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What happened to the civil public discourse we knew in the last century? It has gone the way of the buggy whip, and I am glad. The conditions for that polite engagement were simple: Privileged people talked to other privileged people about things they held in common. The rules were clear, the membership was limited, and the conversation remained in the hands of those with power and money.
Build Adaptive Capacity
Usually I groan when yet another sports analogy is used to explain an insight about complex human systems. Don’t get me wrong. I love sports and spent the better part of my teenage years in a gym playing basketball. My dad was a football coach, and I love the game.
Last week the Human Systems Dynamics Institute hosted “Twenty-first Century Facilitation: Find Wisdom in Chaos.” As with all Adaptive Action Labs, we will meet to hold a more formal review. Today, however, I am sharing my more immediate reflections about this Lab. Using the Adaptive Action format makes this a simple, logical practice that keeps me focused on what’s important. I don’t get lost in the details or drama. Here’s how it works.
In HSD we use three characteristics to describe and understand complex adaptive systems: They are open to influence from internal and external forces that may be known or not, predictable or not, and controllable or not. They are highly diverse. They are nonlinear, and what you know from the past and experience today can influence the patterns of your future or not.
Build Adaptive Capacity
Sim Phei Sunn (known to us as PS) is an HSD Associate, a member of the HSD Institute Board of Directors, an extreme athlete who has completed the Seven Summits and competes often in ultra-distance running. As an experienced officer in the Singapore government, she was recently asked to share her insights from mountain climbing and endurance running that have helped her keep going at work. She has graciously allowed us to re-print her post for our newsletter.
Note, please, that while this is written for up-and-coming members of her organization, the principles she shares can be powerful for others, regardless of their place in life.
Build Adaptive Capacity
As I watered my plants today, I marveled again at their regenerative power. All they need is dirt, water, and sun, and they get bigger and healthier over time. Some of them don’t even need dirt, but that is a different story. Even the orchid, who holds back for months, surprises with blossoms when I least expect it.
April 11, 2019
The rules of social action have changed in the chaos of current events. Opportunities for activism toward social change are more prevalent than ever. You can step into a role that influences the patterns of social norms and expectations. When you stand in inquiry, you see clearly how to connect with powerful others and take courageous action.
In today’s complex and quickly changing world, there is need and an opportunity for a new generation of activism. Global change is fanned by digital media, broad-ranging connections, and vast diversity. In such a world, activism depends on the ability to see, understand, and influence patterns of interaction and decision making. Individuals and groups that engage in iterative cycles of learning and action are best equipped to bring about changes they seek.
In this month’s Live Virtual Workshop, Glenda Eoyang talks about how HSD’s Adaptive Action, Pattern Logic, and inquiry can support you as you change your world.