Are we still leading change, or are we merely clinging to outdated methodologies in a world that demands participation and commitment? It’s time we change the very notion of "leading change" and instead embrace a more creative, participatory approach that acknowledges the complexity of life, systems and dynamics.
Every time we mention the word leading, we imply a hierarchical structure. Hierarchies that are so pervasive in the way we look at the world they are present in our mindsets, graphic designs of concepts, art…the ladders, the pyramids, the commanders… shall I continue?
However, if we acknowledge the interconnectedness of the world (it’s about time), change doesn't follow a linear path—it's messy, unpredictable, and requires a collective participation.
Why do we persist in this outdated mindset? Perhaps it's because it's comfortable, familiar, and, dare I say, ego-boosting for those at the helm.
Embracing complexity requires a willingness to relinquish control and embrace uncertainty. Are we capable of leaning back and, instead of affirming our own leadership, evoke leadership in everyone?
Where conformity and efficiency often take the front seat, can we instead embrace creative exploration? What happens when we participate to change instead of managing change? What do we learn? How our presence and role change when we participate instead of managing?
The shift to partnership in work is relevant to us all as it unleashes whole intelligence (including emotional, somatic, body intelligences) and creativity enabling the creation of workplaces that are nourishing rather than depleting.
What if in this context (of participating rather than leading), leadership was the practice of witnessing? As we think of leadership as witnessing, it becomes accessible to each and everyone of us. Witnessing brings within itself interdependence between the I, the we and the environment. In this context, we learn to appreciate and value surrendering to inspired actions in emergence instead of obsessively guiding troops through harsh dynamics of survival of the fittest. This is a leadership of continuous creation in a universe whose creativity and adaptability are beyond comprehension. Where and how we make space to witness and practice to co-create with it expresses our leadership stance.
So, how do we embody this capacity to participate in complex systems? Here are a few practices to get started:
1. Embrace Emergence: Instead of trying to predict and control outcomes, allow changes to emerge organically from the collective intelligence of the system. This is only possible when we truly practice: Listening to the undercurrent. With listening comes the capacity to discern between the noise of distraction and the rhythm of creation.
2. Dialogue: Create spaces for open, honest dialogue. Encourage curiosity in creating models, systems, new paradigms that care for beauty and harmony to restore the wellbeing of all rather than the supremacy of few.
3. Experimentation: Shift from a mindset of perfectionism to one of experimentation which allows us to sense to what wants to emerge so we can prepare as we practice. This is different than planning as a tool to control and dominate (or as some say to “lead” the way).
It's time to let go of the illusion of control and embrace the messy, beautiful reality of change. Are you ready to participate? If you are going through change, individually or as a team, and would like to connect to explore together ways to "participate instead of managing" feel free to drop me a note.
If you would like to explore what participation (to change, to life, to work...) feels and would like to learn to express it (without controlling it) come practice Messy Art with me. Get in contact with me if you'd like to create a practice for yourself or a Messy Art group session.
A little inspiration for you to feel into:
"I sense the world might be more dreamlike, metaphorical, and poetic than we currently believe--but just as irrational as sympathetic magic when looked at in a typically scientific way. I wouldn't be surprised if poetry--poetry in the broadest sense, in the sense of a world filled with metaphor, rhyme, and recurring patterns, shapes, and designs--is how the world works. The world isn't logical, it's a song." David Byrne.
My invitation to you is to unpack and dismantle those outdated myths and to embody an Artful Mindset. Make space for participation and work more creatively:
UNLOCK THE ARTFUL MINDSET - Creativity is innate to us. A series of simple invitations to help you explore the key concepts and practices to unlock the artful mindset. IT'S FREE
FORGET START UP & ART-UP - Immerse yourself in a learning experience that transcends the ordinary. Engage in lively explorations, vibrant dialogues, and hands-on assignments that breathe life into your ideas. Download the brochure here.
THE MAVERICK'S PALETTE - An extraordinary opportunity to infuse your entrepreneurial spirit with the colours of creativity. It is not just a course; it's a journey of self-discovery and innovation. Let your journey as an artful entrepreneur begin here.
If you’re interested in learning more about my services and would like to discuss any consultancy, workshops, talks, please reach out.
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