While out with my son trick-or-treating for Halloween, it made me think about how ecosystems are functioning around us every day. And maybe, if we took a moment to understand the places we all seem to be able to make it work, maybe, we might be able to intentionally turn on ecosystems in the places we're trying to make the most impact.
So today we have a simple exploration: a variety of examples of where ecosystems work...and WHY. Let's jump right in.
Taking an Uber
One of the things that make services like Uber, as well as ones like Air B&B so valuable, are that they connect people with resources to people who need them. I'm going to use Uber as part of this example, because it's a REAL example I have.
I was recently in High Point, North Carolina, and needed an Uber to get from Market back to my hotel. So, I requested an Uber.
A colleague and I spent most of the ride discussing the impending Alberta vote, and ended up asking the driver his thoughts. After identifying in MAGA, which would tend to create a certain feeling in most Americans, he proceeded to talk about how most people won't even listen to his point of view because they've already decided something about him.
And it made me think about how many ecosystems get destroyed because of differences like this. And while most people might say they wouldn't want to work with someone with different political beliefs (not me, btw, I don't care where you stand politically), it made me think about how that perspective might break an ecosystem that's already working.
You see, we needed a ride. He was willing to give people a ride. That's an ecosystem.
And that ecosystem WORKS. Regardless of our differences.
So, if it's possible there, couldn't it be possible anywhere?
Trick-or-Treating
I had a similar experience trick-or-treating, explaining to my son and his friend about what houses are open to trick-or-treaters, and which aren't.
Where we're from, the general understanding is that, if you are OK with people coming to your door, your outdoor lights are on. If not, they are off. Pretty simple.
That's an ecosystem.
Of people who are willing to give out candy with people who want to collect it.
And in this scenario, the shared understanding component of an ecosystem became super clear. Because the system doesn't work unless everyone is using the same understanding. And if we're not sharing the understanding broadly, then the system probably won't work.
In so many work scenarios, I see a lack of shared understanding. But if we treated it like trick-or-treating, and we cared about everyone getting treats instead of tricks, how might we be able to look at our understanding differently?
Systems of Support (specifically in grieving)
I debated whether to add this one, as I wasn't sure if I was ready to talk about it yet, but I think it's an important perspective, so here we are.
My grandmother passed away on Tuesday; pretty suddenly, although after a decently long battle with dementia. I got the call first. And while I thought I was ready for it, I wasn't.
I couldn't have gotten through the last week without the support of SO many people: my family (my son and neice in particular helped cheer me up), my colleagues covering for me, collaborative friends who dealt with last minute cancellations with nothing but support.
I could say that I'm lucky, but this system has been created intentionally: by me, for me.
You see, I believe people are good. I believe that people want to help you. And in scenarios like this, that believe is what makes the support possible. The belief fuels the ecosystem.
And it made me think about how many times the old version of me would have believed that needing that support was a burden for others; cancelling out the possibility of the ecosystem.
So, on this front, all I want to say is, let's make sure we're not the ones disabling our own ecosystem. Because no matter if it's available (like Uber), or understood (like trick-or-treating), if we filter it out, it can't be there to support us.
All in All
The more I dive into ecosystems, the clearer the basics become. And if we're going to go anywhere in the human race, just like in any sport performance, we need to start with the basics.
Let's connect the resources that exist to those that need them, in simple ways.
Let's open share our understanding, so we can identify where we're misaligned (and make sure those resources aren't hidden).
Let's believe we deserve an ecosystem of support (because we do).
It's only up from there 💞
