Subatomic Relationships
Allow me to state the obvious: Margaret J. Wheatley is wicked smart. And often (sadly), when you come across someone with that level of intellect, you can almost bet the farm that they’re going to be, well, how do I put this… socially deficient.
Ok, bluntly put: a real dud.
Emotional intelligence: zero.
But with Wheatley, it’s different. Her work in Leadership and the New Science isn’t just a testament to her intellect—it is full of heart. Reading her books feels like encountering both a mind and a soul. She weaves together science, leadership, and the human experience with a kind of grace you don’t always find in books about complex systems.
Wheatley’s brilliance comes in how she challenges traditional leadership frameworks by applying ideas from quantum physics, chaos theory, and biology. In a non-doctoral degree world, I would have checked out for sure. But I love how Wheatley breaks these concepts down in a way that feels accessible, making them relevant to how we think about organizations and leadership.
She argues that old, mechanical leadership models no longer apply to the complex, interconnected world we live in today. Instead of command and control, she suggests we look at leadership the way scientists study ecosystems—interdependent, dynamic, and full of potential. As she puts it, “The real world is far more complex than the machine model would have us believe. Life does not let us easily control it” (p. 7). This isn’t just theoretical; Wheatley grounds her ideas in practical insights for anyone leading in uncertain, rapidly changing environments, which, right now, is all of us!
Quantum Leadership? Hmmm…Tell Me More.
One of the most mind-blowing aspects of Wheatley’s work is how she ties leadership to quantum physics. What she’s getting at is that everything is more connected and less predictable than we think—just like the subatomic particles that make up our world.
In quantum theory, relationships between particles matter more than the particles themselves. Wheatley applies that concept to people, saying that relationships in an organization are more important than rigid structures. “Relationships are the pathways to the intelligence of the system. People are the means through which information travels” (p. 39). Her message is clear: if you want to lead well, focus on connections, not control.
This insight makes me want to rethink how I approach everyday situations, especially the congregation I lead. Am I focusing on building strong relationships, or am I caught up trying to control outcomes? Am I investing in people or just putting on church gatherings? Am I a pastor or a purveyor of religious goods and services? These are questions I wrestle with constantly.
Embracing Chaos (In a Good Way)
Wheatley also digs into chaos theory, another heady concept she manages to make accessible. In essence, chaos theory suggests that while things may appear random, there’s a deeper order at play—patterns we don’t see immediately.
She argues that leaders must embrace uncertainty rather than run from it. “Chaos is a necessary process for the creation of new order. It is the source of new growth and creativity” (p. 118). We often think of chaos as something to be avoided, but Wheatley sees it as a place where creativity and innovation can thrive. In her view, the messiness of real life is where the magic happens. Again, the implications of this level of thinking and behavior are so important for me as a Christian leader who regularly delves into the mess of people’s lives! In a way, it’s comforting to think that not having all the answers doesn’t mean I’m failing as a leader—it just means I’m human.
Even though Leadership and the New Science has been around for a while (1994), its relevance has only increased. In today’s world—where everything feels like it’s shifting beneath our feet—her ideas offer a much-needed reminder that we don’t have to have all the answers. In fact, Wheatley suggests that uncertainty isn’t something to resist but something to embrace. “The challenge is to stop controlling and to start participating with the forces of change” (p. 143).
Her insights about leadership are vital for anyone (like me!) feeling overwhelmed by the complexity of our current moment. Wheatley reassures us that good leadership isn’t about control—it’s about connection, curiosity, and the willingness to embrace chaos as a necessary part of growth.
Cue: deep breath. 🙂
So yeah, Wheatley is a genius. But she’s also deeply human (and reminds me a lot of my Grandma!). Her ability to connect complex scientific concepts to the everyday realities of leadership makes this book both profound and practical. And that’s what makes her work stand out: it’s not just smart, it’s full of heart.
