“We completely underestimate the power of human conversation to change the world. One of the things we need to learn is that very great change starts from very small conversations, held among people who care. Forget about the politics or the staff person who is driving you crazy. What are the things you really have deep, abiding concern for? What is it you really have some passion for? If you go into that question for yourself, you will find the energy to go forward.”
— Margaret J. Wheatly, from address to Kansas Health Foundation, Spring 2000.
Questions to Ponder
When have you been part of a powerful mission-driven community? What were some of the best practices of that community?
Consider some of the particular gifts that you bring to help that community grow. A sense of hospitality? Strategic thinking? An eye for design? Take two minutes to write these gifts in your journal or on a piece of paper close by. Look at that list and think about how these gifts have developed over time.
In a Team Gathering
Consider those gathered around the table today. What gifts do they bring? Add those gifts to the list in your journal or a piece of paper. What do you notice about this list?
