Real Sustainability: GII Workforce Development Conference

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Sustainability Venn Diagram

This diagram represents a new idea, a ew way of looking at sustainability, based on the three core concepts of the great, humanitarian psychologist, Carl Rogers. These concepts -- genuineness, empathy and congruence -- are the core of sustainability.

In fact, they are the core of collaborations of all types and you can even apply them to your personal and organizational life.

The point of it all can be summed up in a single word: relationships. Creating a sustainable project or program is NOT about finding money (there is plenty out there), but instead is about creating dynamic, real relationships.

Genuineness includes:

Authenticity
Being real
Answering the question, "Who are you?" -- individually, as an organization and as a collaboration seeking to sustain a program
Self-assessment

Empathy includes:

Caring for the people you serve
Caring for others involved in your collaboration
Respect
Honesty
Airing problems openly without hidden agendas
Unconditional positive regard (not being judgmental)

Congruence includes:

Symmetry between thoughts and actions
Partners in endeavors have a right to expect the best from each other but also forgive mistakes and move on
No grudges
No turf

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Copyright Community Consulting Inc. 2002