Non-anxious leadership meets the lake
I was captivated recently listening to acquatic ecologist and author Darby Nelson (http://www.darbynelson.com/) speak about the acquitic invasive species threats to our beloved Minnesota lakes. Nelson believes our thinking patterns about ecological balance, health and survival are compromised by our emotional responses. (Sound familiar???) He says since “emotions, not logic” seem to drive our behaviors and different (or differing) perceptions drive those behaviors, we are often blocked from both seeing threats to healthy lakes and imagining the correct responses to those threats. “We see what we want to see and hear what we want to hear,” he says. Nelson told the story of a local official who, seeing woody deadfall along a lake shore, insisted it be removed because of its unsightly appearance. In fact, such woodalls are natural and important sanctuaries for fish breeding. This stimulates fishing which is an important economic feature in the area where the official lives.
Nelson’s term “inate habits of mind” – where we are compelled to keep doing what doesn’t work – sounds a lot like leadership stuck in gridlock.
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http://www.amazon.com/dp/B006R5PXA4
Peace and Courage,
Howard
