The Problem (as it was once named)
This piece was written at an early stage in this work.
It came from tension—a need to speak plainly about what wasn’t working in the systems shaping how we live and work.
The tone is more direct than some of what you’ll read elsewhere on the site. It names real discomfort.
We’ve chosen to keep it here, because many still feel the same things.
It’s not a manifesto. It’s a mirror.
If it resonates—use it. If it doesn’t—leave it.
Let's talk about soil
The soil contains 59% of the species that exist on this planet.
It makes a significant contribution to the ecosystem of the earth.
Even the experts are still uncovering what is happening in the soil biome.
We have allowed our soil to degrade which impacts our ability to grow nutritious food.
What has this got to do with the work ecosystem?
Western culture has a toxic relationship with emotions
The benefits of working with tensions (and the risks of hiding them away)
In the same way that we are only just starting to uncover what is happening in the soil biome, we are still uncovering the factors that impact human and organisational performance.
For most of us, it is just a messy, dark place and we don't need to know about it. Or rather we would prefer not to look.
We are not very good at working with human emotions in the workplace and like to keep them buried.
Our culture does not like 'negative' emotions (e.g. shame) and discourages men from expressing or admitting to emotions outside of anger and not in public (e.g. feeling hurt or upset).
The occasional cry when your team loses is a culturally acceptable way to express yourself. Not much good if you don't follow team sports.
We don't know how to nurture the diversity of the people working in the ecosystem. Human life is very diverse. It includes life experience, cognitive and emotional. And there is so much more to be uncovered.
The benefits of working with tensions (and the risks of hiding them away)
We don't know how to work with tensions. Trust grows from expertly handling tensions. Creativity in the form of individual and collective insights emerge. And, ultimately, high performing teams and organisations.
Failing to notice, welcome and work with tensions means they are not utilised. Nature composts everything to release nutrients so they can be used for new growth.
The tensions that manifest in us as emotions (e.g. frustration, anxiety, discomfort, resistance, irritation) are still there and will impact our individual and collective performance at work (see Signs of an unhealthy culture).
Our education systems leave individuals poorly equipped to deal with their own emotional responses in a healthy way. This may arise from self-esteem or self-confidence issues; lack of self awareness or emotional intelligence; traumatic events (inside or outside of work).
Organisations are starved of key nutrients, impacting their ability to thrive.
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