Rayner’s Letter
Robyn Short is a colleague with high emotional intelligence and what we might call dignity intelligence—the ability to help people experience a sense that their experiences matter. We’re often so limited by existing levels of development that we forget that our more infinite capacities and longings are actually fundamental needs and that by inverting the paradigm, we can actually actualize the things that current levels of development or popular paradigms say they want (e.g., creativity, productivity).
Robyn also has several interesting ideas that have given me language for things I knew I was doing in my work but didn’t have words for. For example, she talks about homeostasis mind, among other ideas, in her professional webinar series on New Paradigm Leadership at the Workplace Peace Institute.
While we have different perspectives and approaches, the fact that we landed on almost the same name should tell you a lot about her worldview. Whereas I’ve always focused on intuition and interdisciplinary connections around life purpose, whole-life transformation, integration, and social innovation more generally, I really appreciate Robyn’s emphasis around safety, belonging, and these things that are foundational for high levels of performance as well as larger social transformations.
I hope you enjoy the episode.
Cheers,
Rayner
Key Topics
00:00 - Introduction
01:22 - Start of Conversation
03:53 - Robyn’s Origin Story
09:40 - Newtonian Workplaces
12:48 - Maslow’s Hierarchy
15:47 - The Tent Encampment
19:08 - Working with Organizations
23:41 - Where Conflict Comes From
24:56 - Hierarchical Systems and Power
27:09 - The Intersection of Peace and Systems
28:20 - The United States as a System
31:00 - Anti-Authoritarian and Authoritarian
33:51 - Robyn’s Definition of Peace
34:50 - The Problems of Hierarchy and Scarcity
35:30 - Understanding the Vagus Nerve & Peace
41:40 - Changing Others vs. Changing Ourselves
47:30 - Who Profits From Division?
48:50 - Our Sphere of Influence
49:42 - Conclusion and Links
50:11 - Outro
Dr. Robyn Short, DLS
Dr. Robyn Short (she/her) is the Founder and CEO of the Workplace Peace Institute. Dr. Short helps individuals, teams and organizations resolve conflicts and build sustainable, purpose-driven environments. With a doctor of liberal studies and multiple master’s degrees, she is an expert in organization systems design, peace building, and transformative mediation, and she's worked internationally with community and political leaders to foster peace in areas of historic conflict.
Resources & Affiliate Links
Peace in the Workplace: Transforming Conflict Into Collaboration by Robyn Short
Communicating with Dignity and Curiosity: The Peacemaker's Handbook for Creating and Sustaining Peace by Robyn Short
Dignity: Its Essential Role in Resolving Conflict by Donna Hicks
Leading with Dignity: How to Create a Culture That Brings the Best by Donna Hicks
Reinventing Organizations: The Next Stage of Human Consciousness by Frederic Laloux
Reinventing Organizations: An Illustrated Invitation by Frederic Laloux
Guest Links & Contact
Workplace Peace Institute (WPI): workplacepeaceinstitute.com
WPI on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/workplace-peace-institute
Contact me about being a guest or invite me on your show: raynerjaeliu.com
Subscribe
This podcast would not be possible without the support of our paid subscribers. Consider offering a one-time or recurring gift here or become a paid subscriber and support the longevity of independent publishing on Substack while getting exclusive access to the comments section, bonus episodes, and all future benefits.
Share this post