I liken today's owner-managers in small business to the Medieval Alchemysts. Both persecuted for being different, for being fiercely independent thinkers. They knew the value of experimenting and not giving up when things didn't work out. They reflected on the importance of timing and took failure in their stride. They shared of their discoveries among like-minded peers and knew how to gain funding for their efforts to make the world a better place.
It wasn't about turning lead into gold. It was about taking something in themselves and in their outer everyday realities that was considered imperfect and setting out to make it perfect. In the process, they learned about their strengths and weaknesses; how thoughts and ideas, as well as ideals, create circumstances for good or ill. They learned to co-operate with others and with available - often limited - resources.
For information about the history of alchemy there are hundreds of books and societies that you can check out. Or, go to the wikipedia linkpage if you're really pushed. But, alchemy is not meant to be rushed. There are no quick fixes or short cuts. You wouldn't want me to just take a quick peek at your business, give you a dazzling platitude, a smile and my invoice, now would you? If you and your business want to get to where you want, it takes time and patience. You never know exactly how it's going to turn out, but that Great Work led to modern chemistry - symbolic really, of the chemistry needed between you and your staff, your suppliers and your customers...
