Telling New Narratives: What can we learn from these times for the Organisations of the Future?

I recently received my first copy of the Magazine Neue Narrative (New Narratives in German). I find this magazine for New Work important and contemporary – and I particularly like the title. The narrative is a meaning making story that influences how we perceive the world and act in it. What kind of narratives, what stories are we going to tell ourselves about leadership and work in the coming years? And which narratives are currently emerging in times of COVID 19?

I myself have experienced a wave of cancellations or postponements of my work contracts since mid-March, followed by various attempts to continue the work virtually; parallel to this being flooded with information about the virus and resulting measures. Up to now there has not been much of a break.

And yet, this time has provoked a deep reflection within me. What can I personally learn to utilise the crisis as a chance? And how can we do this collectively in our organisations, companies, in schools and other institutions? How can this situation allow us to grow?

For me, the first step lies in accepting things as they are, with the awareness of myself and my own vulnerability as being part of a bigger picture. This includes yielding into the moment – and having an alert mind that reflects and observes.

And with all the things that fall apart at the moment, what remains? What is important? What do we really need now and will need in the future? What works?

For me it is exciting to hear from colleagues and read online how self-organised, agile teams and organisations do better in these times (e.g. Brendel online, 23.04.20: COVID 19 and the Vital Role of Organization Development).

Agility leads to a higher ability to adapt in a VUCA world. Organisations that work with self-organisation and distributed leadership roles can more easily work in a decentralised home-office structure and remain capable of making decisions. I find this confirming that accompanying organisations in becoming more agile seems a good pathway.

Many people say they hope that we as humanity will learn from these times. I hope the memory will remain as we continue to tell our stories. I am particularly interested in those stories that combine self-organisation with sustainability. Can we utilise this crisis to gear towards a future that will leave a wonderful world for our grandchildren? Can we invest in sustainable products, renewable energies and into an economy of the common good right now? What can we learn from our collective ability to adapt to COVID and how can we use these competencies for other, vital changes?

Maybe, this is why I like to read the New Narratives. Those are stories that give me hope for the future. I hope we will be able to tell more of these stories…