On Monday, I met with the Prime Minister who said that my book, High Impact Middle Management, was one of only four he is currently recommending his managers and leaders read. Wow - what an honor. I then heard the Prime Minister give a speech on the importance of strong middle management to about 5,000 government middle managers (they have 80,000 middle managers in the Thai government). The speech was also televised live. During the speech, the Prime Minister mentioned me and my book and asked me to stand up to be recognized. It was a bit surreal, but in a wonderful way.
On Tuesday morning, I spoke to 600 Thai middle managers and senior leaders in the UN Building. They created this wonderful backdrop just for my speech (see below) and gave me a wonderful piece of art (an elephant) as a token of appreciation. On Tuesday afternoon, I met with a committee that is leading the effort to improve middle management effectiveness.
On Wednesday, I spent the day with about 40 government and university folks who may be trained to be trainers. I shared my High Impact Middle Management model in greater detail. What a fine group! I also did a TV interview that will be shown state-wide.
And this evening (it is Wed evening right now) they took me to participate in the Loy Krathong celebration. At the end of Buddhist Lent, Thais celebrate the festival of Loy Krathong. They launch small banana leaf boats (krathong) on rivers and waterways to ask forgiveness from the Goddess of Waters. Thais also believe they float away past sins on their krathongs.
Here is my krathong before releasing it into the river.
And there is goes, along with all my sins and bad luck.
My official duties are done and tomorrow I will enjoy an insider's tour of the Grand Palace and do some shopping. I will be back in Seattle on Friday. I may not post again until Monday.
The Thais I met have been so warm and generous, and as you can tell, they have treated me very, very, well. They did so many little things to make me feel special and appreciated. Every meal was attended by several high ranking leaders who were interested in how to improve middle management.
I find it interesting to learn about different work cultures and think about how the work I do translates.
As I write this, I am watching amazing fireworks from my hotel window - better than any July 4th display I have seen - more energetic, noisy, and creative. Ahh, life is tough......I promise my swelled head will return to normal next week.
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Lisa, I am in awe of the impact you are having--Thailand! When you write about "high-impact," you certainly know what you are talking about.
You and I met a year ago in Portland, and since then you have influenced me to begin my own blog on business writing. Like you, I am being read by people around the world--in particular those who are looking for help writing condolences.
We never know the impact we have. Congratulations on launching your krathong. Your ripple effect inspires me and--no doubt--countless others.
Posted by: Lynn Gaertner-Johnston | November 16, 2005 at 11:58 PM
Lynn: You have a blog, how wonderful! I will start to read your blog and would encourage others to as well. Thanks so much for your kind words. Yes, we never know who we will influence or in what way. One of life's most interesting adventures.
Lynn's blog about business writing is:
http://www.businesswritingblog.com/
Posted by: Lisa Haneberg | November 17, 2005 at 02:51 AM
Wow, what a great story! Sounds like you're making excellent contacts. Bummer about the back, though...hope you're well enough to do more siteseeing...
Posted by: Bren | November 18, 2005 at 04:30 PM
That is awesome. What an honor, Lisa!
Do you know what the other books are that the Thai PM thinks are good?
Posted by: Todd | November 18, 2005 at 06:50 PM
Lisa, I am so thrilled for you and for the statement your High Impact Middle Management has made! Managers matter, and we are so lucky to have you as our ambassador and advocate.
Do malama (take care of) your back too.
Posted by: Rosa Say | November 20, 2005 at 05:54 PM
Bren, Todd, Rosa: Thanks so much for your support and thoughts. Todd, I will get the names of the other three books and post them - I have forgotten them (one is a Tom Peters book, I know).
Posted by: Lisa Haneberg | November 20, 2005 at 07:50 PM
I like the new look on the blog. Congrats on your successful journey and well-deserved honor in Thailand. I am one that likes the novel - so I cannot believe I will be going to Thailand for the THIRD time this winter. Thanks for sharing your experiences and the photos. Hope your back has mended.
Posted by: Evelyn Rodriguez | November 22, 2005 at 11:32 AM
E - Thanks and I am looking forward to hearing all about your citizen journalism trip. It should be wonderful.
Posted by: Lisa Haneberg | November 22, 2005 at 06:11 PM