Finding solutions to our ever-lengthening list of environmental management problems can seem nearly impossible. We have a desire to solve an issue, create opportunity, make the world a better place, but we don’t know how, or where, to begin. Collaboration is the key. But how do we begin collaboration in a way that will create a meaningful and lasting relationship? A relationship that can withstand disagreement and different perspectives, but at the end of the day is there to make the right decisions to further sustainability and in turn humanity. Laura Calandrella has dedicated her life to building these relationships and she is here today to talk about her experience. Her book “Our Next Evolution” details how to create collaborative leadership that lasts.
Your Forest Podcast by Matthew Kristoff
Our Next Evolution with Laura Calandrella
Episode highlight
Laura Calandrella, the author of ‘Our Next Evolution’, talks about collaborating in meaningful and impactful ways to further sustainability and, in turn, humanity.
Resources
Our Next Evolution: https://www.amazon.ca/Our-Next-Evolution-Transforming-Collaborative-ebook/dp/B08PZFJ27T
Keeping Forests: https://www.keepingforests.org/
Clearing by Martha Postlewaite: https://condofire.com/2020/01/04/poem-of-the-week-clearing-by-martha-postlewaite/
Sponsors
West Fraser: https://www.westfraser.com/
GreenLink Forestry Inc.: http://greenlinkforestry.com/
Damaged Timber: https://www.damagedtimber.com/
Giveaway
Enter YourForest10 at checkout at the Damaged Timber store for a 10% discount!
Quotes
14.03 - 14.16: “We sometimes emphasize the doing and forget the qualities of what it means to be human. We’re human beings first and from that sense of self and sense of others, arises our most powerful solutions.”
15.14 - 15.32: “To slow down a little bit and to tap into what matters most is extremely important. it is allowing you to open up your own field of possibility but then also be open to seeing others because, usually, there is a point of intersection around what it means to be human.”
35.32 - 35.52: “Our job as leaders is to generate something novel and new together. It’s not about whose idea is right. Collaborative leadership at its most powerful will take all the perspectives and create an idea or solution that's never been seen before instead of... coming to consensus on one that’s already there.”
55.28 - 55.43: “Science falls short before it even starts because we're not asking a range of questions and then, from there, the interpretation of science, again, is only driven through our lens.”
1.11.01 - 1.11.27: “In case of many forestry professionals in rural areas... there's not this giant economy to tap into, to be able to settle into the idea that... this is a journey of learning and exploration and breaking through the barriers that you're putting on yourself for what you can and can’t do, so really starting to think creatively.”
1.19.27 - 1.19.46: “There is a bias that every collaborative effort is going to be transformative, there is a bias that every collaborative effort is going to be successful and there is a bias that everyone is coming in seeing the issue the same way and... having a desire to solve it in the same way.”
Takeaways
A simple way to bring different perspectives together (6.43)
As a conservation biologist who worked in the environmental field for 20 years, Laura began honing her collaboration skills early on, learning that interactions are at the heart of even natural resource science issues. She left the field to become an executive coach. Her book talks about how dynamic collaboration can be harnessed to help groups create environmental solutions.
Presence is the first step (11.16)
The book highlights the importance of generational teaching through four practices, the first of which is cultivating presence. Laura notes that the natural resource space isn’t used to that, but it is the first step to creating change. Being present allows people to become aware of the beliefs and assumptions they are bringing into the conversation.
A practice to cultivate presence (16.50)
Laura explains presence as a pause, which is “important because we’re so used to just toppling from one moment into the next and into the next without really giving ourselves a chance to see what’s around us”. Noticing one’s breath is an easy way to become present. She guides the listeners through a mindfulness exercise to highlight what they value and care about.
As within, so without (27.09)
Laura teaches this exercise to groups of natural resource professionals, to help them access their inner peace quicker the next time they have disagreements in the group. When people are able to connect with what matters most to them and share that, the openness helps them get in touch with the interconnectedness of the group and the ecosystems they work to protect.
Leadership can be fellowship too (34.12)
Laura explains that based on the group dynamics, vision, action, caring relationships and insightful perspective all need to exist for collaborative leadership. She teaches creative or generative leadership, which is different from reactive leadership in that it combines relationships, values and personal mission to invent hitherto unknown answers and solutions.
Change is hard (39.07)
Laura recognizes that change, both personal and collective, can be difficult, so she tries to simplify the leadership practices she teaches and encourages getting to know other people and cultures and learning from shared experiences. By coming together to develop a 360° view on an issue, leaders can arrive at productive and efficient solutions.
Laura’s 4 leadership practices for collaboration (43.53)
Cultivating presence: Think about the purposes to be involved in the conversation
Creating space: Find the best space to draw people into this conversation
Leveraging diversity: Bring diverse perspectives to enhance the ability to find solutions
Sustaining dialogue: Stay enough in dialogue to understand the issue completely
Beyond science (48.12)
Laura laments that scientists like herself aren’t willing to dive into action without knowing everything in its entirety, but we need to do that so we can understand the impact science has on others. She also challenges the kinds of questions science asks and if it considers the lived experiences of those who will be affected by the results of experiments.
Holistic education (58.08)
Although technical forestry is an essential subject, Laura believes it can be more impactful if integrated with public policy and community. Schools can create a space where people feel curious and welcome to explore environmental issues not just through the scientific lens, and understand how they interact with society.
“Relationship is the catalyst for change” (1.02.34)
Laura finds relief that exploration in growth needn’t be a solo enterprise, and it needn’t aim to solve all the problems in the world. She suggests starting small, moving towards one’s purpose, and channeling the energy of new experiences into solution-seeking. However, don’t let the fear of making mistakes paralyze you; just keep going.
“Science is a story” (1.07.32)
As a child, Laura spent a lot of time observing the natural world, which led her to her path today. “There’s a lot of wisdom that can be gained from something you already enjoy”, she observes and urges listeners to observe what they feel curious about and what they value, and to create a meaningful story they would want to be involved in to create change.
“Biases are completely normal” (1.15.16)
Laura reassures that biases help people by providing heuristics from which to view the world. However, we need to recognize and accept biases in ourselves and others so we can question them. She warns against using why questions since they make people defensive. Positive bias can also be self-defeating, so being honest is important for collaborative leadership.
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