A Relational View of the Dynamics in Emergent Systems

[Jack Ricchiuto]

This is magnificent Peggy. Thank you so much, Jack

On 8/19/07, Peggy Holman <peggy at opencirclecompany.com> wrote:
>
>  During a recent gathering, I found myself looking at the dynamics of
> emergence from an entirely new angle: the roles that are present.
>
> Harrison provided us a great gift when he named the four principles and
> law of being in Open Space.  I wonder if it might be useful to know
> something about the roles that seem to be present when emergence happens.
>
> Below is my sense of those roles.  Some are no doubt more critical than
> others; the list hasn't yet benefitted from the "one less thing to do"
> treatment.  I have missed some that are critical?  Which are truly vital and
> which are just interesting?
>
> I'd love to know your thoughts.
>
> appreciatively,
> Peggy
>
> ***********************
>
>
> A Relational View of the Dynamics in Emergent Systems
>
>
>
> When emergence in social systems occurs, it results from a variety of
> roles.  Should any of them be missing, the chance of coherence converging
> into novelty – of finding the simplicity on the other side of complexity –
> is unlikely.
>
>
>
> The roles may be played by one or a variety of people.  Sometimes they are
> even aspects of the environment.  The ones we already know:
>
>
>
> *Attractor* – Someone(s) who ask a calling question, inviting the system
> to come present.  We typically call this person the sponsor.
>
>
>
> *Guide* – Someone(s) provide hospitable space for the work.  Sometimes
> this includes a process that channels energy, other times, it is simply
> ensuring the gentle structures for a nutrient environment are present.  In
> group process work, this is the person identified as the facilitator.
>
>
>
> *The People of the System* – these are the people who bring the varied
> voices of the system.  The broader the definition of the system, the more
> variety in the room.
>
>
>
> *Disturber* – This is something from outside the system (a person on act
> of nature) that interrupts existing assumptions or patterns.  It can also
> be someone/something from inside the system that is differentiating itself
> in a way that interrupts the given assumptions and patterns.
>
>
>
> *Bridge/translator* – someone who can provide a sufficient hook for others
> in the system to connect with the disturbance/disturber.  Without this
> role, rather than creative use of the disturbance, it will likely be
> resisted or rejected by the system's immune system.  These folks are
> active in the conversation, helping the rest of the group connect with what
> the disturber is attempting to express.
>
>
>
> *Edge worker *– a easy to overlook and critical role!  Edge workers are
> generally butterflies who hang at the margins.  When someone uses their
> two feet to move because they're disturbed, an edge worker listens, sees,
> and honors that participant.  Edge workers are gifted at staying present
> to what is happening for the other person, artfully reflecting back what
> they experience and in so doing, support that participant to discover the
> nugget hidden in their dissonance.
>
>
>
> *Organizer* – once new insights start to emerge, someone(s) grasps the
> threads and starts to weave them into a new story, one from which action
> flows.
>
> * *
>
> *"Artists" bringing multiple modes of interaction* – bringing different
> forms of expression – words, music, art, movement – matters.  It helps
> move beyond stuck places, engaging people on different channels, which seems
> to amplify the effectiveness of the interactions.
>
>
>
>
>
>
> ________________________________
> Peggy Holman
> The Open Circle Company
> 15347 SE 49th Place
> Bellevue, WA  98006
> (425) 746-6274
>
> www.opencirclecompany.com
>
>
> For the new edition of The Change Handbook, go to:
> www.bkconnection.com/ChangeHandbook
>
> "An angel told me that the only way to step into the fire and not get
> burnt, is to become
> the fire".
>   -- Drew Dellinger
> * * ==========================================================
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-- 
Jack Ricchiuto
www.DesigningLife.com / 216.373.7475 (EST)

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