From Harrison Owen’s: Wave Rider: Leadership for High Performance in a Self-organizing World
Eight Essential Steps for the Care and Feeding of
Self-Organizing Systems
1. Do Your Homework Before You Start.
2. Extend an Invitation.
3. Come to the Circle.
4. Welcome Passion, Responsibility, and
Authentic Leadership.
5. Remember the Four Principles.
-Whoever Comes is the Right People.
-Whatever Happens is the Only Thing That Could Have.
-Whenever it Starts is the Right Time.
-When it’s Over, it’s Over.
6. Observe the Law of Two Feet.
7. Keep Grief Working.
8. Formalize the System.
In my recent studies of OST (Open Space Technology) , I am struck by one of the simple key elements that is integral in the Heart Circle Model, of which I am a practitioner and a facilitator.
What I began to ponder was the fundamental pattern for achieving coherent resonance. In my recent self-evolution work through the Heart Circle model I have found a key in the practice of keeping the heart open even when we are not getting or experiencing what we want. This could seem either basic or impossible depending on the depth of your spiritual practice. Either way, it is no small matter.
As I carried this thread further I came to the awareness of the 4th Step In the Care and Feeding of Self-Organizing Systems; Welcome Passion, Responsibility and Authentic Leadership. This synergy of passion and responsibility is what in Owen’s words creates the Nexus of Caring.
In my studies and fascination with the power and simplicity of circle technologies, I am inspired for the complementarity of the many modalities, ancient and modern. As we prepare to bring the Heart Circle model forward in the world more, I am finding this a helpful weave of identifying the value of these steps as they apply to the process of Opening the Heart Space at the group, community and organizational scale.