SHIFTING SANDS

Today’s organizations are struggling with the question of future relevance and ultimately survival. Corporations, governments, communities, and families are faced with new unforeseen challenges on a daily basis. Unfortunately the majority of those challenges have been met with antiquated rhetoric, methodology, and systems that were created for a “stable” environment. We no longer live in a “stable” environment, but instead, within a complex interwoven system, characterized by the chaotic nature of unpredictability.

Our belief in an infinite growth paradigm created the need to dominate and control our external environments leading to unimaginable achievements in such a short period of time; yet we find ourselves in the midst of depleting resources, rising fuel and food prices as well as fresh water shortages in the developing world. We are facing some of the greatest challenges we have ever seen. As a result there has been a collective redefining of value and relevance.

The future of the organization can be assessed by answering these two questions: “Is the organization relevant to the emerging social context?” and, “What ongoing value is the organization providing to its stakeholders?” Unfortunately these questions cannot truly be answered within our current framework. We must first be willing to question the deep-rooted systems and beliefs that we have created. Are we as organized individuals prepared to handle external opportunities and unforeseen threats to ensure longevity for ourselves and the generations to follow? The answer may be more readily available than we realize. We must shift our strategy from a position of control and domination to a position of adaptability and creation.

What steps are you taking to create a viable future for your organization?