commitments, transparency, state of grace documents

[Diane Brandon]

Chris, is there a way you could share one of the State of Grace 
Documents that's an "alternative to employment contracts and 
performance evaluations"? I've read about State of Grace docs at the 
website, but would like to hear more, embedded in the sort of situation 
you describe.

If this isn't appropriate for the list, just email me back individually?

Diane

On Apr 4, 2006, at 4:06 PM, Chris Weaver wrote:

> These are very rich threads going on right now.
>  
> First, a thought about givens.  Having been both in the sponsor/formal 
> leader's shoes and the facilitator/consultant's shoes, I appreciate 
> that useful givens are not about control but about commitments that a 
> sponsor is living by.  Organizational leaders have made many 
> commitments and agreements, and fulfilling those commitments is a part 
> of living with integrity.  Commitments which have grown out of deep 
> purpose generate a powerful field.  (Commitments that have been made 
> out of self-interest, a weak purpose, or fear are another matter 
> [welcome to control.])  Opening space is one opportunity for a sponsor 
> to share with (sometimes remind) participants of key commitments.  
> Citing Jack Ricchiuto's requirements for authentic engagement, such a 
> sharing of commitments can enhance transparency and establish 
> deeper trust.
>  
> But as Jack reminds us, everyone carries such commitments, not just 
> organizational leaders, and transparency is needed all over.
>  
> Recently in a non-profit organization with 25 staff people, 
> we developed State of Grace Documents as an alternative to both 
> employment contracts and performance evaluations.  This is the most 
> powerful experience of mutual transparency I have yet had.  Because 
> individual commitments, gifts, styles, and callings are so complex, 
> establishing transparency that is adaptive is no easy feat.  State of 
> Grace Documents, with a built-in cycle of re-visiting and refining, 
> are a very powerful tool.  Sharing expectations of one another, in all 
> directions regardless of position, is so refreshing.  KNOWING ONE 
> ANOTHER opens authentic space and "expands our now" as a sustainable 
> living field of trust.
>  
> One more curiosity.  I enjoyed Mark Jones's comments about the value 
> of being "embedded."  I also have worked in recent years as a space 
> opener and space holder with formal leadership responsibilities.  What 
> I have found is that my own commitments as a leader have increasingly 
> shifted away from commitments to specific form, content, or outcome, 
> and toward commitment to process.  Inviting, opening, holding space 
> have incrementally BECOME the purpose, the fire at the center of the 
> wheel.
>  
> So when Michael asks, "Has anyone put his mind to the connection of 
> spirit and selforganisation?" I say, Yes, and I'm happy to know that 
> my mind can only barely touch it, like looking at the sun.
>  
> Chris
>  
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