OSO and chaordic commons

[Jeff Aitken]

Thanks all for your thoughts. And thanks Christine for the phone call! Lots
of percolating among activists out here.

I'm finding the six distinctions of the chaordic process helpful. I think
of the way Birgitt and Larry write about the "medicine wheel" model -- as a
model to guide the work of the organization AFTER the open space becomes
visible during their first event. What's the learning that the open space
now requires of this organization?

It seems worth devoting time to a clear and powerful new Purpose statement
-- we have just crossed the open space, haven't we? And then a set of
guiding Principles, around which conscious and inspired self-organizing can
flourish and be rewarded. Is it more useful to discern "givens" or
(appreciative inquiry) the provocative "ideal organization" based on the
best stories of the past, as guidance for that self-organizing? Could be.

Over time, the Participants (whoever cares?) and appropriate Design become
more clear. I love Birgitt's metaphor of "manager as gardener", growing
appropriate structure, removing barriers, fertilizing...

Eventually the most salient points might be written into a Constitution,
but let it be as lean and dynamic as that of the U.S. or the Haudenosaunee
confederation who inspired it. And let the sixth distinction, Practices,
continue unabated.

I actually appreciate the care and patience I see in the chaordic
literature, as they get experience... YET it's SO much easier to let the
open space become visible FIRST, and THEN learn how to get out of its way.

Jeff

-
Jeff Aitken
NEW PHONE: 707-829-8256
Sebastopol, California

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