Describes three basic shifts of mind required if we are to create and discover an unfolding future-shifts in how we see the world, how we understand relationships, and how we make commitments We've all had moments when things come together in an almost unbelievable way, when events that could never have been predicted, let alone controlled, seem remarkably to guide us along our path. Carl Jung called this phenomenon "Synchronicity." In the flow of these moments, it is as though we are being helped by hidden hands. In the middle of his adult life, Joseph Jaworski became intrigued by these experiences in both his business and personal life. His journey of self-discovery began when his father, special Watergate prosecutor Leon Jaworski, turned to his attorney son to discuss how moral and ethical standards could be lacking at such a high level. Disturbed by these issues and the questions they raised, Joe was sparked to reexamine his own life path.
After several years of soul-searching, Joe left the international law firm he helped found and created the American Leadership Forum, where he spent a decade developing collaborative leadership to deal with the pressing urban and regional problems in communities across the country, and later joined the Royal Dutch/Shell Group of Companies to lead their global scenario planning team. Synchronicity is a remarkable story of Jaworski's journey to an understanding of the deep issues of leadership. It is a personal journey that encourages and enlightens all of us wrestling with the profound changes required in public and institutional leadership, and in our individual lives, for the 21st century. Synchronicity offers a deeper understanding of how human beings might individually and collectively tap their potential to shape the future instead of merely responding to the forces at large. The conventional view of a leader emphasizes conspicuous accomplishments or charisma. Leadershi, Jaworski argues, is not about positional power and it is not about accomplishments.
Leadership, ultimately, is about collectively "listening" to what is wanting to emerge in the world, and then having the courage to do what is required. Jaworski posits that true leadership is about creating a domain in which people continually learn and become more capable of participating in their unfolding future. In the author's words, a real leader sets the stage on which "predictable miracles," seemingly synchronistic in nature, can-and do-occur. Jaworski shows that this capacity has more to do with our being-our total orientation of character and consciousness-than with what we do. Leadership, Jaworski explains, is about creating-day by day-a domain in which human beings continually deepen their understanding of reality and are able to participate in shaping the future.