by Mike Morrison
Fellow leader,
We are exploring the current reality within our work cultures. For many of us…
This is not working.
The center is not holding.
We need to rethink our way forward.
The forces of fragmentation are winning.
The result is that our cultures are not developing a strong center with enough gravitational pull to keep the organization “whole.” As a result, we live at the outer edges of our organization. In many ways, organizational life has reduced us to fighting the smaller battles. The kind of battles – even if we win them – that make us smaller (as in . . . more fragile, vulnerable and ego-centered).
These two lines from a Rainer Rilke poem get to the heart of the matter:
What we choose to fight is so tiny!
What fights us is so great!
It reminds me of the recent budget debate (debacle) in Washington. The two sides were so blinded by their ideologies – they could not see their way to any kind of compromise that would serve the nation. What they chose to fight was so tiny. What is really fighting them is the call for an abundant and collaborative leadership that creates a tent big enough for competing views. It’s a willingness to come to the table with an open heart that is ready for real dialogue and change. They are losing this larger battle while trying to demonize their opposition through half-truths and spin. It is unbelievable (and sad) to watch.
The same happens in our work organizations. What we choose to fight is so tiny. We get lost in the smaller battles of the “us vs. them” games that pit one department against another. We talk about our bold intentions – but know deep down in our hearts that we lack the will and capacity to create real and meaningful change.
What really fights us is the capacity to create a common community – a unifying culture that serves the greater good.
I still get goose bumps when I see a leader shun the smaller battle – and then calls on us to “collectively” take on the bigger fight – the one that will change everything.
See you on the path,
Mike