The Keys To Where:
Perspectives From Specific Points Of Observation; The theory is relatively simple. We've rote memorized ourselves into being poor observers of the world around us. We parrot both fact and fiction without much research. And, we are prone to make less than optimal choices as a result of the world we think we see from our cocoon on a single branch, in a single tree.
There is so much more:
Continuums are a way to locate ourselves. By taking one step back and asking ourselves two basic questions we can begin to design new outcomes and begin to coordinate more effectively and more efficiently with others. We begin to produce less coordination waste.
Continuums are subscriptive, not prescriptive. The intention is to honestly discover where we are, so we invent more holistic solutions and enable more desirable outcomes. Continuums can either represent where we are, or where we want to get to. They are not in themselves solutions.
Imagine you are in a proposal meeting listening to a pitch from a company and person whom you really don't care for. It's time to confront "Why?" What do you actually know vs. simply believe about the company and the person? Where do you and others stand on a few simple continuums?
[ Biased <=> Open ] - Are you more biased than open, or more open than biased? Why?
[ Knowledge <=> Belief ] - Do you have first hand knowledge, or are you acting on beliefs, which were built from what others have said? Did they actually have first hand knowledge?
[ Experience <=> Heresy ] - What do the people with actual first hand experience have to say? What were the circumstances under which their experience took place? Are they biased or open?
Here we are beginning to work within contexts, and situational specifics to determine what actually matters in terms of what we need to learn to move forward.
The continuum model [ x <=> y ] is relatively infinite to the extremes one can invent and explore. We've simply offered three examples. The point is the dialog possibility with others. What gets produced by stopping, thinking, wondering and trying to verbally articulate where one is located relative to the world swirling around us. [ Aware <=> Informed ]...
Such simple inquiry and related declarations of position can quickly help you and your team determine where they are and why. By using standards and criteria for assessment, and being open to honest discussion about such things can begin to enable us to move much faster towards the outcomes we want in business and in life.
The idea that continuums were valuable occurred to me when I was observing political commentary, and noting that the political labels had lost their meaning. Then I began noticing changes in the meaning of labels in other areas too. And, realized that another level of orientation was needed. The question "Where am I?" critical in any context and situation. Continuums can be a quick and effective locator.
Special Thanks for the conversation(s), which have percolated and helped distill the commitment to share these thoughts into rough artifacts that other might begin to value and work from. Appreciate You, Patricia !!! !!! !!! !...
Distinctions: Continuums, Declarations, Position, Coordination Waste, Perspectives, Observations, Standards, Criteria For Assessment, Appreciation,