For individuals, organizations, and society, the only certainty is change. Once that is accepted, we can turn to developing ways of mitigating the effects of the change, of embracing and dancing with whatever presents itself next. Once we shift to accept that change is a constant, we can embrace opportunity and mitigate negative effects by cultivating resilience.
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The attached graphic (created on an iPhone while riding the BART train…because doesn’t true resilience mean embracing the possibilities of each and every moment?) points out the parallels between physical fitness and organizational fitness. A truly toned athlete is a remarkable combination of flexibility, strength and endurance. These qualities need to balance for optimal physical performance – if the gymnast’s back is too flexible, she risks weakness and injury; if a dancer’s muscles are too heavily developed, her flexibility suffers…and so on. Likewise, if an organization is too flexible, it risks losing its way, being pulled hither and yon by the prevailing wind; if too focused on “strength,” then stiffness can set in, creating inertia. Even too much focus on long-term endurance can lead to missed forks in the immediate path.
The Idea Hive is co-hosting Design 4 Resilience on April 10 at the The Hub Berkeley, a coworking and event space for social enterprise. D4R is a full-day exploration of resilience as a strategy for thriving in an uncertain world, and a call to action to prepare for the crises and opportunities unfolding today. Inspiring morning speakers and an Open Space learning in the afternoon promise to flex and strengthen attendees’ resilience and design muscles. Interested? Register for D4Resilience. Additional hosts include: FAS.research, Sociate.com, The Hub Bay Area, SOCAP10, and Shareable.net.
See you there?
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