Are you feeling swamped by the world’s biggest problems?

Source Facebook

Do you feel overwhelmed by the biggest issues shaping everyday life climate disruption, housing pressure, food prices, insurance, government spending? I did too.

For a long time my response lived in my head. Reading more. Arguing better. Feeling frustrated that public debate kept sliding into blame. None of that helped. What shifted things was doing something much simpler. I joined groups. I went to workshops. I put myself in rooms with people who were already translating big problems into practical action.

I have written before about the victim triangle and how easy it is to slip into it when the world feels out of control. What I learned through participation is how people climb out of it. Not by pretending the problems are smaller, and not by blaming others, but by reconnecting with responsibility and control.

One of the clearest examples for me has been Farmers for Climate Action. What works in spaces like this is not ideology. It is community. You learn alongside others. You share uncertainty. You are shown where effort counts. No one is cast as a villain or a victim. People are treated as capable decision makers.

That pattern repeats across other community based organisations like Landcare. Workshops, peer networks, and practical forums all do the same capacity and capability building work. They replace overwhelm with participation. They turn big abstract issues into things you can act on with others.

This is the shift I wish we talked about more. When people feel powerless, blame becomes a coping mechanism. When people feel supported and capable, responsibility returns.

If public debate feels stuck, it may be because we keep asking people to care without showing them how to act. The way forward is not louder arguments. It is clearer pathways and communities that make engagement feel possible.

That was the circuit breaker for me.

HT to Maryvonne Norman whose excellent Fb post prompted this article

You Don’t Have to Be Angry to Be Brave

This blog is a follow up to an earlier blog “When Advocacy Turns Dangerous: The Moment You Can’t Stay Silent”

Are you like me, someone who wants to speak up when you see or hear something unjust, but sometimes hesitates because you don’t want to make things worse, or make someone feel small?

That hesitation comes from care. Most of us don’t want to hurt people; we want to make things better. But we were never taught how. We were taught to keep the peace, not to have hard conversations with grace.

I recently watched Sarah Crawford-Bohl’s TED Talk How to Speak Up — Even When You Don’t Want To.

 She shows that courage and kindness can live in the same sentence. You can hold your ground without pushing someone else off theirs.

The Four Phrases That Can Change Any Difficult Conversation

It doesn’t take a big speech. Sometimes it’s the smallest phrases that shift the whole tone of a conversation:

  • Instead of “With respect…”, try “I see it differently.”

  • Instead of “That’s wrong.”, try “Can we look at that another way?”

  • Instead of “You can’t say that.”, try “That might land differently for some people.”

  • Instead of silence, try “I’m not sure that sits right with me.”

These simple swaps are powerful. They keep people in the conversation rather than shutting it down.

Why Teaching Kids How to Speak Up Might Be the Most Important Lesson of All

Even after years of negotiation training, I still catch myself slipping into an overly forceful tone when something matters to me. It’s hard to unlearn. But that’s exactly why this work matters, because if we can teach young people how to use their voices with strength and empathy, maybe they won’t have to spend years unlearning the habits we did.

It’s the same truth behind that short film Justice,  the moment when a teacher unfairly dismisses a student and everyone stays silent

and the playful How to Start a Movement clip, where the brave first follower turns one person’s awkward dance into a movement.

In both, the real change begins when someone chooses courage over comfort.

Speaking up doesn’t have to make anyone feel small. Done with care, it can make everyone in the room a little braver.

#SpeakUpKindly #EverydayActivism #CivicCourage #RespectfulCommunication #LeadershipStartsHere #EmpathyInAction #TeachThemYoung #ChangeTheConversation #FirstFollower #KindnessIsStrength

What this palliative care expert taught a room full of strangers about dying well

For those new here, I’ve spent the past month highlighting the toxicity and dysfunction within Kiama Council, and it has drained my energy.

So its time to take a break and focus on taking Alex Reed’s advice and working on thriving  

Dear readers, I invite you to stay with me on this blog journey as I turn my attention to the extraordinary humans in our community. People often tell me I write beautiful stories. Now feels like the right time to focus on the good in the world.

When I shared my article with Dr Barbato, he replied with this:

Thank you. You have captured the 30-minute talk perfectly. It is rare to meet someone who hears not only the words one speaks but also the deeper messages

“Show up. Shut up. Listen.”

The room was full. Locals had come together for the usual Lions Club dinner. But when Dr Michael Barbato, a retired palliative care expert, stood up to speak, something shifted.

The clatter of cutlery stopped. The room went quiet.

He came with carefully constructed slides. The kind that draw you in without saying too much. As one woman whispered, “He could teach a masterclass in how to use slides.”

