To spring or not to spring, that is the question? As the 1^st of September gets closer, there is this huge societal expectation for us all to somehow be different, be more creative, smile wider, be full of some mythical energy, or develop a reddening of the cheeks and a positiveness about politics and work.

But why is there this expectation? Is there a trigger, a switch that affects citizens of the world to sub-consciously make this change as one?

As an Events Company, we get inundated with requests for teambuilds and outdoor events at this time of the year.

For too long I have just assumed someone else would be able to explain the phenomenon of spring, but I tended to get the same old comments about a change of seasons, a warming of the planet (as if that is a positive thing!) and a time when buds turn to flower. Surely all of this logically affects vegetation, but as humans we don’t really have buds that react to sunshine and photosynthesis?

A quick study of the formal aspects of spring led me to the verb being the actions expected of us as mere humans. A sudden jump or move with some form of rapidity involved.

For those less enthused to leap, there is the chance to use the noun to get yourself into the mood of Spring Time. A simple coiled device when used to brace your weight, can send you bouncing into the garden or potentially orbiting the earth depending upon the size of the coil.

But when push comes to leap, I reverted to the notorious socialite Beverley Havitall, who I understand often speaks at spring parties and has even been seen nipping and nicking blossoms from the Chelsea Flower Show. She responded to my questions about Spring with a stutter filled prose as follows. “In my experience, which by the way is extensive, I have had more Springs than most have had holidays, so I am highly qualified to speak about Spring. Firstly I was born in the cold of Winter in a lavish hut in Sandton. My parents never really explained to me why my conception obviously took place in early September but I did work out that it had something to do with my free-spirited folks attending a Spring Fest Concert in Badplass. I really don’t have a perfect theory on Spring, but have found that I get inundated with more flowers and jewellery in the month of September.”For those less enthused to leap, there is the chance to use the noun to get yourself into the mood of Spring Time. A simple coiled device when used to brace your weight, can send you bouncing into the garden or potentially orbiting the earth depending upon the size of the coil.

Well that was all I needed; sound and logical evidence of the virtues of Spring.

I am not sure where this was all to go, but in trying to understand the impact that Spring has on business, I truly believe it’s a time for floral thinking, it’s a time for brightness and smartness, it’s a time for changing attitudes to hopefulness and positivity, and lastly, for all you Managers and Leaders, it’s about being the catalyst for others to SPRING INTO ACTION.

Over but not out…

John Ingram

Director of the HISIDE Group

www.hisidegroup.co.za