An Eden of the East Foundation initiative
You be there for your mate. Let him be there for you.
Let your mate inSir John Monash Museum Coffee · Movember campaign
The thinking behind the campaign
Being capable includes learning. Where you are today comes from what you’ve learnt and experienced. What you do next is how you grow.
Asking a mate is part of how you grow. His knowledge, experience or perspective adds something you can consider, learn from and put to use.
Judgement is recognising what another person can contribute. Agency is choosing to draw on it. Responsibility is taking ownership of what you do next.
Your direction remains yours. What you learn from your mate becomes part of the knowledge and experience you bring to your next step. Asking is taking charge because you are choosing to move forward from where you are.
Make the first move
01
“Can I run this past you? What would you look at?”
Choose a mate whose judgement you trust. Tell him what you’re weighing up and hear his view. An angle you hadn’t considered can help you think it through. You weigh the advice and decide what to do next.
02
“Can you give me an hour with the last few boxes on Saturday?”
A clear request makes it easier to work out what’s possible. Agree a time, get stuck in together and put the coffee on afterwards. You’ve worked out what the job needs and told your mate exactly what you need.
03
“Watch this for a minute. What would you change?”
Like practicing a shot on a basketball court. Your mate spots something you can try. You have a go, practise and find what works. Asking, learning and putting it to use is how you develop the skill.
04
“Coffee Sunday? Be good to see you. I’ll give you a call.”
You can make room for a mate wherever you are. Agree a time, put the coffee on and catch up over a call.
Be clear in what you ask
“I’m weighing up a job offer. I’d like your take on it. Coffee Friday at 10?”
You can say it in person, send a message or make a call. If the timing doesn’t work, suggest another time or ask another mate.
That’s what mates do
You know what it means to show up for a mate. Let him show up for you too. That's what mates do.
You respect his judgement. Ask him. You learn from one another, build on each other’s experience and make room for company when that is what matters.
Be clear about what you want: another view, a hand with something, or just hanging out. You can start with something simple and grow from there.
When he asks you, be clear about what you can do. “I can come over Saturday morning.” “Give me a call after six.” Agree on it, then follow through.
Backing each other can be learning, getting something done, taking a breather or enjoying some company.
An Eden of the East Foundation initiative
Eden of the East Foundation is the organisation behind Sir John Monash Museum.
What makes a man who changed the world? Sir John Monash drew from five values. Here two from the heart of the man.
We grow through what we learn, what we do with it, and what we contribute to one another.
Sir John Monash Museum Coffee
From the earliest 16th century coffee houses, coffee has given us a familiar occasion to put the idea into practice. A cup while you weigh up a decision. A break as you get the job done. A catch-up with a mate you haven’t seen for a while.
Choose Knowledge Is Power or Wisdom & Courage, from Sir John Monash Museum Coffee, for your next catch-up.
Make your next coffee an occasion to ask, learn or simply spend time together.
Buy a bag.
Back Movember.
Coffee purchases are not available through this page.
Knowledge Is Power
Wisdom & Courage