Purpose, Values and Beliefs

This is where I am coming from:

“It’s OK for you. We and our children will have to face your generation’s irresponsibility way beyond 2050.”
—A sixth former

The latest Institute for Public Policy Research report, Facing up to the age of environmental breakdown  warns us that mainstream political and policy debates have failed to recognise that human impacts on the environment have reached a critical stage, potentially eroding the conditions upon which socioeconomic stability is possible. Human-induced environmental change is occurring at an unprecedented scale and pace and the window of opportunity to avoid catastrophic outcomes in societies around the world is rapidly closing. These outcomes include economic instability, large-scale involuntary migration, conflict, famine and the potential collapse of social and economic systems. The historical disregard of environmental considerations in most areas of policy has been a catastrophic mistake.

My purpose is to help bring about a sustainable, fair and non-violent world, in which everyone has the opportunity for a healthy and fulfilling life. My aim is to help people empower themselves and play their unique part in creating a better, sustainable world. And to help leaders create organisations of whatever kind in which everyone can thrive and contribute.

My values include: not taking more than one needs or more than a fair share; not compromising the needs of future generations; cherishing the earth and all life; valuing difference and respect for diversity – in nature and in human races, cultures, traditions and religions; truth – both seeking truth with an open mind and being truthful; non-violence in thought, word and deed; involving all stakeholders in co-creating change; seeing the best in people; enabling people to find their own way and fulfil their highest purpose. Being grateful.

My beliefs:

The essence of emerging thinking about organisations is that they are not machines but complex, open systems, apparently disorderly but emergent, like nature. We are not in control. Chaos is part of change, to be embraced rather than feared. The leader’s role is a more humble one of facilitating and enabling transformation and learning, focusing on values and purpose and creating a culture that releases spirit and energy. In an uncertain world, supportive relationships and connections become even more important. Respect for diversity is vital.

I believe people are the experts on their organisations. Together, they can create the best solutions. Everyone is a potential leader and can make a difference. With good leadership and support, they can make their organisations work better for all involved and contribute to making the World a better place for everyone. I believe organisations will succeed best by treating all stakeholders, employees and suppliers as well as they want to treat customers.

We need to see the big picture, understand global issues and see them as opportunities. We need to embody what we are learning about organisations as living systems and see people as whole beings with heart, spirit, body and mind. This means creating an empowering culture; developing leaders at every level; valuing and appreciating people’s uniquely different gifts; welcoming conflicting, different views as essential to understanding complex situations; embracing change; bringing it about in an inclusive way that involves all stakeholders; learning from each other with humility; being both humble and inspiring; increasing what works rather than focusing on dysfunction; and seeing difficulties as gifts.

I value partnership and collaboration and the diversity that women and men, and people of different races and traditions, can bring in working and learning together; being authentic and truthful; integrity; celebrating; appreciating and challenging each other; being open to learning; sharing our expertise; leading more balanced and sustainable lives; respecting Nature; working for a sustainable, fairer, and non-violent world.