CrisisIbility®
We are currently in the midst of a crisis of global, epic proportions.
The COVID19 crisis is exposing some of the gaps and inadequacies of the complex global systems that humanity has created. Government response to the pandemic has been inconsistent, and in many instances, inadequate; our economic systems are incredibly burdened if not incapacitated; and our social systems are fragmented, causing individuals to live under immense uncertainty and pressure. We are witnessing the unraveling of the post-WWII international economic order with border closures, xenophobia, and recriminations, which were taking place prior to COVID19 and are now amplified during the pandemic. Underpinning the economic and social uncertainty we are all experiencing is environmental uncertainty, and whether there can exist a global consensus and coordinated action on addressing climate change to guard against future pandemics and other natural disasters that threaten our planetary existence.
Economic, social, environmental and governance action must be taken, and it needs to be taken within the context of our current disruption while being mindful, and in anticipation of, the next disruption. CrisisIbility is about this action and about the possibilities for systemic change ingrained in the disruption. Every crisis or disruption, no matter its size, creates pressure on systems, geopolitical relations, nations, communities, and individuals. In most instances, humans try to avoid pressure as they feel stressed, overwhelmed, inadequate, and fearful. But the interesting thing about pressure is that - yes, it can be a force grinding down a person’s attitude and abilities; however, on the other hand, it pressure can result in remarkable outcomes.
The recognition that there can be ‘diamonds’ created from any disruption that we as a society may encounter is a key facet of the ‘Possibility Mindset.’ This Mindset is the first step in building personal and societal resilience.
“Resilience is the capacity of any entity - an individual, a community, an organization, or a natural system - to prepare for disruptions, to recover from shocks and stresses, and to adapt and grow from a disruptive experience.”
In a world full of diverse, integrated systems and networks we need to remember that the future does not design itself. This is troubling to some, but those with a “Possibility Mindset” realize the opportunity crisis presents to make more resilient systems capable of evolving - instead of crumbling - through the next disruption.
The Possibility Mindset allows for the identification of possibilities and potential unearthed by a crisis, taking responsibility for that potential, and making necessary changes. To be sure, resilience (and CrisisIbility, in general) is not about not changing. A key feature of personal and system-wide resilience is the recognition that disruptions are temporary, bounded, and changeable - and using that knowledge to evolve new approaches to disruptions.
CrisisIbility is about finding possibilities and potential in a crisis and the ability for systems - personal, societal, economic, environmental, governmental, etc. - to harness that potential toward the end goal of transformation; enabling growth, revitalization, and enhanced resilience.