Page 19 - EdViewptsSpring2021

Steven Covey (1989) described an and find possibilities for the future. Smith what is holding the system back, like
abundance mindset within his "Think (2019) sees abundance as a potential a caterpillar shedding its old self to
win-win" habit. Diamandis and Kotler waiting to manifest itself with the present become a butterfly. Finally, in moving
(2012) compare abundance and scarcity moment becoming the future, but the forward and allowing the future to
models to a zero-sum game such that challenge may be closing the gap and unfold, there is a need to experiment
when two people exchange items there seeing what is not yet visible. with imperfect innovations while
is no total gain since, between these Ideas from systems thinking address involving others who are willing to test
people, the things they have traded the space between where we are and them out, address the failures and try
have not increased in value. On the where we want to go. Peter Senge again. Imagine a spiral involving more
other hand, when those two people (1994) defines creative tension between stakeholders as the new ideas become
exchange ideas, they have gained a systems’ present-moment reality and clearer and less flawed. As more people
something since each person’s idea the future it envisions. Between them is join the quest, the system can realize
has grown. According to Diamandis and a creative opportunity for change. Senge those desired possibilities. Through
Kotler, abundance is not about providing with colleagues including Otto Scharmer these movements, Scharmer suggests
wealth and luxury, but rather in finding (2004) offer the idea of presencing as that the use of dialogue for empathetic
the possibilities available to all. They a means to tap into future possibilities. conversation can help individuals move
offer a “pyramid of abundance,” used Scharmer (2013) provides a U-shaped from ego-centric involvement to ideas
like Maslow’s "Hierarchy of Needs," with theoretical mechanism to walk systems that serve the whole system.
the highest level, freedom and health, through a current state to an "emerging For leaders on a quest towards an
necessary for a person’s bearing as future." The idea is that the future abundant, emerging future, Scharmer
good health and well-being. Further, may have already presented itself, offers some practices towards this
they describe abundance as an issue of but the system needs to observe its purpose. First, he suggests: (1).
accessibility, which provides a means to existence while making the space for it Practice, don’t preach. Listen to your
make freely available that which seems to manifest. Through the pandemic and inner and ego-less voice as well as
rare and difficult to provide. Examples other crises that educators have worked that of your colleagues. Look for signs
that have become abundantly available through, systems have managed to of your own abundant mindset. (2)
through the pressures of the pandemic find the necessary possibilities such as Observe … and become a blackbelt
are creative scheduling and putting with the use of time and technology, but listener. Have an open, empathetic
technology into the hands of every child. where can the quest go next? mind and look for that which you
With a need for remote learning many cannot already see. (3) Connect to your
districts found the resources to purchase With abundance in mind, consider intention as an instrument. As a servant
laptops, tablets and create scheduling Scharmer and colleagues’ (2013) leader, this practice seeks to place a
to accommodate hybrid and/or remote three-part leadership journey. The first focus on that for which you hope to be
learning. segment addresses doubt, judgment, in service. (4) When the crack opens
The foundation of the abundance cynicism and fear related to the mind, up, stay with it. Look for the abundant
heart and will. This part of the journey
pyramid includes basic physical requires intentional listening and opportunities and potential for the future.
needs and incentives that promote dialogue with all stakeholders. It is a In terms of listening, Donnella Meadows
growth such as energy, education, call to be open to that which is ready (2001) reminds leaders that there is
and communication and information. to emerge. The second part is seeing wisdom within the system. When they
Once the system moves beyond the and sensing in the present reality the listen, they may see that crack, discover
level of basic restoration to one that is future that is ready to materialize. In heartfelt intentions, and behold the
energizing and open to dialogue, it could this phase there is a need to let go of future possibilities.
be ready to gain freedom to be creative
References
Covey, S. (1989). The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. Habit 2. New York, Simon and Schuster.
Diamandis, P. H., & Kotler, S. (2012). Abundance: The Future Is Better Than You Think. Simon and Schuster.
Meadows, D. (2001). Dancing With Systems. Whole Earth, 106, 58-63.
Scharmer, C. O., & Kaufer, K. (2013). Leading From the Emerging Future: From Ego-System to Eco-System Economies.
Berrett-Koehler Publishers.
Senge, P. M., Scharmer, C. O., Jaworski, J., & Flowers, B. S. (2004). Presence: Human Purpose and the Field of the
Future (Vol. 20081). Cambridge, MA: SoL.
Smith, K. K. (2019). The Abundance-Scarcity Paradox. OUTSKIRTS Press.

About the Author
Dr. Bonnie Lehet (@blehet) retired from the Princeton Public Schools where she was the Mathematics
Supervisor and Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction. She is now an Assistant
Professor in Educational Leadership in Rider University’s Graduate Education, Leadership, and
Counseling Department.

Educational Viewpoints -17- Spring 2021