Dr Barbato wasn’t there to give a typical health talk. He spoke with gentle authority and offered the kind of truth most of us spend a lifetime avoiding.

His message was confronting, but never cold. Comforting, without being sentimental.

We all know we’re going to die. But very few of us are ready to talk about it.

“We talk about politics and religion,” he said. “But not dying.”

That silence, he believes, is hurting us.

One story he shared has stayed with me, that of writer Cory Taylor, who died from cancer in 2016. In her final book Dying: A Memoir, Taylor didn’t say the worst part was pain. It was loneliness.

People didn’t know how to be with her. They didn’t know what to say. And so they said nothing.

Dr Barbato reminded us that just a few generations ago, most people died at home, surrounded by family. Now, we’re more likely to die in hospital, disconnected from the people who know us best.

And that, he says, is something we can change.

He spoke about the rise of End-of-Life Doulas – trained companions who support dying people and their families with presence, care and calm. He explained how pain relief is essential not just for physical comfort, but for emotional peace. “When people are in pain,” he said, “all their energy goes to their body. Only when pain is controlled can they start to process the rest.”

But what moved the room most deeply was what he shared next, stories of End-of-Life Visions and Dreams.

A little girl who smiled at something unseen just before she passed.

A woman who dreamed of packed bags and a waiting boat, though no one had told her she was dying.

A young man who saw a visitor named Trent sitting at his bedside.

These experiences, Dr Barbato said, aren’t delusions. They are not side effects of medication or confusion. They are part of the dying process, and they happen more often than most people realise.

“Eighty to one hundred per cent of dying people experience them,” he told us. “And they matter. They bring peace. They open space for conversation, for love, for letting go.”

But what many people remember most from his talk wasn’t a statistic or a vision. It was this:

“The job of visitors is simple. Show up. Shut up. Listen. Be the friend you have always been. These people are living, not dying.”

And truth-telling, he added, doesn’t mean forcing people to acknowledge the end. It means giving them room to talk about dying – if and when they’re ready.

“If they’re not speaking about it,” he said, “they’re not in denial. They’re doing what they need to do.”

Before closing, he shared a story from his own childhood, a near-death experience at age seven, and the moment he watched a dying patient suddenly sit upright, arms outstretched, just minutes before passing.

His final words were simple.

The dying don’t need pity. They don’t need performance.

They need presence.

They need permission.

And they need peace.

#PalliativeCare #EndOfLifeCare #DyingWell #DrMichaelBarbato #PeacefulPassing #Kiama

WTF is neoliberalism and why do experts insist on making it impossible to care?

The  Democrats’ loss is all over the news, and every expert with a degree and a platform is lining up to explain why it happened. Except, they’re not really explaining anything. They’re throwing around words like “neoliberalism” and “economic paradigms” as if everyone spent their weekend reading the same textbooks they did.

Here’s the thing: most people don’t speak “expert.” And they shouldn’t have to. The second you start explaining election results with dense, academic jargon, you’ve already lost the very audience you’re trying to engage. People don’t need lectures on the intricacies of market deregulation—they need to understand, in plain terms, what went wrong and why it matters to them.

What even is neoliberalism?

Good question. Stripped of the fluff, it’s the idea that free markets solve most problems, so governments should back off and let businesses run the show. It’s why services get privatised (think healthcare, electricity, even water), why taxes get cut, and why regulations on industries are slashed. In theory, it’s supposed to make the economy hum. In practice? It often leaves regular people worse off while the wealthy thrive.

Why does this matter to elections?

When experts say neoliberalism is why the Democrats lost, they mean this:

  • People feel abandoned. Voters want leaders who care about their daily struggles—affording groceries, keeping a job, paying for childcare—not policies that mostly benefit corporations or the wealthy.
  • Inequality is rising. When markets are left unchecked, wealth piles up at the top, and working-class people are left behind.
  • Trust is broken. If voters think the party is too busy courting businesses or “elites”, they stop believing Democrats are on their side.

All of this makes sense when you break it down. But when you call it “neoliberalism” and bury it in academic language, you lose the people who need to hear it most.

Why does the language matter?

Dense, inaccessible language isn’t just lazy—it’s dangerous. It builds walls instead of bridges. If voters tune out because they don’t understand—or feel talked down to—they won’t stick around long enough to hear your point. And then what happens? The people you wanted to reach stop caring, and the people who already agree with you start arguing over terminology instead of solving the problem.

