The discrepancy between the potential and actual life expectancy of corporations is greater than for any other species on the planet. This is depressing information made more distressing in times of such rapid global change. We can learn about transformation and sustainability from nature and from organizations that have endured for hundreds of years. The word transformation is used frequently, but few leaders, academics, consultants, or organizations have ever experienced a transformation. True transformation involves a fundamental change in the relationship between an organization and its environment, including its internal environment.
Transformation begins with a shift of worldview.
People live, lead, and work from their worldview. The worldview of Western industrial society is changing from a mechanistic view of the world to an organic or ecological worldview. This change in worldview will change in fundamental ways the way we think about leadership and what we do when leading and working in organizations. A transformation of worldview requires new learning, feedback and dialogue, a deep examination of beliefs, and a decision to change fundamental operating assumptions. A transformation requires the development of latent capabilities, and the practice of new skills.