Some years ago, a good (and older than me) friend was fond of saying ‘the older I get, the less I know.’ Usually, it followed some unexpected and illogical incident or inquiry.
At the time I found the statement a little puzzling. How could we know less, surely with age we know more?
And yet I think this is a form of words whose time has come. At heart is a profound humility. More than this, it is apposite to the confounding times in which we live (and the fake news we’re bombarded with).
As nations, political discourse, and ideology, lurch right or left, citizens and organisations are buffeted in the shockwaves. Resistance tested. In this polarity we might have more information but an ever-shorter supply of the new ideas and balancing wisdom we need.
The complexity of the challenges we face – globally, nationally, and in organisations – won’t be solved from fixed positions. Perhaps it is time to accept and admit that black and white answers no longer fit the mould. That we need to embrace another form of thinking.
Scharmer’s Theory U is a valuable approach to dialogue that explores the system, that can prompt different thinking, uncover a higher wisdom and move the needle towards a better world. Used well, with openness of mind and heart and plenty of patience, a connection to higher wisdom is made. Previously unthinkable and unknowable solutions emerge, with the will to act.
At whatever level the problem, dialogue – respectful sharing of our thoughts, openness to difference/alternative perspectives, and deep, deep listening to others and ourselves, heartfully – has to be the way forward, doesn’t it?
For me, the older I get, the less I know rings true as does my willingness to do something about it. How about you?