Here’s the real question

Do you want to win over hearts and minds, or do you just want to sound smart to your peers? If it’s the latter, go ahead—keep dropping “neoliberalism” into every sentence. But if you actually care about changing anything, ditch the jargon. Speak plainly. Say what you mean. Explain why it matters.

Because if your big idea can’t be summed up in a way your neighbour would get, maybe it’s not that big—or that useful—after all.

#politics #neoliberalism #elections #languagebarrier #communicationmatters #plainlanguage #voterengagement #democrats #economics #accessiblewriting #jargonfree #socialjustice #progressivevalues #politicalanalysis #blogging

 

How Do We Shift from “I” to “We”?

In today’s world, we’re deeply invested in the idea of “I.” It’s a culture that celebrates individualism to the point where we believe the next breakthrough, the next hero, or the next charismatic leader will solve our problems. Political campaigns too often encourage us to rally behind a single candidate who claims they alone can fix what we’re unhappy about. Corporations and innovators tell us that the newest product or app can change our lives for the better. This mindset, however, is rooted in a story we’ve been told for centuries: the notion that one person or one idea can save us.

Perhaps this goes back to when we first conceptualised God—a singular divine being with the power to intervene and provide answers. Over time, this idea of salvation being delivered by one figure evolved, reinforcing a belief in “the one” who could make everything right. And today, that same mindset persists in our political systems, our social movements, and even in the way we live our daily lives. But how long will it take for us to realise that real change doesn’t come from one person; it comes from all of us?

The truth is, we each carry a part of the power to create a better world, but it only becomes meaningful when we join forces. Individual ideas have their place—they spark innovation and bring new perspectives. But those ideas, no matter how brilliant, will only ever be fragments until we bring them together under a shared purpose. This is the shift from an “I” culture to a “we” culture, a transformation that prioritises collaboration over competition, connection over division.

If we look at what’s working around us—communities, ecosystems, collaborative projects—they are rarely about the efforts of one person alone. Instead, they thrive because individuals come together, sharing their skills, resources, and insights to create something more impactful than any one of them could achieve alone. This isn’t about diminishing individual effort; it’s about amplifying it through unity.

As we move forward, let’s ask ourselves: what does it take to build a “we” culture? It means rethinking how we approach problems, being open to diverse ideas, and seeing ourselves as part of a larger whole. When we truly embrace the idea that change comes from a collective “we” rather than an isolated “I,” we can begin to reshape our world—not with promises of divine intervention or the arrival of a new hero, but through our own shared actions and values.

The power has always been with us. The question is, how long will it take for us to use it—together?

#WeCulture #TogetherForChange #CollectivePower #BeyondIndividualism #CommunityMatters #SharedVision #FromItoWe #UnityInAction #CollaborationOverCompetition #PowerOfWe

 

 

Insights from High-Level Executives on Recognising Toxic Workplaces

In 2023, I commissioned Campus Consultancy to produce two e-books with a clear purpose: to support young people entering the workforce and to guide employers in nurturing young talent. The titles, How to Be the Employee Everybody Wants to Work With and How to Be the Employer Everybody Wants to Work For, are more than just catchy phrases. They embody a mission to foster a GREAT PLACE TO WORK culture from the outset of one’s professional journey.

How to Be the Employee Everybody Wants to Work With and How to Be the Employer Everybody Wants to Work For

This week, I had the privilege of gathering a group of seasoned executives, each with years of experience navigating the complex currents of the corporate world. Our focus? To distill their hard-earned wisdom into our next project. The discussion was sharp, the insights illuminating, but one theme eclipsed all others: The Secret to Thriving at Work: What They Wish They’d Told You.

The consensus was unequivocal: Learn how to recognise a toxic workplace. These executives, hardened by experience, underscored the importance of understanding the Drama Triangle and spotting the Machiavellian tendencies that so often fuel it. Their advice was blunt and to the point—get out of these environments fast.

The Drama Triangle, a concept developed by Stephen Karpman, maps out the roles people tend to fall into during conflict or high-stress situations: the Victim, the Persecutor, and the Rescuer.

  • Victim: The one who feels oppressed, helpless, and powerless. This person often believes they have no control over their situation and seeks out someone to save them.
  • Persecutor: The critic, the blamer. The Persecutor asserts control or dominance, typically in a harsh or judgmental manner, reinforcing the Victim’s sense of helplessness.
  • Rescuer: The hero, or so it seems. The Rescuer steps in to save the Victim, but in doing so, they often reinforce the Victim’s dependency, keeping the toxic cycle alive.

This triangle is particularly poisonous in the workplace, where it can breed a culture of dependency, blame, and conflict. Recognising when you or others are slipping into these roles is the first step to breaking the cycle and cultivating a healthier, more productive work environment.

