When I was invited to speak at the International Humanistic Management conference I was intrigued.  I didn't even know what Humanistic Management was.  After a little research I realized it was an important part of the overall movement toward a healthier, saner New Economy. 

 

Michael Pirson, leader in the Humanistic Management Network and author of Humanistic Management: Protecting Dignity and Promoting Wellbeing, Case Studies in Humanistic Management, keynoted the conference.  He explained that our current society is organized around an economistic perspective that starts with the baseline assumption of scarcity and the need to compete for resources.  It is driving behavior that not only is stripping our natural resources but also places no value on our inner lives or the deeper reasons for our work.  However, our species, unlike others or perhaps even our earlier ancestors, has an evolutionary need to comprehend the deeper meaning of things, to seek community and to have a purpose. 

 

H.M. is about designing organizations and systems so that we can do all of the above - meet our material needs, connect authentically with one another and have a strong sense of purpose.  I am very happy to pull this piece of the new economy into my overall mapping of a potential new economy.

 

At the conference I was a speaker on the subject of humanistic management in civic society and government and I led a workshop on Resiliency and Harnessing Crisis to Breakthrough instead of Breaking Down.  I even led an early morning mindfulness session.  They worked me hard!  And I loved it.  Loved the learning and the connection with really intentional people.   

 

Here's a link with more info.