Finding Our Way Forward...Together

A Message (and an Invite) for Uncertain Times

My Friends in Humane Work,

This morning during Modus Institute 's monthly Open Lean Coffee, a community member posed a topic that has been showing up with increased regularity…and desperation:

How do we move forward in times of such overwhelming uncertainty?

Their question reflects the types of challenges discussed in these monthly community calls - issues that often blur the line between “work-life” and simply life. It likewise echoes the existential overhead many share they are shouldering lately: that sense of feeling unmoored, adrift in stormy seas, with no navigable course or safe harbor in sight.

The Science of Survival

As I discuss in depth in our latest Mastering Humane Visual Management with Obeya class, in service of our survival our brain optimizes for two things: to minimize risk, and to maximize reward. To this end there is some overlap in the neural mechanisms that process both physical and “social pain.” Whether our prehistoric ancestors were dodging dangers to their physical being such as drought, darkness, or dire wolves, or present-day professionals are tackling social threats such as uncertainty (ambiguity by its very definition invites risk), our nervous system responds similarly, flooding our body with stress chemicals like cortisol and adrenaline, triggering our ancient survival response. When this occurs, our instincts can compel us to retreat in an act of protection - from the situation…and from one another.

And that’s horribly unfortunate, because it’s actually in each other that nature gives us a marvelous counterbalance to this stress response.

Nature’s Antidote

Connection is powerful…and empowering. Among the hormones released during social bonding oxytocin - the trust hormone - not only reduces our stress response but activates neural pathways that help us think more clearly and solve problems more durably.

When our prehistoric ancestors faced uncertainties, they survived their struggles not by dealing with them alone, but by leveraging their community and finding safety within their tribe.

Today, we can - we should - do the same.

The Solution is Us

Every time we engage in community, share our challenges, or collaborate on a problem we are activating these same ancient pathways of connection and security. This isn’t some feel-good theory, it’s neuroscience in action.

If there is one thing I’ve learned in my nearly two decades with Modus, it’s that visual management isn’t just about work, it’s about well-being. When we see and share our work, when we create reliable systems especially in unpredictable times, we literally help regulate our nervous system. With every Personal Kanban or Obeya we create (in person or virtual, we’ve seen resounding successes with both), and every collaboration we engage in, we are creating islands of clarity, predictability in choppy waters, ultimately anchoring our well-being.

These seemingly small actions can make a significant impact on our health and well-being.

Taking Action: My Invitation to You

The holiday season means different things to different people. For many it only serves to amplify existing uncertainty and isolation. Rather than merely acknowledge it, I want to do something about it: create more space for connection.

Together.

So here is what I am proposing: that our monthly Modus Open Lean Coffee goes WEEKLY through year’s end.

Come As You Are

What: Where: Modus Discord (sign up here)

When: 16 Dec, 23 Dec, 30 Dec 9-10 AM PST

What to Bring: Your observations. Your challenges. Your wins. Or just yourself is perfect enough.

Come to listen. Come to share. Come simply to be among folks with similar interests and values.

Our ancestors didn't survive uncertainty in isolation. They thrived through community.

So will we.

Warmest,

Toni

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