Idaho Commission for Libraries

One of the most interesting things I keep hearing come up in conversations about Pegasus is the concept of “small wins” and not trying to "change the world all at once”.  This keeps bringing me back to Van Jones and his statements about hitting a wall and crashing and then the systems didn’t even blink. 

Another item that is sticking with me from Pegasus is what was referred to as “Problematic Moments” that was defined as turning conflict into relationship building. This was brought up as part of “Tempered Radicals” presentation and it brings up some very interesting points, how we (as individuals) can can turn conflict into growth?I think the biggest part of this is accepting another person’s point of view (agreeing with it or disagreeing with it is not important) as legitimate.

Are there any thoughts on this?

Well, after percolating and flinging about ideas as to what I learned at Pegasus, I suppose I should explain what I thought Pegasus was going to be like. See, I had this notion that Pegasus--and this was my first impression--was all about corporate thinking, maximizing profit, enhancing the profit machinery to produce faster; managerial best practices, keeping the employee performing at optimal levels, etcetera, etcetera. I mean, what would you think when you read sentences like this:

I think that one of the most useful things I got out of the conference, besides all interaction centers around communication, is that we should suspend judgment when talking.  Listening and approaching new ideas, is as or more important than expressing your own ideas, values, or views. 

I purchased a couple of quick reads about systems thinking at the Pegasus Conference – less than 100 pages.  If you are interested in learning more about it, they are available for anyone to read – come see me in my office.  If penguins and walruses, and sheep and wolves can figure it out – so can we!   

How Relationships Shape Our Brains—and Our Organizations
Elaine Johnson