The shadow of Machiavelli looms large over the workplace, not just as a historical figure, but as a symbol of a certain personality type—one characterised by manipulation, deceit, and a relentless focus on personal gain at the expense of others. Machiavellian individuals are experts at exploiting the Drama Triangle to their advantage, pulling the strings to ensure that the cycle of conflict and dependency spins ever on, to their benefit.

In practice, these individuals might:

  • Manipulate Relationships: They sow divisions, encouraging conflicts among colleagues to keep themselves in a position of power.
  • Exploit Vulnerabilities: They identify and prey on the weaknesses of others, whether it’s a colleague’s desire to help (Rescuer) or someone’s sense of injustice (Victim).
  • Deflect Blame: These individuals are masters at shifting responsibility onto others, making themselves appear blameless, or worse, the hero in a crisis they themselves have engineered.

Then there is the subtle art of triangulation—a manoeuvre that manipulates the narrative to suit the interests of those in power. These are the moments when leaders choose not to confront criticisms directly. Instead, they manipulate a team member into acting as the intermediary, conveying messages or demands on their behalf.  The leader, meanwhile, stays in the background, maintaining a carefully crafted image of detachment, while subtly steering the narrative to their advantage.

The executives we consulted were unanimous in their warning: if you find yourself in a workplace dominated by Machiavellian behaviour, don’t stick around. Such environments are the antithesis of a GREAT PLACE TO WORK. They foster mistrust, resentment, and a culture where survival takes precedence over collaboration and innovation.

The takeaway from these conversations is clear. Recognising toxic elements early is not just crucial—it’s essential for maintaining both your personal and professional integrity. In workplaces where success is measured by how effectively one can undermine others, there’s a real danger of absorbing these negative behaviours. Escaping these environments is more than just self-preservation; it’s about committing to the principles of respect, integrity, and authentic leadership that are the foundations of a GREAT PLACE TO WORK culture.

For young professionals, the ability to identify and steer clear of toxic workplaces—especially those characterised by manipulation and drama—is a crucial skill. It’s not just about safeguarding your career and mental health; it’s about thriving in environments that genuinely value growth, collaboration, and respect.

As we continue to develop resources to help young people navigate their careers, these insights will be at the heart of our advice and recommendations, ensuring that the next generation not only survives but thrives in a workplace culture that is truly great.

#WorkplaceCulture #ToxicWorkplaces #DramaTriangle #Machiavellianism #CareerAdvice #Leadership #CorporateCulture #EmployeeWellbeing #ProfessionalDevelopment #YoungProfessionals #WorkplaceSuccess #ThrivingAtWork #IntegrityInLeadership #GREATPLACETOWORK #WorkplaceWisdom

 

 The Logic of Community and why Communities of Practice Matter

In this blog post the SynergyScape Solutions team explore the importance of Communities of Practice and the cultural, systemic, and intrinsic/extrinsic value conflicts that challenge their adoption, while posing critical questions and offering solutions for fostering a collaborative mindset. It concludes with an invitation for readers to share their experiences with successful CoPs.

 In a world that often feels increasingly fragmented, the concept of Communities of Practice (CoPs) offers a guiding light. At their core, CoPs are about people coming together, united by a shared passion or interest, to learn, innovate, and drive change. The logic here is simple: when we collaborate, we achieve better outcomes for the greater good. Yet, despite the clear benefits, we struggle to adopt this “we” mindset. Why is that?

One might argue that our struggle with communal thinking stems from cultural roots. Australian society, like many others influenced by Western ideologies, has long championed individualism. From the iconic “Aussie battler” to the self-made entrepreneur, our narratives glorify the lone hero. This cultural backdrop can make the shift to collective thinking challenging, even when we intellectually understand its advantages.

Capitalism, with its intrinsic competitive drive, further complicates this transition. The market-driven mentality promotes personal gain over collective welfare, often framing collaboration as a strategic move rather than a fundamental value. In such an environment, intrinsic values—like altruism, empathy, and community spirit—can be overshadowed by extrinsic values such as wealth, status, and power. This dichotomy creates tension, as those driven by intrinsic motivations seek to foster collaboration, while those guided by extrinsic values may view such efforts with scepticism.

Then there’s the zeitgeist—the spirit of our times. We live in an era of rapid change and unprecedented connectivity, yet we are paradoxically more isolated. The digital age, while offering tools for connection, also perpetuates superficial interactions over meaningful engagements. The fast-paced, transactional nature of online communications can undermine the deep, sustained efforts required to build and maintain CoPs.

