Of Mickles and Mackles

In an increasingly interconnected world, there is growing recognition of shared dependencies and vulnerabilities. The legacy of power politics is quickly becoming less effective than collaboration. Increasingly, the capacity to cope and lead will depend on the ability to learn from others and to form constructive alliances utilizing complementary capabilities and resources.

In other words, ushering in an age of growing appreciation of integration rather than isolation.

It may seem Pollyannish to rely upon such a transformation to bring about just-in-time changes that prevent imminent catastrophes from occurring. The scale of integrated efforts required to address today’s national and global threats demands unprecedented collaboration. Admittedly, recognizing this can lead to a fatalistic perspective.

But, as offered by the opening line of The Elephant Man, “life is full of surprises.”

Great things almost always start small. Richard Branson started the Virgin brand with a student magazine. Amazon started as a fledgling website selling just books. And so, it may prove that significant, if not global, transformations in prevailing mindsets will come about as a result of more integrated thinking and constructive dialogue at the personal and local levels.

Vincent Van Gogh reportedly said, “Great things are done by a series of small things brought together.”

My father was fond of saying, “many a mickle makes a mackle.” This confused us as kids, but a time went on, we came to realize that he was saying that numerous micro-events can sum to a macro-event.

So, the very best use of our time may be to apply ourselves – as individuals – to thinking, dialoguing, and acting in a more integrated fashion.  If we do this, maybe – just maybe – it will rub off on others and make a positive difference. At a minimum., it stands to heighten our individual sense of purpose and integrity.

And, with hope, it may lead to yet greater things.