About the Author
John Fehlen
John Fehlen is currently the Lead Pastor of West Salem Foursquare Church. Prior to that he served at churches in Washington and California. A graduate of Life Pacific University in San Dimas, CA in Pastoral Ministry, and Vanguard University in Costa Mesa, CA with a Masters in Leadership and Spirituality. He and his wife Denise have four grown children and four grandchildren. John is the author of "Don't Give Up: Encouragement for Weary Souls in Challenging Times," a book for pastoral leaders, a children's book called "The Way I See You," and the forthcoming "Leave A Mark: The Jouney of Intentional Parenting." You can connect with John on Instagram (@johnfehlen) as well as at johnfehlen.substack.com.10 responses to “Subatomic Relationships”
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John, with Wheatley’s focus on agile living systems-thinking and connections (instead of hierarchy and control), I wonder what sort of practical steps a pastor might take to change/adapt in traditional church leadership approaches. For example, you pondered, “Am I focusing on building strong relationships, or am I caught up trying to control outcomes?” What is possible to change in your leadership and staff context? And what sort of changes can be implemented, up to the point where the systems within your church and denomination begin to push back? Of course, you don’t have to answer that question. I’m thinking aloud because I read Scott Dickie’s post right before I read yours, and I’m wondering about the possibilities and limitations after reading a book like Wheatley’s (which I loved and am integrating into my doctoral project’s bibliography).
Great questions Travis. I will need to think on those deeper, but at first blush, I know that I have always valued the relationship over the outcomes, perhaps even to the detriment of the organization and the deliverables.
As a result, we had (for the most part) good staff retention and buy-in, but perhaps not the most numerial outcomes. I could have controlled for more numbers, but most likely at the expense of the staff member and ministry. That’s my guess.
Just now we’re engaging a church consultant to help us develop some of those systems with a bit more hierachy and controls in place. We are lacking significantly and need the swing the pendulum back a bit.
Hi John,
You wrote, “We often think of chaos as something to be avoided, but Wheatley sees it as a place where creativity and innovation can thrive. In her view, the messiness of real life is where the magic happens.”
Oddly this resonates with me, I don’t mind swimming in the pool of the uncertain.
I also like swimming in a pool of other equally chaos minded folk. Sometimes organized and structured folk are caught up in process. Creativity and risk taking can be big hurdles for some.
My brain is focused on our sports ministry work in Ukraine and Kenya…talk about chaos. Yet, clearly the hand of God is moving and inspiring Christians in both countries…doing great things. Sadly, my international board is still bumping against the hurdles of process….sigh.
Shalom
Your post, especially the comments about your board, makes me think of my wife and I. She is all about security and stability and I’m all about change and chaos.
Yet, our marriage works as a result of those differences. At first I fought against it/her, but then realized the blessing and perimeters it provides for my wild dreaming.
Perhaps your board is the same way. Like bumpers on a bowling alley – they are the boundaries for your dreaming.
Thanks John,
I enjoyed the visual image of bumpers for my dreaming. I will have to overcome my annoyance at the distractions of the board. Ukraine needs help NOW and so does Kenya. Of course, that is my timing and I need to focus on HIS.
SHalom.
Hi John,
The whole Quantum Physics thing was a bit beyond me until Wheatley described how, as you put it, the “relationships between particles matter more than the particles themselves.”
It reminded me of Simon Walker describing the “space between” people. In neuroscience, (also beyond my understanding) I think of the synapses between nerve cells. Important stuff happens or doesn’t happen in those spaces (again my elementary understanding). What about that space between leaders? In your opinion, what needs to fill up those spaces in order to make healthy connections?
John I wrestle with these same things. Organizational leadership and spiritual leadership sure can be at odds, cant’ they?
I think teaching pastors to embrace more chaos and focusing on connections instead of control could be a lifesaver. But I wonder who is bold enough to tell a culture that values ‘order’ that really the emporer has no clothes?
I’m just going to jump in here and add on to Tim’s question: what do you need to do to get your congregation to value the chaos as well?
Also: others have called out the beautiful connection you highlighted that “relationships between particles matter more than the particles themselves,” but I just want to add that this was a fantastic call out!
John,
I am thrilled that you got so much from the book. I agree that she is brilliant, but I felt like it read like a book from the 90’s. I think today’s emerging and current workforce is participatory and innovative, constantly challenging the status quo.
I’m not going to lie, I did find the books to be quite boring. BUT, like you, I found Margaret Wheatley to be fascinating in how she blended leadership with quantum physics, the natural world, etc. I probably need to go back and read more closely.