How does stuff get done in our chaotic world? What fuels meaningful change?

I'm preparing to facilitate a short discussion at a retreat for a Board of Directors on Saturday. My job is to help them surface some thoughts about the work they should be doing to set a visionary course for the organization they lead. The Board president has been known to joke their job is to "save the world"... although he's not really kidding.

For inspiration, I pulled from my bookshelf my dog-eared, Post-It-note flagged, heavily underlined copy of Turning to One Another -- Simple Conversations to Restore Hope to the Future, by Margaret J. Wheatley.

In explaining why she wrote the book, Wheatley says, "I have... learned that when we begin listening to each other, and when we talk about things that matter to us, the world begins to change."

She credits Juanita Brown, a leader with The World Cafe, with teaching her "that all change, even very large and powerful change, begins when a few people start talking with one another about something they care about. Simple conversations held at kitchen tables, or seated on the ground, or leaning against doorways are powerful means to start influencing and changing our world."

It's that simple. And it's that difficult. I can't wait to hear what's on people's minds.

Make a Difference,

Brian
Blog: Brian@GrowthWorks -- Life, Learning & Leadership