When I observe the world around me at the moment I sense a lot of fear:
1. From long ignored voices trying to survive by following new uncertain ways to be heard.
2. From, until recently confident, voices that start to realise that the future might not be as simple and predictable as before.

As both voices are becoming louder and louder tensions rise further and it becomes more and more difficult to really listen to one another. In other words we are moving up the conflict ladder whereby the focus moves towards short term self interest. Reducing quality of life of all involved and making reconciliation harder to achieve.

The moments that I’m capable to observe without judgement, craving or aversion, I realise that I’m as much part of this reality as anybody else. That I’m also responsible and need do to my part. The sooner I (we…) start moving down the conflict ladder the less painful the, in the long run unavoidable, transition to a more balanced and inclusive order / world will be.

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Trying to develop a comprehensive set of principles that turns any organisation in a living organism with optimal chances for long term survival. As an alternative for traditional business plans, goals and KPI’s that have no connection to the long term purpose of the organisation and are not inclusive of the interests of the environment in which it operates. This is as yet unchartered territory (for me) and the list below is my first attempt!

1. Purpose of the organisation is leading for every decision
2. Organisation is a safe space for all involved
3. Organisation operates fully along distributed leadership principles
4. Products and services are always co-designed with customers
5. Development projects always follow agile principles
6. Optimal return is socially acceptable return
7. Organisation is always transparant on every aspect
8. …

 Please do not hesitate to share any comments or suggestions you might have. To be continued.

Over the last 20 (sic!) years I have investigated, piloted and refined a variety of existing and emerging practices to close the gap between what we do (as individuals and institutions) and who we really are. Gradually bridging this gap makes me feel more connected (to myself and my environment) and as a consequence increases my sense of well being. Of course this is an ongoing, never ending, process.

Until now I did this mainly within the (relatively secure) realm of my own initiatives / organizations. Time has now come to let that go and to start sharing these insights more openly and start learning from that.

I hereby intend to focus on the following 2 topics:
1. what can I do to remove personal roadblocks in order to re-connect
2. what can I do to make my (work) environment stimulate and embrace connection

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It still requires (sometimes great) effort but I find it very helpful to experience and accept the impermanence of everything. It helps me to observe things as they are and to go from there. No longer blurred by craving or aversion.

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I believe that the most durable path back the best version of yourself is not so much about trying to achieve a certain goal. It is about creating the conditions under which your life can unfold itself. To create these conditions it is ‘sufficient’ to start clearing the roadblocks one has accumulated throughout the years. One by one, so that your personal purpose can emerge freely as you become lighter.

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Harvard BR offers a somewhat unbalanced view of self-management (and Holacracy) and the type of organizations that can benefit from this organizational approach.

What is missing in the HBR article is the material positive effect on the well-being of the people involved with the organization implementing this more human approach. And the many benefits that follow from that well-being for all aspects of the organization (from quality of the purpose to the way that purpose is lived by) and as a consequence for the community around it.

See HBR for full article.

Recently discovered On Being, a great podcast by Krista Tippett with interesting live stories and insights, close to those of QOL.

Listen to an interview of Krysta by Pico Iyer (known ao from ‘The Art of Stillness‘) to get a first idea of where she is coming from.

Back from 4 days of solo fasting in the desert

… to accept whatever follows!

Utah desert. Foto by Jim M

Nature always reminds me of the obvious: this time that death is part of live. Around Keg Knoll you can feel this very clearly as ao most trees are both dead an alive. Understanding this at the experiential level makes it easier for me to accept that everything is impermanent and to open up for what really is.

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