My belief is that our brains are pattern making systems which cluster and
organize our perceptions of the world into patterns which enable us to
function effectively. Edward de bono likens these patterns to well-work
grooves and he explains that if we pour a teaspoon of hot ink over a plate
of Jell-O, for example, the ink will dissolve parts of the Jell-O as it
flows over the surface and forms grooves. Any additional ink is likely to
flow into the already-formed grooves and will further deepen them. So our
brain works as well, argues de Bono, and it organizes and groups pieces of
related information.
These grooves are not just *passive receptacles* however. They are active
channelers of our perceptions into already formed patterns. This makes
sense as long as those grooves are relevant for making sense of the
situation. It is not effective, it seems in responding to new changes in
our enviornment, since the new info is channeled into the old patterns.
Over time, this can lead to pattern blindness. One way out of the old
patterns is through theory, because creating a new conceptualization of an
issue can open our possibilities by allowing us to let go of what we think
we already know. Becoming a learning organization means being committed
to continually asking the question: how do we know that we know? In other
words, one of the key roles of theory is to see in the mind's eye what we
have yet to experience or know.
By becomming theory builders, we can help our organizations become
creators of their own future.
This is a great topic which can lead us in many directions.
Happy Holidays and the Best of the Season to all.
Frank Voehl (FVoehl@aol.com)
--Learning-org -- An Internet Dialog on Learning Organizations For info: <rkarash@karash.com> -or- <http://world.std.com/~lo/>