Storm Beach

I have read all of Wheatley’s books, so disclaimer out the way. But I also notice in the provocative call for sanity, the frustration in the author’s tone. It’s also uncomfortable to me because I recognise it. “A terrible desertification has occurred in too many organizations, barren landscapes now devoid of life and human potential.” As Wheatley states could leadership have created this? By striving for obedience rather than contribution. Have greed and power pushed inclusion and engagement to one side.

We soon find comfort though if we can harness “the unshakable confidence that people can be generous, creative, and kind.” A human centered approach, calling on leaders to create the conditions for these qualities to be evoked and utilised. Noticing that, as the saying goes – other qualities are available. Innate as they are, developing trust and optimising everyone’s talents.

The second half of this short book then provides a few approaches to work on these conditions…

• Generosity is offering something we value to a person or situation we also value. This is altruism, not reciprocity.
• Kindness too is an offering to others, a way of extending yourself that asks nothing in return.
• Creativity is a natural part of being human. We always seek to notice, make sense, and share with our community.