The Astonishing Depth of Our Ancestry: What It Means to Be Us
I have been researching my family history for around 50 years. Have you ever stopped to reflect on the thousands of persons to whom we owe our very existence? Each of us carries within us the legacy of countless lives. When we look at the numbers, the enormity of our ancestry is breathtaking. We are shaped by generations of people, each with their own unique stories, struggles, and triumphs. Here’s how the numbers unfold: By the time we reach just ten generations, over a thousand individuals have directly contributed to our genetic makeup. And this is just the beginning. Each of these people lived a life shaped by their own circumstances, choices,
The Dignity of Recognition: A Call to Action for the Emergent Self
Dignity is often described as inherent to being human, yet this perspective misses an essential truth: dignity is not something we merely possess by birthright. Instead, it is something that must be actively brought into existence through recognition. This recognition does not happen in isolation but within the relational contexts of our lives. To recognize someone’s dignity is to affirm their worth and humanity through intentional acknowledgment, respect, and action. Without this act of recognition, dignity remains a dormant potential, unrealized and ineffectual in shaping our shared existence. Dignity is relational by nature. It depends on the acknowledgment of others to come alive. While we may understand dignity as a theoretical concept,
Dismantling Divides: Embracing Complexity and Connection
Human beings’ tendency to dichotomize—dividing concepts, groups, or ideas into binary opposites—can be analyzed through the lenses of social constructionism, conflict theory, and relational theory. While the first two perspectives explain how and why dichotomies emerge, relational theory provides a framework for moving beyond these divisions and highlights the necessity of doing so. Social Constructionism Perspective Social constructionism suggests that much of our understanding of reality is created through social interactions and cultural norms. Dichotomization often arises as a way to organize and simplify complex realities, enabling societies to maintain order and shared understanding. Conflict Theory Perspective Conflict theory focuses on power dynamics and the struggle for resources, emphasizing how dichotomization serves
Beyond “Boomer” and “Millennial”: Why We’re More Than Our Birth Year
Generational labels like Baby Boomers, Generation X, Millennials, and Generation Z can serve important purposes in some contexts but also risk oversimplifying the rich complexity of individual lives. Researchers, marketers, and policymakers have often used these labels to segment data, track trends, and better understand how broad historical and cultural events might shape a cohort’s outlook. For instance, the impact of the internet’s rise on Millennials or the effects of the Cold War on Baby Boomers offer partial explanations for why each generation may share certain values or attitudes. In the workplace, human resources teams sometimes tailor policies around these insights. They might, for example, offer flexible work arrangements and mentorship programs
Bullying in the Workplace: Understanding, Addressing, and Nurturing the Emergent Self
Workplace bullying, whether overt or subtle, is a pervasive issue that stifles growth, creativity, and well-being. It manifests as verbal abuse, social exclusion, micromanagement, or unwarranted criticism, eroding trust and morale. More than just harmful to individuals, bullying impairs the collective health of the workplace, making it incompatible with effective leadership and productivity. When viewed through the lens of the emergent self, bullying becomes even more damaging, as it inhibits the growth and transformation that individuals and organizations strive for. What is Workplace Bullying? Workplace bullying refers to repeated, harmful behavior that creates a hostile or intimidating environment. It can take many forms: From the perspective of the emergent self, bullying suppresses
How to Foster Innovation and Creativity as a Leader
Organizations must prioritize innovation and creativity to stay ahead in today’s fast-changing world. Leaders are crucial in creating environments where teams feel empowered to think outside the box, take risks, and explore new ideas. But fostering innovation isn’t just about encouraging creativity—creating the right culture, processes, and support systems to turn ideas into impactful solutions. Here are actionable strategies to help you inspire and cultivate creativity and innovation within your team. 1. Create a Safe Space for Ideas Innovation flourishes in environments where people feel safe to share their ideas without fear of criticism, dismissive attitudes, or failure. Tips: 2. Lead by Example Leaders set the tone for creativity. Demonstrating curiosity, openness,