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This famously used poster from WW II Britain now stands as a piece of history that never actually happened. It's an example of the phenomenon given a definition by Douglas Coupland in 1991: “legislated nostalgia”, that is, “to force a body of people to have memories they do not actually possess”. 

It was initially created as a test and no one who was around at the time, unless they had worked at the department of the Ministry of Information, for which the poster was designed, would have seen it. In fact, before 2008, few had ever seen the words “Keep Calm and Carry On” displayed in a public place. But, today? It has become a cultural phenomenon and will likely find use in what many are referring to as WW III erupting now in Europe.

The notion to keep calm as a professional and as a project manager is lofty. In work and in life these days, change is inevitable and emotions are running high. We are stressed, maxed out in all facets of our existence and our urge to fight with each other is evidenced in the news that surrounds us; whether internationally or in our own backyards.

I wonder if those who initially wrote those fated words in the midst of being bombed by Nazi Germany understood the stoic hilariaty of the idea they were casting? To remain calm in spite of everything. To carry on as though nothing can stop us. 

There is a level of human resilience that can override circumstance. I think it lives in the ethereal realm; housed in the subconscious where the mystics believe we all exist whether we recognize it or not. The reason I believe this is true is because these types of propaganda quotes work on us. . .we are drawn to them and find ways to make meaning out of them. 

As a leader of work, change and people, it is incredibly relevant “to force a body of people to have memories they do not actually possess”. When the project is failing, teams need to remain hopeful, empowered to change and determined to succeed. Tapping into the ethereal realm to stir peoples hopes and passions of memories they do not actually possess can in itself rescue the work, make the needed changes and garner success. 

Whether we are at war with another country or just our team and ourselves, keeping calm and carrying on is how its done. Envisioning a reality we have not yet lived is called hope and hope springs in humans, eternal.

Hoping you and yours calm and carrying on,