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<HTML><HEAD><TITLE>Re: Is anything possible?</TITLE>
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<DIV><FONT face=Arial color=#000080 size=2><SPAN class=588340419-04042006>These
are very rich threads going on right now.</SPAN></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial color=#000080 size=2><SPAN
class=588340419-04042006></SPAN></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial color=#000080 size=2><SPAN class=588340419-04042006>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.</SPAN></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial color=#000080 size=2><SPAN
class=588340419-04042006></SPAN></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial color=#000080 size=2><SPAN
class=588340419-04042006>But as Jack reminds us, everyone carries
such commitments, not just organizational leaders, and transparency is
needed all over.</SPAN></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial color=#000080 size=2><SPAN
class=588340419-04042006></SPAN></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial color=#000080 size=2><SPAN
class=588340419-04042006>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.</SPAN></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial color=#000080 size=2><SPAN
class=588340419-04042006></SPAN></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial color=#000080 size=2><SPAN class=588340419-04042006>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.</SPAN></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial color=#000080 size=2><SPAN
class=588340419-04042006></SPAN></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2><SPAN class=588340419-04042006><FONT
color=#000080>So when Michael asks, "H<FONT size=2>as 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.</FONT></FONT></SPAN></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial color=#000080 size=2><SPAN
class=588340419-04042006></SPAN></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial color=#000080 size=2><SPAN
class=588340419-04042006>Chris</SPAN></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial color=#000080 size=2><SPAN
class=588340419-04042006></SPAN></FONT> </DIV></BODY></HTML>
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