“Three things are true at the same time,” writes philosopher Max Roser. “The world is much better; the world is awful; and the world can be much better.” When we are leading through complexity, adaptivity, plus volatile market conditions, we have seen and experienced all three of these truths. We have seen people be better, and we have seen them be awful to each other. We also have come to realize that the world can be a much better place.
Furthermore, we have come to understand at a deeper and more holistic level what Nath Furr and Susannah Harmon Furr wrote: “Uncertainty and possibility are two sides of the same coin.” We can focus on one side or the other. The choice is ours to do when leading through complexity.
Yet, as we make this important choice, I am reminded of something Bob Briner and Ray Pritchard wrote many years ago: “Good leaders have a vision; better leaders share a vision; the best leaders invite others to join them in spreading their vision.” In order to spread a vision that leads us through complexity, we need to be very mindful of the words we use. We need to build a shared mindset based on common language and common understanding. We need to ask ourselves some important questions, and build respectful safety zones where healthy and realistic strategic dialogue can take place. We need to embrace the Genius of the AND as well as comprehend the the role of strategy and strategic intent. We need to help people learn how to structure their thinking, and value the role of routine coaching and check-ins. We need to understand the intersection of trust, vulnerability and teamwork as well as the relationship between building organizational culture and holding people accountable. Finally, we need to engage in dynamic stewardship, and value our interdependencies.
As we do this on-going work, let each of us remember the advice and counsel of L. R. Knost: “Do not be dismayed by the brokenness of the world. All things break, and all things can be mended. Not with time, as they say, but with intention. So go. Love [and lead] intentionally, extravagantly, unconditionally. The broken world waits in darkness for the light that is you.” When our hearts and minds are one, and our intention is based on clarity, courage, and integrity, we can meet the challenges of this time. We can make the world a much better place to live and to work. This is the legacy we can pass on to others when we lead through complexity.
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