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In Leadership and The New Science, Wheatley explores the role of chaos in the emergence of new order. Wheatley (2006) writes, “Only chaos creates the abyss in which we can recreate ourselves” (p. 119). Wheatley goes on to write: “We need to acknowledge the difficult side of life-the sorrow and suffering that has come into our experience… Simply to acknowledge they are part of the reality of life… Those who help us center our work in a deeper purpose are leaders we cherish” (p.133). Wheatley’s book highlights the unpredictability that exists within leadership, organizations, and our lives, and how we as leaders can inspire others in the face of chaos. I hope to become a leader who immerses myself in the joy and suffering inherent to the human condition. Furthermore, I hope to inspire others to center their work and lives to a deeper meaning in the face of chaos.

We can recreate ourselves only in the midst of chaos. This piece of wisdom has guided me through difficult times in my personal and professional life over the course of the last two years as a Graduate student. Servant leadership isn’t easy. It requires hard work and tough choices. Often leaders have to make hard choices in the midst of chaos. Ruth Chang describes hard choices as, “Precious opportunities…We have the power to create reasons for ourselves to become the distinct people that we are and that is why hard choices are not a curse, but a godsend” (Chang, 2014). How I make decisions in the midst of chaos is a true test of my Servant leadership capacity. I see moments of chaos as precious opportunities. In the face of chaos, how can I be a more discerning Servant leader? What does this moment require of me as a Servant leader? Most importantly, what values will I exercise in this moment? In approaching chaos through this lens, I recognize moments of chaos as something that should be treasured for they will test my capacity for Servant leadership, and that is where transformational growth begins. Moments of chaos call us to pause and take the time to ascribe meaning to our lives. In many ways it is in these moments we realize, more than ever, that a life without chaos in a sense would be life without meaning.

Food for Thought:

1. What is your experience of hard choices? Have you found them to be precious opportunities? Why or why not?
2. What is your experience of finding meaning and purpose in the face of chaos?