One of the questions that has nagged me for a while has to do with
the very example of "council" raised by Michael. This is not the
first time this model has been posted, yet the essence as I have
experienced it (in the limiting way of my culture) is captured. The
few times I have been in such sittings, I have sensed an unspoken
vision of the community, it seemed to be implicit. No one speaks
to this, so the vision is in place and understood and accepted or
there really is no need. I am not at all convinced that this is
what top management in organizations really have in mind. For my
experience of these circles is a kind flattening of the hierarchy.
I also seem to notice a lessening of individual stances in favor
of a "larger good or benefit" to the community. And I certainly
find myself listening to some participant"s wisdom more than others.
Probably because I enter with perceptions that function largely as
blinders. Interesting to me, however, is how I begin to listen to
those I've not really heard before. And I believe this flows out
of my compassion. I don't have to agree so much as hear with empathy.
And occasionally I remember to work this way in other situations,
waiting to hear the wisdom, instead of projecting my self.Amazingly
we get what we need to get with little interference from me. So
perhaps the compassion flows out of humbleness. Finally I find these
"council" opportunities the most empowering of the human spirit that
I know. There is such power in the wisdom that emerges freely, and
a sense of limitless capacity. There is something of this in this
list, although I know that I miss much in "listening" to our posts.
I can easily imagine work teams using this approach, but they would
have to let go of pre-conceived outcomes, would they not?
Bill Weber
bweber@umce.umext.maine.edu