Margaret J. Wheatley Quotes & Sayings (Page 3)

“Hopelessness has surprised me with patience.”

“There are many benefits to this process of listening. The first is that good listeners are created as people feel listened to. Listening is a reciprocal process - we become more attentive to others if they have attended to us.”

“I'm sad to report that in the past few years, ever since uncertainty became our insistent 21st century companion, leadership has taken a great leap backwards to the familiar territory of command and control.”

“In the past, it was easier to believe in my own effectiveness. If I worked hard, with good colleagues and good ideas, we could make a difference. But now, I sincerely doubt that.”

“Probably the most visible example of unintended consequences, is what happens every time humans try to change the natural ecology of a place.”

“Circles create soothing space, where even reticent people can realize that their voice is welcome.”

“Aggression is the most common behavior used by many organizations, a nearly invisible medium that influences all decisions and actions.”

“In virtually every organization, regardless of mission and function, people are frustrated by problems that seem unsolvable.”

“When we can lay down our fear and anger and choose responses other than aggression, we create the conditions for bringing out the best in us humans.”

“For me, this is a familiar image - people in the organization ready and willing to do good work, wanting to contribute their ideas, ready to take responsibility, and leaders holding them back, insisting that they wait for decisions or instructions.”