Dr. Robyn Short on Building Peace Through Dignity and Belonging

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 Topics00:00 - Introduction01:22 - Start of Conversation03:53 - Robyn’s Origin Story09:40 - Newtonian Workplaces12:48 - Maslow’s Hierarchy15:47 - The Tent Encampment19:08 - Working with Organizations23:41 - Where Conflict Comes From24:56 - Hierarchical Systems and Power27:09 - The Intersection of Peace and Systems28:20 - The United States as a System31:00 - Anti-Authoritarian and Authoritarian33:51 - Robyn’s Definition of Peace34:50 - The Problems of Hierarchy and Scarcity35:30 - Understanding the Vagus Nerve & Peace41:40 - Changing Others vs. Changing Ourselves47:30 - Who Profits From Division?48:50 - Our Sphere of Influence49:42 - Conclusion and Links50:11 - OutroDr. Robyn Short, DLSDr. 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 LinksPeace in the Workplace: Transforming Conflict Into Collaboration by Robyn ShortCommunicating with Dignity and Curiosity: The Peacemaker's Handbook for Creating and Sustaining Peace by Robyn ShortDignity: Its Essential Role in Resolving Conflict by Donna HicksLeading with Dignity: How to Create a Culture That Brings the Best by Donna HicksReinventing Organizations: The Next Stage of Human Consciousness by Frederic LalouxReinventing Organizations: An Illustrated Invitation by Frederic LalouxGuest Links & ContactWorkplace Peace Institute (WPI): workplacepeaceinstitute.comWPI on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/workplace-peace-instituteContact me about being a guest or invite me on your show: raynerjaeliu.comSubscribeThis podcast would not be possible without the support of our paid subscribers. Consider offering a one-time or recurring gift here or become a paid subscriber and support the longevity of independent publishing on Substack while getting exclusive access to the comments section, bonus episodes, and all future benefits. Get full access to New Paradigm Knowledge at raynerjaeliu.substack.com/subscribe