Robyn Short is a colleague with high emotional intelligence and what we might call dignity intelligence—the ability to help people experience a sense that their experiences matter. We’re often so limited by existing levels of development that we forget that our more infinite capacities and longings are actually fundamental needs and that by inverting the paradigm, we can actually actualize the things that current levels of development or popular paradigms say they want (e.g., creativity, productivity).

Robyn also has several interesting ideas that have given me language for things I knew I was doing in my work but didn’t have words for. For example, she talks about homeostasis mind, among other ideas, in her professional webinar series on New Paradigm Leadership at the Workplace Peace Institute.

While we have different perspectives and approaches, the fact that we landed on almost the same name should tell you a lot about her worldview. Whereas I’ve always focused on intuition and interdisciplinary connections around life purpose, whole-life transformation, integration, and social innovation more generally, I really appreciate Robyn’s emphasis around safety, belonging, and these things that are foundational for high levels of performance as well as larger social transformations. I hope you enjoy the episode.

Key Topics

00:00 - Introduction

01:22 - Start of Conversation

03:53 - Robyn’s Origin Story

09:40 - Newtonian Workplaces

12:48 - Maslow’s Hierarchy

15:47 - The Tent Encampment

19:08 - Working with Organizations

23:41 - Where Conflict Comes From

24:56 - Hierarchical Systems and Power

27:09 - The Intersection of Peace and Systems

28:20 - The United States as a System

31:00 - Anti-Authoritarian and Authoritarian

33:51 - Robyn’s Definition of Peace

34:50 - The Problems of Hierarchy and Scarcity

35:30 - Understanding the Vagus Nerve & Peace

41:40 - Changing Others vs. Changing Ourselves

47:30 - Who Profits From Division?

48:50 - Our Sphere of Influence

49:42 - Conclusion and Links

50:11 - Outro

Dr. Robyn Short, DLS

Dr. Robyn Short (she/her) is the Founder and CEO of the Workplace Peace Institute. Dr. Short helps individuals, teams and organizations resolve conflicts and build sustainable, purpose-driven environments. With a doctor of liberal studies and multiple master’s degrees, she is an expert in organization systems design, peace building, and transformative  mediation, and she's worked internationally with  community and political leaders to foster peace in areas of historic conflict.

Resources & Affiliate Links

Peace in the Workplace: Transforming Conflict Into Collaboration by Robyn Short

Communicating with Dignity and Curiosity: The Peacemaker's Handbook for Creating and Sustaining Peace by Robyn Short

Dignity: Its Essential Role in Resolving Conflict by Donna Hicks

Leading with Dignity: How to Create a Culture That Brings the Best by Donna Hicks

Reinventing Organizations: The Next Stage of Human Consciousness by Frederic Laloux

Reinventing Organizations: An Illustrated Invitation by Frederic Laloux

Guest Links & Contact

Workplace Peace Institute (WPI): workplacepeaceinstitute.com

WPI on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/workplace-peace-institute

Contact me about being a guest or invite me on your show: raynerjaeliu.com

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