World View

Each of us – individuals, organization, businesses, communities – has a worldview. The Meadowlark Institute believes that it is important for all of us to understand our individual and collective worldviews. It is important to be aware of our worldviews and to take time to reflect on them because our individual and collective worldviews – made up of our values, beliefs, assumptions, attitudes, and ideas – influences our understanding of the world around us and the actions we take in it, consciously and unconsciously shaping perceptions, motivations, and values.

The convergence of our individual and collective characteristics and unique history, including life, work or business experiences, physical or natural environment, culture, religion, socioeconomic status, and family are expressed through our worldview. Our worldviews inform and affect our individual and collective realities. There is an infinite multiplicity of worldviews and more than one “right” way or perspective. Each of us has our own unique worldview. What follows here is an overview of the Meadowlark Institute’s worldview.

As individuals or organizations we are each part of a complex, ever-changing, interconnected living universe. What we do influences the world around us, and the world around us influences us, even when we are not aware of exactly how. Greater understanding of the interdependence of all life leads to a more complete view of reality.

For three hundred years, since Descartes and Newton, our thinking has predominantly been influenced by rationalism. We have been able to figure things out and “be in control”. We tend to view our organisations as we view machines – as consisting of clearly defined parts with clearly defined roles and a predictable output.

In a complex world, this mechanistic view may not always be adequate to meet the complex problems and challenges we face. What if we as individuals or as organisations were also viewed as adaptive or living systems as well?

Living systems exist everywhere in nature – bacteria forming colonies or ants coming together to form a system that is capable of creating an anthill. These are not just simple systems, but include highly complex systems with incredible results. For example, termite nests even have air conditioning so the temperature stays the same inside the hill.

There are several exciting phenomena in nature and living systems that can also inform how we view human systems:

• A living system accepts only its own solutions. As humans we support those things we are part of creating.

• A living system pays attention only to that which is meaningful to it here and now. As humans we act most responsibly toward those things we care about.

• In nature, a living system participates in the development of its neighbour – an isolated system is doomed. As humans we learn, think, grow, love, laugh and act when we come together in support of each other. Conversation with each other matters.

• Nature, and all of nature, including ourselves, is in constant change (without ‘change management’). Working with change opens up possibilities for innovation and creativity.

• Nature seeks diversity. New relations open up to new possibilities. It is not a question of survival of the fittest – but everything that is fit – as many species as possible. Diversity increases our chance of survival. As humans we must remember that the leadership and wisdom to find the way forward can come from anywhere and the greater the diversity the greater the opportunity for wise actions to emerge.

• All the answers do not exist ‘out there’ – we must sometimes experiment to find out what works. Experimentation helps us find the wisdom that exists within.

• Experimentation opens up to what is possible here and now. Nature is not intent on finding perfect solutions, but workable solutions. “Life is intent on finding what works, not what is right”

• A living system cannot be steered or controlled – it can only be teased, nudged, titillated to see things differently

• A system changes when its perception of itself changes

• Who we are together is always different and more than whom we are alone. Our range of creative expression increases as we join with others. New relationships create new capacities.”

• We (human beings) are capable of self-organizing, given the right conditions. Self-organization shifts us to a higher order.

With this worldview as a foundation, the Meadowlark Institute is helping individuals, organizations, businesses and governments navigate successfully through an increasingly complex, interconnected and fast-paced world. The Meadowlark Institute uses result-oriented methodologies that lead to sustainable outcomes and support a shared commitment to action, whether the need is for strategic and action planning, team building, civic or organizational dialogues, cross-institutional collaboration, or leadership training for individuals, businesses and organizations.

Understanding our perspectives – our worldview – will help us work together as we serve your needs to be successful.