There's no Arrival in a Complex World with Carolyn Coughlin
Apr 25, 2023
auto_awesome
Unpacking complexity in a fast-paced world, importance of slowing down, working with nervous system, power of presence and play, calming body in overwhelming times. Embracing discomfort, vulnerability in team dynamics, transitioning in leadership, importance of authenticity and working with complexity.
Slowing down to relax the nervous system enhances presence and emotional integration.
Valuing the benefits of slowing down to enhance efficiency and effectiveness in problem-solving.
Deep dives
Discovering the Power of Slow Walking Practice
Embracing a slow walking practice as a means of fostering awareness and integration of mind, body, and heart was a transformative experience for the speaker. Through daily slow walking sessions in the woods, they found a deeper connection within themselves, enhancing their presence and emotional integration. This practice allowed them to attune to discomfort and navigate complex emotions with a grounded approach, shifting from a frenzied mental state to a more centered way of being in the world.
Exploring the Concept of Going Slow to Go Fast
The podcast delves into the concept of going slow to eventually achieve greater speed and effectiveness. The speaker shares a pivotal experience from somatic training where their fast-paced problem-solving approach was challenged. This encounter highlighted how their beliefs about rapid problem-solving were deeply ingrained, causing discomfort when confronted with slower processes. The realization of expanding energy unnecessarily and missing subtle patterns in complexity led to a shift towards valuing the benefits of slowing down to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
Navigating Complexity with a Paradoxical Approach
The discussion revolves around the complexity paradox, highlighting the interaction between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems in managing complexity. While the sympathetic response triggers the fight-or-flight reaction, vital for immediate threats, the parasympathetic state fosters presence, creativity, and connection. Embracing a complexity-friendly approach involves tapping into these innate resources, such as breath control, movement, and sleep, for optimal functioning in dynamic and uncertain environments.
Fostering Trust and Multiple Perspectives in Team Dynamics
The importance of utilizing somatic practices and connection exercises, such as the complexity check-in, to enhance trust and perspective diversity within team dynamics is highlighted. By creating space for each individual to share their current focus and identifying common patterns or outliers, teams can build trust, gain diverse insights, and foster a culture of openness. This practice facilitates a deeper understanding of collective experiences, contributing to effective collaboration and adaptability in complex environments.
Ever feel totally overwhelmed with how complex the world feels? Feel the urgency to control the mess, so you can say ‘I’ve got this’?
Jennifer talks with executive coach and leadership development specialist, Carolyn Coughlin to unpack how we typically talk about complexity and where it gets us into trouble. They explore how to work with our nervous system to unleash our complexity genius. They share—
Personal stories of slowing down to relax their nervous systems
Where our desire to control is fool’s gold and what to do instead.
The power presence, play and pattern-making
How to calm the body when life and leading feel overwhelming
Tune in for a relieving conversation that will remind you how resourced you are to ride leadership's wild ups and downs.
Gratitude for this show’s theme song Inside the House, composed by the talented musician, multi-instrumentalist and sound artist Jordy Walker.
Gratitude for this show’s theme song Inside the House, composed by the talented Yukon musician, multi-instrumentalist and sound artist Jordy Walker. Artwork by the imaginative writer, filmmaker and artist Jon Marro.
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode