What if there’s no such thing as a perfect strategy? by Jim Manske, CNVC Trainer
What if there’s no such thing as a perfect strategy? (Strategies are behaviors intended to contribute to fulfilling a universal human need.)
What that means to me is that no matter which strategic choice I make, some needs will be satisfied while others remain hungry. We all do the best we can to make wise choices that meet the most needs for Life at the least cost. Only the passage of time will clarify how wise our choices have been.
A year ago (in November of 2016) a few days after the US presidential election, I wrote in a Facebook post:
“We have made a choice. There is only one Us. Right now, I feel mourning about the results of this election and the likely consequences of this choice. It’s easy to touch and taste the unmet needs mostly around safety, security and well-being for people and our planet.
As I look towards needs met, I see unbounded possibility for connection in the service of natural giving and receiving. Unending vistas for our vision, our hopes. And, as we make our contributions each day in the service of our mission, we constantly have the opportunity to live our values, inspiring others to join us. I wonder, how can I show my love for people and planet, right now…
The bottom line for me is that no matter who the president of the United States is, I have a purpose, vision and mission.
The person who holds the office (as all other leaders) may either support me or hinder me. That’s for them. My role is to persevere in fulfilling my purpose.”
So, now a year has passed. It’s hard for me to keep track of the myriad events since President Trump took office. There is a wake of unsatisfied needs following the ship of state that Mr. Trump pilots. Never before have so many been so unsatisfied with a presidency at this point of our election cycle.
On the other hand, many people seem to have found their voice and gathered together to advocate for a way of being in our country and in our world much more in harmony with Needs consciousness. We seem to be speaking more, sometimes shouting, other times screaming.
I don’t experience as much listening, and I feel concerned by the continuing polarization and siloing that seems apparent. We may listen to those with whom we agree with, but I’m not sure we are listening to those we do not agree with.
How could I turn this complaint of mine into a commitment?
- First, notice what is. As I look at who I hang out with, my tribe mostly looks like me, talks like me and shares many of my beliefs.
- Consider how to expand the circle of connection, beginning with the Needs. I imagine if I expanded my circle, it would contribute to learning, community, self-expression and empathy, among other needs. It may come with a cost. I imagine the likelihood of conflict will increase. I may feel uncomfortable. My beliefs may be challenged. Including other people may not contribute to ease or flow.
- Sitting with the needs, I open to wonder…what steps could I take that may contribute to these needs.
- I wait for requests to emerge, trusting that we human beings have everything we need to come up with satisfying strategies to support our survival and our thriving. Sometimes I notice the requests arise after a good night’s sleep. Other times, after a soak in the tub or a hot shower. Sometimes in conversation with others, and other times, ideas arise immediately or at random moments. Sometimes by writing, it supports my creativity as well.
- Once the ideas emerge, take action. Small steps are ok, even teeny tiny ones! It seems so important to honor our need for safety when we embark on something new and challenging.
So, now, reading this, what will you do?
The process can be used for any creative puzzle, not just the political conundrum I notice on this chilly November day, one year after an historical election.
Please let me know your responses to what I have written, especially what you harvest from trying the Complaint to Commitment process.
