Self Organizing System at Work

[Harrison Owen]

Christine has uttered the magic words... "change things." Somehow it would
seem that effort is required, given the way things are, and further, that
effecting that change is our god given right and responsibility. And we try.
Sometimes to no effect, sometimes to minimal effect, and sometimes to
counterproductive effect as when those awful "unintended consequences" show
up. But we tried, and at least we should be given credit for that. Or should
we?

Of course we should, for hasn't all of our education and training prepared
us for that moment? And more to the point how would we get paid if we didn't
do all that?

Then again it may be the case that the change required is not ours to
supply. Doing so exceeds our power, knowledge and capacity. Perhaps our
difficulty lies in the notion that we (as individuals) are the agents of
change. After all Change Agent seems to be a recognized title and
profession. Just supposing the task and the role is rather different?
Supposing it is not our job to be Change Agents, but rather to enable the
systems of which we are a part to effectively evolve such that they fit with
the emerging world? What sort of skills and attitudes would that require?
What can we dispense with?

Harrison

Harrison Owen
7808 River Falls Dr.
Potomac, MD 20854
USA
Phone 301-365-2093
www.openspaceworld.com
www.ho-image.com (Personal Website)
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-----Original Message-----
From: OSLIST [mailto:OSLIST at LISTSERV.BOISESTATE.EDU] On Behalf Of Christine
Whitney Sanchez
Sent: Wednesday, February 17, 2010 10:07 AM
To: OSLIST at LISTSERV.BOISESTATE.EDU
Subject: Re: Self Organising System at Work

Many thanks for posting this, Alan.  Not only does this book excerpt  
from "Switch: Don't Solve Problems--Copy Success" highlight the power  
of self-organizing systems, but also the power of maintaining an  
appreciative, "bright spot" focus...

"...if you're trying to change things, there are going to be bright  
spots in your field of view. And if you learn to identify and  
understand them, you will solve one of the fundamental mysteries of  
change: What, exactly, needs to be done differently?"

I'm cross-posting this on the Appreciative Inquiry list.  Thanks for  
sharing this at the perfect time.

Warm wishes from a sparkling Phoenix morning,

Christine
Christine Whitney Sanchez
Collaborative Wisdom & Strategy
480.759.0262
www.christinewhitneysanchez.com
www.promiseusa.com
Skype: christinewhitneysanchez
http://www.facebook.com/ChristineWhitneySanchez

On Feb 16, 2010, at 4:57 PM, Alan Halford wrote:

> Hi,
> I came across an interesting book excerpt which may interest the  
> list,for me a good example of self organising system for higher  
> performance!
>
http://www.fastcompany.com/magazine/142/switch-how-to-change-things-when-cha
nge-is-hard.html?partner=homepage_newsletter
> Cheers
> Alan
>
> Alan Halford & Associates
> Business & Management Consultants
> Mediation and Conflict Resolution
> Open Space Technology Aficionado
>
> www.alanhalford.com.au
> 0421 475 252
> skype: alanhalford
>
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