We Need More Leaders

America witnessed three spectacular stock market disasters while boomers were in charge of business and government. The first occurred in 1987. Some say that it is the result of depending too heavily on computer systems to perform transactions rather than humans. The next crash occurred in 2000, following the deflation of the dot-com boom. And again in 2008, following the collapse of the property market. Prior to 1987, there had been no stock market crash since the Great Recession of the 1920s, which brought with it an oversupply of wealth and a value imbalance. If we don't figure out how to solve it, we'll be in big trouble. The laws of nature will correct us if we address our own imbalances.

Too many work environments today spoil our natural inclination to cooperate and trust.

When resources are abundant and danger is low, a species' proclivity to share and cooperate is complicated. When there are fewer people around, we are more willing to share what we have. Bedouin tribes or nomadic Mongol families do not have many members, but they are willing to share because they want to. If you happen to run into them on your travels, they will gladly open their doors, ask you to lunch, and show you hospitality. It's not just because they're kind people; it's also because their survival depends on it. They were aware that they might one day be genuine visitors in need of such food and lodging. Surprisingly, the more people there are, the more barriers we put up, the more sophisticated our security systems to keep people away, and the less we want to share.

When our desires grow, along with less physical interactions with the "mass," we begin to disengage from reality and become oblivious to truth.

Unfortunately, there are far too many work cultures today that do not support our desire to collaborate and trust. A set of values and standards developed in our business and society - the dopamine system ¿ the navigator that rewards us for personal achievements that outweighs the balancing influence of serotonin and oxytocin praises us working together, forming a relationship of trust and loyalty. This imbalance has resulted in stock market collapses and instability for huge corporations (Enron Corporation, Tyco, WorldCom, and Lehman Brothers are just a few instances of great firms). and "stable" failed due to a cultural imbalance). The lack of efforts to modify this system appears to have resulted in a bigger imbalance of neurotransmitters. As a result, the vicious cycle persists. Our health is in jeopardy. The economy is in jeopardy. Companies' stability is at danger. And a whole lot more.

In addition, the baby boomer generation created an unbalanced planet. And, as history has demonstrated, the imbalance will right itself abruptly and forcefully unless we are wise enough to fix it gradually and systematically. However, because of our proclivity for instant gratification and the organization's lack of a strong Circle of Safety, leaders lack the confidence and patience to undertake what needs to be done.

Obviously, we cannot blame this generation for the problems that America is suffering now. We can't blame any one industry, executive, or "conglomerates" either. It's not the terrible people in children's comic books who lead the organization and strive to rule the globe who can alter our views and transform bad into good. However, there is still a dearth of empathy and humanity in how we conduct business today. The system is operated and managed by competent executives, but there appears to be a lack of great leaders to lead individuals.

As Bob Chapman, CEO of Barry-Wehmiller, used to say, "no one wakes up in the morning hoping to be managed." We get up and go to work, thinking that someone will guide and advise us." The argument is that if we want to be led, we must have leaders to look up to.

Dettagli