Who Do We Choose To Be?
The powerful always defend the status quo because it is the source of their power and privilege. Any change that benefits others would destroy their position. And their position is all they care about defending.
As a lifelong activist focused on changing leadership in large systems, as one still inside those large systems as a consultant, advisor, and friend, I realized years ago that large-scale change was not possible. Leaders were grasping for control, overreacting to crises rather than thinking systemically, treating people as ‘units’ rather than as humans. Yet I also met and worked with extraordinary leaders who were creating islands of sanity where good work still got done and where people enjoyed healthy relationships in the midst of chaotic conditions, fierce opposition, heartbreaking defeats, lack of support, isolation, loneliness, and slander. I have been with them in circumstances that caused most other leaders to give up and walk away, yet still they kept going. [...]
Several years ago, in the face of irreversible global problems and the devolution of leadership, I began to challenge every leader I met with these questions: Who do you choose to be for this time? Are you willing to use whatever power and influence you have to create islands of sanity that evoke and rely on our best human qualities to create, produce, and persevere?
Now I’m asking you.
Excerpted from Margaret Wheatley's book Who do we choose to be?
SEED QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION: How do you relate to the notion that large-scale change is not possible? Can you share a personal story of extraordinary leadership that helped create an island of sanity? What helps you commit to creating your island of sanity?
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10 Past Reflections
On Jan 13, 2020 Janet Bartram-Thomasas wrote :
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On Sep 13, 2019 Alice Bolt wrote :
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On May 8, 2018 neela wrote :
I think change is happening every minute on a minute scale which is a part of the large scale. Because it is so slow and small that one can not see it in front of one's eyes immediately but can see it over time.
I believe When I choose to be my authentic self and act as per my inner voice I can not but create an island of "sanity" (I am also questioning what is "sanity")
1 reply: Jeffrey | Post Your Reply
On May 7, 2018 Joao Perre Viana wrote :
A powerful question...a question to repeat in morning before starting the day...everyday!
If we don´t answer for ourselves, someone will and it might not be the answer we are looking for.
1 reply: Me | Post Your Reply
On May 5, 2018 david doane wrote :
I don't agree with Ms. Wheatley that large-scale change is not possible. Anything is possible, including large-scale change, and there have been many examples of large-scale change throughout history. I've been with a few extraordinary people who were leaders by the power of their personhood and wisdom and created islands of sanity. The group of us that were part of such an island were raised to a higher level of personal and interpersonal functioning by the presence of the leader, and it was a joy to be part of the experience. What helps me commit to creating my own island of sanity is knowing it is possible, knowing I have the wisdom to do it whether it is an island of just me or of a group of people, and knowing that the primary ingredient is to be myself.
1 reply: Me | Post Your Reply
On May 3, 2018 Jagdish P Dave wrote :
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