Future Wisdom
The survival and success of an organization depends largely on its ability to detect the weak signals of major future trends. Interestingly, these future trends are often at the opposite end in nature to the present and most visible trends. If we believe Carl Jung, the opposite of every current phenomenon or trend is also developing and emerging with the same strength and intensity. Because of this, the world is always in a tension that leads to equilibrium even if it means that sometimes the pendulum effect leads us to extremes. Therefore, we should always look at what is at the opposite of current trends to try to perceive what is emerging and to emphasise and anticipate it.
It is interesting to notice that today, as we hear so much about speed, individualisation, personalisation, polarisation of differences leading to intolerance, radicalisation and violence we also hear more and more about wisdom, “mindfulness”, benevolence but these voices are still very feeble and relate more to individual behaviours than collective or political actions. In many organisations, the work on People Engagement often leads people to talk about happiness and fun at work. I want to argue that what we need are things that are much deeper and more meaningful such as Wisdom, Benevolence, Respect, Kindness and Courage. A company that treats people on the basis of these values will achieve stronger and more sustainable engagement than by having cool offices and company picnics.
I believe that these values are deeply ingrained and in the DNA of Saint-Gobain. Maybe the longevity of our organization (350 years) has given us the wisdom to act in a responsible and respectful way in the world we live in. I also believe that more and more people will want to join and stay in a company like this. I do.
Chief Commercial Officer at Securitas UK - Making Your World a Safer Place
8 年Powerful words Valerie Gervais thank you for sharing them.
Love your thoughts, absolutely in line with what I believe and experience. Perhaps we need to put more effort into helping others to deal with these polarities and apparent incongruity. Much of the resilience work I am now focusing on involves helping individuals and groups to strengthen their position in a range of situations, to deal with whatever comes their way [which as you say can often appear contradictory]. I too have a soft spot for your organisation, having done quite a bit of enjoyable development with great people in the recent past. Best wishes Bruce
Health, Safety, Environment, & Sustainability
8 年Very wise, and well said: "In many organisations, the work on People Engagement often leads people to talk about happiness and fun at work. I want to argue that what we need are things that are much deeper and more meaningful such as Wisdom, Benevolence, Respect, Kindness and Courage."
Facilitator, Leadership Development, Business Games; experience in China, France, Germany, Denmark and Sweden
8 年Valerie, nice to read, so much truth in what you write: beyond fun, people need deeper meaning to remain happy at work (and in life in general). I particularly like that you mention respect, kindness and courage as core values. Working for a leader/company that acts accordingly is indeed a great motivation factor. This also happens in younger and small companies. This is one of the reasons I am happy with my employer :-)
Thank you for some great wisdom and challenging us to think in a very different way.