This morning I walked through this former East German town where I, an American, live. I am getting ready to move into the city of Berlin proper. As I walked this morning, I thought back over the last 10 years. In my naturally appreciative style, I remembered a playground scene outside of my son’s new nursery school.

We had just moved here. Little did I know that this town was nearly at war with itself–east fighting west as the town plummeted into bankruptcy. Services were closing were closing, small incidents of terror were starting, hatred brewing, as blame and more intense finger pointing started. Other towns going through the same kind of thing (bankruptcies and services closing) were experiencing the same… from petty crime to attacks on foreigners. In my innocent way, I wanted to do something. I did. I created a future search for this town, which I have been told changed its path. I involved all levels of German government from the German Ministries to the country/sate ministries to the local government. The mayor was ousted. A new one elected and the town in less than 1 year was out of bankruptcy.

It has nearly tripled in size since and is now one of the wealthiest in the east. At the time, I had just had an accident that among other disbling influences, I seriously damaged the area of my brain where secondary language is stored. So, speaking German was out of the question for me, let alone understanding it. Yet, I talked in English and brought a translator when needed… and helped people find what they wanted to do in their hearts. Together they took the risk to come together and talk to their rivals, the community and whole system worked together to create a Stahnsdorf that they chose for their future. Me, I asked the questions, those appreciative questions and held the space for others to do the work.

So, where does AI fit… everywhere… At 1-Focus International, we use the same principals when we work with mergers, coaching leaders or raising children.

‘Wishing you a wonderful day! 

Sandy