REGENERATIVE THINKING IN PRACTICE

To regenerate we must take time to think. Thinking together is unpredictable. It may startle, provoke laughter or tears. It takes unexpected turns and in treading new paths leads to fresh insight or renewed understanding.

To reflect deeply with a partner helps us build thinking skill: to be bold, curious, to see the blindingly obvious or discover the unseen; to endure periods of confusion and not-knowing; to consider new options and diverse scenarios.

We need to build our capacity to challenge the status quo, to ask ‘why?’ and ‘is there a better way?’. And with compassion and care help create workplaces where people have the time, space and air to grow and thrive. When we understand both the light and the dark – within ourselves and without – we can then imagine new ways of being at work and in the world.

We live in a 24/7 world; boundaries between work and home are fluid. Our digital devices ensure we are constantly ‘on’. To manage our energy well we need to bring rhythm to our life, variety, pace and down-time to restore.

We need to set boundaries for ourselves, from small but significant decisions like whether to answer those emails at 11 pm to the big ones about how we structure our day, week and life.

Your body is not just a vehicle to carry your brain around. Staying fit and healthy is a good start but we have the potential to be fine-tuned instruments with access to instinct, intuition, group intelligence, and the wisdom of our whole body. Effectiveness begins with how we manage our intelligence at the physical, mental emotional and spiritual levels. This is regenerative thinking.

We derive our sense of meaning and purpose from living what we value. Our values nourish our spirit.

Knowing your values helps you decide on how you want to be and act in the world. This involves challenging values that no longer serve you, others or the wider body. Reflection helps lead to ‘right action’ – ethical behaviour: acting on behalf of a purpose beyond self. This is not always obvious; it means grappling with ethical dilemmas and navigating competing needs.

Figuring out where you stand and what you stand for will shape your contribution and the actions to take to regenerate your organisation, your community, your world. You shift from reactive behaviour to reflected, nuanced, intelligent actions that have power and impact.

We each have many selves. Getting to know these gives us options in how to operate in the world.  At the same time, our core has an essential quality that endures.  Engaging with this paradox, accessing all your intelligences, living truer to your values – these are the ways of being that help you build a sense of an authentic, regenerative self.

Authenticity is a dynamic process of reflection and negotiation – with your own different ‘selves’ and with others. You figure out where you are willing to flex and adapt in order to stay with your ‘tribe’ and where you stand firm, where you opt for the sometimes-unpopular action, the right choice. To be truly ourselves and be a part of a shifting, diverse society as a contributive member is a real art form! Authenticity leads to congruence: actions aligned with your values and core self.

When we are congruent we are confident. This means aligning mind, body, emotions and spirit. Standing for a vision and mission beyond the self builds confidence and courage. We may not always know exactlywhat to do, but we have the courage to act, even with limited information and in complex situations, for the good of what we stand for. Standing for the greater good is the signature of regenerative leadership.