[OSList] Respect in Self-Organizing Systems

[Harrison Owen via OSList]

Dan said: “... in human systems, there is no such thing as self-organization, whatsoever, unless and until "respect" is successfully sent, and successfully received, by and between the members.”

 

Interesting idea... There is no question in my mind that respect is critical to effective human interactions. But I am not so sure about it being causative for self organization. As a matter of fact I rather suspect that the flow of causation goes the other way. Or said a little differently -- Respect is a byproduct, effect of effective, well working self organization. 

 

I am not sure how one might prove this, but over the years I have been blown away by massively hostile groups of human beings, who have spent major effort at being dis-respectful to each other, showing real respect for each other in the gathering, and that the level of respect seemed to grow as the hours and day passed. There are multiple examples, but the earliest one was a gathering of some 250 Native Americans, Feds and State and local bureaucrats. These folks had been given the task of working out the guidelines for the expenditure of something in excess of a billion dollars in Highway Trust funds for the purposes of building roads on tribal lands. They had spent 2 years fighting and the time was running out... the money was heading back to the US Treasury. As a last  ditch effort they tried a little Open Space. When they entered the room it was crystal clear that mutual respect was not a common currency. By word, deed, and body language they demonstrated how little they thought of their fellows. 48 hours later, they had their guidelines, but most remarkable to me was the level of mutual respect demonstrated in all sorts of ways, and verbalized by one Navaho Chief. In the closing circle he said something like, “I have known most of you for some time. And it has not been pleasant. But I have to tell you that I have rarely felt so listened to and respected as I have felt here. Thank you.”

 

Needless to say the word respect, or admonitions for respectful conversation had never been uttered by anybody, and certainly not me. It just happened, apparently all by itself. 

 

Harrison  



 

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From: OSList [mailto:oslist-bounces at lists.openspacetech.org] On Behalf Of Daniel Mezick via OSList
Sent: Thursday, October 16, 2014 5:44 PM
To: oslist at lists.openspacetech.org
Subject: [OSList] Respect in Self-Organizing Systems

 

Greeting All,

Here I respectfully offer two (2) completely outlandish assertions, for your kind consideration:



1. I hereby posit and proffer that, in human systems, there is no such thing as self-organization, whatsoever, unless and until "respect" is successfully sent, and successfully received, by and between the members.

In other words, in human systems, self-organization is all about respect. Specifically, the sending and receiving of it. 

In real time, all the time. Moment by moment. 



2. I further posit and proffer that, for human systems, the concepts of [respect] and [informal authorization] are very closely related, and are often identical.

Ideally, formally authorized leaders also have informal authorization; that is, genuine respect. Respect is a medium of exchange, and a store of value. Respect is something that can be extended to another, and also something that can drawn back by the sender at any time, after it is extended. 

Likewise, respect can be withheld entirely. And it often is.


"I have used the word 'leadership' instead of 'leader' to emphasize a basic point. In the world of Spirit, leadership is the capacity to focus Spirit, and is not automatically linked to a title or position. Thus, anyone who exercises that capacity is, by definition, a leader. Hopefully, titular leaders will also possess the capacity of leadership, but that is not necessarily the case."

-Harrison Owen, SPIRIT, page 102, footnote 54. 
Link: http://www.openspaceworld.com/spirit.pdf


au·thor·i·za·tion
ˌôTHərəˈzāSH(ə)n/
noun: authorization

     1.
    the right to do work.
    "the group authorized her to proceed with making the plans"
    


re·spect
rəˈspekt/
noun
noun: respect

    1.
    a feeling of deep admiration for someone or something elicited by their abilities, qualities, or achievements.
    "the director had a lot of respect for Douglas as an actor"
    synonyms: esteem, regard, high opinion, admiration, reverence, deference, honor
    "the respect due to a great artist"
    antonyms: contempt
        the state of being admired or respected.
        "his first chance in over fifteen years to regain respect in the business"
        due regard for the feelings, wishes, rights, or traditions of others.
        plural noun: respects
        "respect for human rights"
        synonyms: due regard, politeness, courtesy, civility, deference
        "he spoke to her with respect"
        antonyms: disrespect
        a person's polite greetings.
        plural noun: respects
        "give my respects to your parents"
    2.
    a particular aspect, point, or detail.
    "the government's record in this respect is a mixed one"
    synonyms: aspect, regard, facet, feature, way, sense, particular, point, detail
    "the report was accurate in every respect"

verb
verb: respect; 3rd person present: respects; past tense: respected; past participle: respected; gerund or present participle: respecting

    1.
    admire (someone or something) deeply, as a result of their abilities, qualities, or achievements.
    "she was respected by everyone she worked with"
    synonyms: esteem, admire, think highly of, have a high opinion of, hold in high regard, hold in (high) esteem, look up to, revere, reverence, honor
    "she is highly respected in the book industry"




For example, I respect Harrison. And so: Harrison, if you are willing to lead, I am willing to follow. 



-- 



Daniel Mezick, President

New Technology Solutions Inc.

(203) 915 7248 (cell)

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