When it comes to the moment of truth, both the organization and the individual are equally afraid of the creativity, the passion, and the courage that accompany those powers hidden within them and that are central to their vitality. This meeting place of creative anticipation and fearful arrival is the elemental core of a new conversation in the workplace. -David Whyte in Crossing the Unknown Sea
Is our world of work falling-in around us, or is it simply changing? If it is changing – and it most definitely is – is it evolving in spite of us? Or is it evolving because we have made a collective choice for it to evolve?
In the trust project where I am partnering with my long-time client, the leader has made a statement – a commitment – indicative of her understanding of this new world of work in the 21st Century: “I cannot guarantee you employment, but I can guarantee you employability … if you’re willing to participate in a new conversation.”
This leader’s commitment represents the coming together of 21st Century reality with timeless wisdom. This statement is founded in the truth of personal accountability; an ancient truth that reminds us of the reality of where change begins. Richard Barrett describes evolution as doing different things versus doing things differently. Doing different things requires each of us to reach deep within for the power necessary for this innovative evolution.
If we collectively choose conscious evolution, then we must also choose behavior that substantiates our individual recognition of business realities and our common story that has brought us to this moment. We cannot fail to acknowledge the importance of the past or the reality of the present. They are not separate from the desired, different, or new story. There is no new, different, or desired story without intentional acknowledgement and realism.
To join in the unfolding story is to participate in a new conversation with personal integrity intact and active.
I really like this idea, Jeff; to join in the unfolding story and participate in the new changes. Too often we just hear people gripe about the changes. This IS a new paradigm of participation and digging deep to find resources necessary to bring about personal change that will help new processes evolve.
Jeff, love this! I also keep thinking that, with all the talk of change, that people really want it even more spelled out for them. What do they need to do to change? What do they need to learn? Creativity is certainly a huge part of that.Obviously, that is my focus, but there is also a need to break down the “linear” organization of so much business and paint a picture of what a newer, more organic, organization would look like. Thanks for making me think about this anew!
This reminds me of the old adage ” Just go with the flow!” Not in the sense that you pay no attention to what is around you, but rather that you are constantly on the lookout for how you can change and flex to better adapt to your ever- changing environment.
Just spent a day up in CT (still here) talking about fear and business and the effects thereof.
Good timing for your post, Jeff. Old business models based themselves in fear and scarcity, new models do not.
Sue Painter
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