I’ve been in a number of conversations in the last week or so that touch on our hesitation to act, in the face of obvious need.  Whether that’s in the ask to imagine and be transformative, we’re inadvertently distancing ourselves from meaningful action in the here and now. Or in the exposition of uncertainty about the future, we’re unable to step away from what holds our feet firm.

These paradoxes in action are rife in partnership working, where the structures and systems for engaging with complexity are often a step or so behind where the innovation is happening.  As Julia Unwin talks about in her 2018 paper on kindness in public policy, it’s not sufficient for changes to how we work to be the sole proviso of courageous leaders.  We need institutional structures to normalise and mainstream behaving with humanity, as a precondition of the relationships that support action in complexity.

I came across a precis of some of Johan Galtung’s key works this week, in celebration of his life, his influence and commitment to peaceful futures.  At the end of the article, it highlighted the value of deep thinking about the past and the future, if only we can embrace the “opening into the future that a liminal moment like waiting, being sidelined, or feeling a little lost can bring.”  In these spaces where time feels like it stands still, where we feel overwhelmed and unable to act, these may be the most creative moments. 

Perhaps if we talk a little more about these moments of hesitation and stuckness, as part of our everyday experiences, we might find ways to be intentionally kind.  The kindness that enables creativity and reciprocity amidst uncertainties.  The kindness that enables us to act.

Next Series of ‘Exploring Futures’ starts in October.

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Online Friday lunchtime sessions, 1230-1330.