The baseline is the minimum expectation. It’s where we start from. It’s the foundation upon which we build. Different people have different baselines. Example: People who are considered “intense” often have a higher baseline of focus and energy than others.
Cultural expectations set baselines. How much focus, energy, knowledge, engagement, etc, is actually expected from people in a community? In order to land a job? Or succeed at a particular school? The baseline is the answer.
If we want our culture to change, we have to shift the baseline. How people relate to one another as the baseline shifts is important, so no one feels left aside. Rather, encouragement, grace, and support are key, for everyone to be found together as everyone grows together. But, before the actual growth can happen, we have to shift our baseline.