What I am writing about is where we might go from where we are, whatever the outcome. We are living in turbulent, complex, and uncertain times, that are outside of normal. In the language of complex systems, our behavior, as individuals and as members of our families, organizations, communities, and as members of the U.S. society, has fluctuated and continues to fluctuate way outside our normal bounds. We are in a state far-from-equilibrium and, it seems certain, we are not going to return to a ‘normal’ equilibrium. Here is the bright side. We will get to influence and shape a new reality. There are possibilities and potential here for growth, development, and transformation
First, it is critical to grasp that diversity is a key to resilience in any system. As we make sense of what we experience, then respond, learn and repurpose to adjust to the challenges of change, we are more resilient by drawing on the diversity we find among individuals and groups with different perspectives and experiences. They may reflect different belief systems, mind-sets, skill sets, and different ways of making sense of the world. If we welcome, respect, and leverage this diversity, we unleash an enhanced heterogeneous capacity to respond imaginatively and creatively to the complex challenges at hand. In fact, when we do this, we are bringing people together in a different configuration, and re-ordering our reality to adapt and thrive.
What are the opportunities to grow in our resilience and to shape and influence to realize our purpose and objectives? Here are a few ideas. They are not necessarily new, but I hope they might be helpful to you throughout this week and beyond:
- In our communications and conversations, we can be mindful of the language we use, the quality of our listening, and the openness with which we approach conversations. This is not to say we cannot bring our personal points of view. On the contrary, it is important to express our ideas and points of view, respectfully. You might respond: ‘easy to say, difficult to achieve when there are substantial differences.’ Agreed. Choose well how and when you want to expend your energy. Find a context where you can share your insights. Exercise both candor and diplomacy, as appropriate, with discernment and recognizing the natural tension between the two approaches in conversation.
- Make some new connections. Reach out to individuals you’d like to know better. Share your insights generously. Perhaps you will find a place where your ideas resonate or learn to understand better a different perspective. A new meaningful relationship might emerge.
- Maintain self-awareness. Take time to reflect. What are you feeling? What are you thinking? What triggers you? What do you notice about how you are impacting others around you? Do you see any patterns in the way you are responding to the tensions of the moment? Ask others for feedback. Of what you sense and feel, what would you like to expand and amplify? What would you like to shift or relinquish about your thinking and behavior? Is there another way to make sense of what is happening in your world? How and when could you experiment with a different way of responding to a challenging situation?
- Is there a small change in your schedule that might open up a space for you to realize an activity you’ve been wanting to take up? Make a commitment to follow through on it. Insert it in your calendar.
- Be attentive to new patterns of behavior and themes that you see emerging in your workplace or community. Are they constructive patterns that you want to support? If so, work to amplify them. If not, what might be constructive actions that you can take to discourage the activity.
What is your story? What brought you to this moment in time? Take some time to reflect by constructing a ‘Life Map,’ a visual timeline of key moments in your life. How do you perceive your life differently after this exercise? What insights does it offer? Does it influence how you want to move your life forward?
- Remember to find what gives you joy so you can renew your energy and bring the gifts of your experience, capacities, and insight to those around you.
https://fenixleadershipconsulting.com
Sandra M. Martínez, Ph.D.,PCC
President
Fénix Leadership & Development, LLC
