Turning shocks into leverage

This past month has seen many ‘shifts’ for many people. You might even call them ‘shocks’. Often into uncharted territory – something we may not have experienced before, and even if we have, it feels different this time.
How we turn these shifts or shocks into leverage is dependent on our perspective – if you like, how we look at them.
As Leonard Cohen says “ There is a crack in everything, that’s how the light gets in”.
When we are moving into uncharted territory, it is important to look at how we let the ‘light’ in. Do we go into action based on the past; trying to control (or feeling as though we are in control). Or do we have the courage to stay in the unknown and trust that we have the resilience, resources, knowledge and mastery to transform these changes into leverage for something bigger, and more radical than we may have done previously?
In times of unprecedented change, we do often need the capacity to access radically new ways of thinking, new tools and new information.
I spoke about the need for re-purposing last month, and to have ‘strong scaffolding’. I would add – that it must be flexible, to allow one to be centred, to tap into one’s expression of authentic creativity.

I went to see the movie “Joker” this weekend. Whilst I am not one to condone violence in any form – the messages underlying the story of a society totally out of kilter, were incredibly powerful. The impact on the citizens of Gotham city, (an imaginary city), affected by such a society- where all hope is lost, the gap of inequality which is so wide and the subsequent actions then taken to redress this perceived imbalance, was very confronting. And yet, it is something we all need to be aware of.
How would we respond to such challenges? The collapse of old structures – money, relationships, career opportunities – and possibly disruptions of the outer world?

Hopefully with a deep sense of inner resolve!

Having recently returned from a visit to Christchurch, where the ‘rebuild’ is still happening, I can say that there was a definite feel of hope this time. New structures, people talking to each other, authentic creativity, was evident everywhere.
Of course, there are ongoing challenges. Yet they appear to be addressing them, at least from my observation. A sense of “ re-membering, re- storing + re-storying “ by updating what they tell themselves ( as a city) to celebrate survival, resilience and resourcefulness.

None of us are immune to change or challenges – we are seeing these everywhere. Climate change rallies and ‘extinction’ rallies are two that are prominent at present with young people taking the lead. There is also the fight for democracy in many areas of the world. Whether we agree with all the underlying principles the protesters are rallying for is irrelevant on some level. What appears to be happening, is a need for dialogue, for a deeper belief in something, a sense of meaning even. To step forward to a resolution of polarities.

There certainly appears to be a surge of authenticity – ‘tell it like it is’ Truth with a capital T. Integrity + Truth telling.

If we are to rewrite our story, speaking up – speaking from truth is key for all of us. This increases the bigger story in which we are involved. Standing on the sidelines no longer seems an option. It also requires deep listening and deep respect for our ‘self’ and others – compassion if you like. This also requires us to be more resilient to access our inner power and strength.

A client demonstrated this last week. He was asked to lead a division within his organisation, for five weeks whilst the incumbent leader underwent a medical intervention. His biggest learning was that he did not need to ‘know’ the business, but rather, in the first instance, to ask insightful questions, listen deeply and observe processes and systems. He could then engage and make informed decisions as the conductor and not be the orchestra.
This was a big shift for him given his propensity to DO and take action. Aligning his expectations with efficiencies and right execution resulted when he shifted his focus and intention. So, a “re-storying” of how to lead was the outcome.
Now the question is how does he let go and ensure the efficiencies he identified are implemented when the leader returns? More importantly – how does he take these learnings and apply to his own role as General Manager.

This is how we stand tall as a leader – to know our place and to own our place.

The Maori have a saying “Find your Turangawaewae and stand tall”.
This relates to our power of place, where we access great strength in times of adversity and joy in times of celebration.

• Where are you willing to take a ‘stand”?
• Who are you to BE?
• What are you here to DO?

Standing tall is about pride, about being aware of our Mana, about having faith in our abilities and feeling worthy.