Together is Still the Answer

Last weekend, I attended a transformative three-day event at the stunning Splatsin Community Centre in Enderby, BC. The highlight for me was hearing from Charles Eisenstein, a renowned philosopher, teacher, and author whose work spans politics, economics, and spirituality. I’m particularly drawn to his non-dualistic thinking and his ability to hold multiple perspectives simultaneously—a skill that feels increasingly essential in today's fragmented world.

Charles eloquently captures the essence of our current reality: a world where there is no unified understanding, no singular truth, and diminishing trust in authority. This, combined with the complexity of personal, social, economic, and environmental challenges, creates a landscape where no single system or leader holds all the answers.

So, how does one lead in an environment where people are craving solutions, but leaders don’t seem to have them? How do leaders make decisions when the certainty we once relied on no longer exists? Although our minds crave a well-laid-out strategy, there is no five-point plan for navigating a complex and non-linear world. Leaders today must acknowledge this complexity and embrace uncertainty, fostering spaces where diverse perspectives can coexist, and new possibilities can emerge. Those being ‘led’ must participate in these spaces with open hearts and curiosity, willing to co-own emerging ideas.

Let me give you an example from my experience in local government. I recently came across a small community where the general consensus is that local government is a bully, enforcing rules and regulations that don’t make sense. However, when you step back and take a broader perspective, another truth becomes clear. Instead of talking to one another, neighbors call the bylaw officer on each other and then become upset when the local government opens a file on the complaint. They rail against the system without recognizing their role in the problem. In essence, they are saying, "We want you to solve the problems we created."

This sentiment isn’t limited to small communities; it reflects a widespread flaw in our collective thinking. It’s the mindset of "You did this to me, so now I’ll do this to you," perpetuating a vicious cycle. While our distrust in government may be valid, we must also ask ourselves: What is our contribution? We’ve created these systems that utilize policies and bylaws as both a tool and a weapon, often losing our ability to communicate, collaborate, and find a way forward together.

If we truly want to address the complex challenges we face—whether in our communities, governments, or global systems—we must start by rethinking how we engage with one another. It’s not about finding one perfect solution, but about fostering spaces where multiple perspectives can contribute to co-created solutions. Leadership in today’s world isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about guiding a process where trust, dialogue, and collective responsibility can flourish. I am not looking for leaders who have all the answers. I am curious about the ones who can stay in a room with the weight of complexity and uncertainty and ask better questions. Is it possible? I hope so.