However, it’s not all doom and gloom. There are shining examples of CoPs thriving across various sectors, proving that with the right mindset and structures, collective efforts can flourish. Consider the technology sector, where open-source communities bring together developers from around the world to create, refine, and innovate software solutions. Or look at the healthcare industry, where professionals collaborate through CoPs to share best practices and improve patient care. These examples underscore that when we embrace a “we” mindset, we can overcome the cultural and systemic barriers that hinder collaboration.

But how do we cultivate this mindset more broadly? It starts with recognising and valuing the power of collaboration.

We need to shift our narratives to celebrate collective achievements and the unsung heroes who drive them. Education systems can play a crucial role by fostering critical and creative thinking, teaching young people the importance of empathy, and encouraging them to work together to solve problems.

Moreover, we must address the systemic issues that prioritise individual success over collective welfare. This might mean rethinking policies and incentives to reward collaboration and shared achievements. It also involves creating environments—both physical and digital—that facilitate sustained, meaningful interactions.

Ultimately, the success of Communities of Practice hinges on our ability to align our intrinsic values with our actions. It’s about recognising that true success is not measured by personal gain but by the positive impact we have on those around us. By fostering a culture that values collaboration, we can build resilient, innovative communities capable of tackling the complex challenges of our time.

So, as we ponder the question of why we struggle with communal thinking, let’s also consider how we can change this narrative. Let’s challenge the cultural and systemic norms that divide us and embrace the logic of community. After all, when we come together with a “we” mindset, we unlock our collective potential and create a better future for all.

If you are part of a successful Community of Practice or know of one, I would love to hear from you. Your insights and experiences are invaluable as we work to understand and spread the “secret sauce” of effective collaboration.

Please contact me at E: lynnestrong@synergyscape.com.au

#CommunitiesOfPractice #Collaboration #CommunityBuilding #SocialChange #Innovation #CollectiveAction #IntrinsicValues #CommunityEngagement #CultureShift #SharedSuccess

 

Kamala Harris for President is a Step towards a Brighter, more Inclusive Future.

This is more than a historical footnote; it’s a transformative milestone that reflects the diversity and complexity of the nation.

In a time when many feel disillusioned with politics, Kamala Harris’s candidacy offers a beacon of hope. It represents a commitment to equality, justice, and progress. Kamala Harris for president is not just a campaign; it’s a step towards a brighter, more inclusive future.

Joe Biden’s decision not to seek re-election and his endorsement of Kamala Harris is not just a political shift—it’s a profound moment in history that deserves our excitement and support. Here’s why.

Firstly, Kamala Harris running for president is an unprecedented event. If she wins, Harris would become the first woman to hold the highest office in the United States, breaking barriers that have stood for centuries. Moreover, she’d also be the first person of South Asian and African American descent to become president. This is more than a historical footnote; it’s a transformative milestone that reflects the diversity and complexity of the nation.

The continuity of policies is another significant reason to be excited. The Biden-Harris administration has made commendable strides in areas like healthcare, climate change, and social justice. Harris’s candidacy promises to uphold and build upon these critical initiatives, ensuring that the progress made is not only maintained but also accelerated. Her leadership could mean sustained efforts towards universal healthcare, aggressive climate action, and a fairer justice system.

Representation matters profoundly, and Harris embodies this principle. Her personal and professional journey—from being the daughter of immigrants to serving as the Attorney General of California and a U.S. Senator—brings a wealth of experience and a unique perspective to the presidency. In an era where diverse voices are crucial, Harris stands as a symbol of inclusivity and progress.

Kamala Harris has been a staunch advocate for criminal justice reform, voting rights, and women’s rights. Her presidency could place these issues at the forefront of national policy, driving substantial and much-needed reforms. Imagine a presidency where these critical areas receive the attention and action they deserve. It’s not just about ticking boxes; it’s about meaningful change.

Experience is another key factor. Harris has been in the trenches as Vice President, gaining invaluable insights and experience in both domestic and international arenas. This experience positions her to lead with confidence and competence from day one. She’s not just stepping into the role; she’s poised to excel in it.

In a time when many feel disillusioned with politics, Kamala Harris’s candidacy offers a beacon of hope. It represents a commitment to equality, justice, and progress. So, as we look towards this new chapter, let’s embrace the excitement and the promise it holds. Kamala Harris for president is not just a campaign; it’s a step towards a brighter, more inclusive future.

#KamalaHarris #JoeBiden #Election2024 #HistoricMilestone #Diversity #RepresentationMatters #Progress #SocialJustice #WomenInPolitics #PoliticalChange