This was a remarkably expansive vision regarding the Essential functions that are to be assigned a “democratic” government. However, a polystatic process includes adjustments in baselines based on the entrance of additional or new information (Test). With regard to the Declaration of Independence, limitations were being acknowledge regarding the scope of freedom being declared. A challenging question, for instance, was posed by women at the Seneca Falls Convention in 1848. Isn’t the Declaration, as written, profoundly limited in scope with the exclusion of women? In 1852, Frederick Douglass similarly asked: “are the great principles of political freedom and of natural justice, embodied in that Declaration of Independence, extend to us [as African Americans]?” (Richardson, 2024, p. 188) More stones and gems of different form and substance must be added to the kaleidoscope of freedom and independence if it is to realize its full potential as a beautiful work of art and justice.
At a psychological level, we find an expanded vision of what motivates people in Abraham Maslow’s hierarchy of needs (Maslow, 2014). Much as in the case of the Declaration of Independence, Maslow proposed that people are motivated not just by the need for security (physiological viability and safety). They also wish to find fulfillment of a host of other needs—ranging from a sense of belonging and love to a sense of self-actualization. The Essentials of one’s personal life are being significantly expanded by Maslow. This leads us from narrow expectations of a healthy and protected life to a life filled with achievement and transcendence. Our polystatic baseline has changed (and been elevated). When we predict a life of mere survival then we will take action and our body will prepare only for this survival. When we predict the achievement of higher order goals, then we will take actions to bring about realization of these goals. Our body will mobilize to assist us in leading an “active life” filled with purpose and meaning (Palmer, 1990).
We find a similar expansion in the listing of work-related needs. Many years ago, Frederick Hertzberg (1959) declared that we need more than just a paycheck and on-the-job safety when we enter the workforce. He called these the hygiene factors. We also wish to find meaningful work and recognition of the tasks we have achieved. These are the motivating factors. In my own writing, I have added the need for companionship in the workplace, interesting work assignments, and opportunity to influence the operations of one’s organization (Bergquist, 1993). It is when we predict that these needs will be met that our mind and body look forward to the gratification to be found in the work we do every day. The positive and productive engagement of Polystasis in our life produces self-fulfilling prophecies regarding the quality and meaning of our work.
I propose that the divergent Lens of Essentials enables us to expand our own expectations as employees in an organization and as citizens of a nation. We experience a kaleidoscope of interconnected needs that enable us to enact a beautiful new pattern of behavior. Our work becomes our playground. Years ago, I was with a group of people who created something called “plork” which was the design of activities that blended play and work. Our need for personal achievement becomes fully integrated with our desire to serve our community (we engage in something called “social entrepreneurship”). With this expansion and interconnectivity comes an expanded sense of the Essential roles to be played by the leaders of our organization and nation. Leaders must now be aware of and serve as active advocates for and agents of those policies, procedures and practices that open the opportunity for achievement of an expanded list of Essential needs (Bergquist, 1993: Bergquist, Sandstrom and Mura, 2024). Like those who framed the Declaration of Independence, it is the role of Essential leaders to expand the vision of what can be achieved at a personal and collective level.
