Replying to LO25863 --
> In summary:
> (1) What has enabled the emergence that has occurred here
> (learning-org)
> (2) What might SoL do to facilitate emergence of wonderful things
> around the world concerning organizational learning?
Hi Rick, all:
Thank you for asking these thoughtful questions. Your questioning has
helped me understand my attraction to this site, as well as given me a
chance to reflect on the potential impact of these organized interactions.
Both thoughts leave me smiling...
In 1994 I worked for a company who began to explore the concept of LO, and
even dubbed an executive the "VP for Learning", to whom my group reported
to. We fumbled through dialogue, ladders, mental models, Peter Senge
books and such. Then the company went though a cathartic 'downsizing'
where it seems learning, as it was defined then, was not as important as
other, more tangible measures ;-)
I have also wandered through many volumes of J Krishnamurti's works on
dialogue, (the works and videos with D Bohm are worth a look!) and read or
studied with consultants who all purport prescriptions for change and new
ways of thinking. I subsequently ended up in special education (back in
edu where I began) as a coordinator of transition services; partially, or
maybe because of my son's journey through life with cerebral palsy.
In every case, the individual pieces of what I have learned along my
career path have made tacit sense. But through my 'filter of existance',
I have been unable to discern how at least some of the pieces connect
together to attain some larger picture of not only the practices in
action, but the potential for my desired result: better understanding of
the learning, or creative process, and reaching for what's good for people
in a holistic sense, rather than a selfish, narrow/short sense. I guess
most of my desires for learning have been laterally focused; looking for
the connections and what those connections can lead to, rather than for
short-term outcomes and judgements.
At first, I approached this list with an overwhelming feeling of awe. It
took a long time before I felt I was 'ready' to post an article to this
list. I was the child who discovered the beach and all the elements of a
seashore for the first time! My approach was very awkward and
experimental. I was physically scared. I had seen pictures of the ocean,
but had not stepped into it, nor swam or explored the long thin ribbon of
sand that swept for miles! It took awhile to become more comfortable
because my attraction was personal, not dependent on what I became when I
went to "my job".
This list has given me a chance to become connected and learn. But most
of all, I can see learning from a authentic, rather than applied level.
No one is telling me to increase profits, cut costs or improve measures
with what I have learned, nor is this list limited to that direction.
This child on that beach has been able to climb a sanddune whose steep
face upward into the sky leads to the discovery of new perspectives at
altitudes only imagined. Each rise in my perspective unveils another
'aha' as I am able to perceive other connections, other mental models, off
shore islands where other kernels orbited by other attractors and
particles as metaphors (or perhaps not?), and other landscapes appearing
on the new horizons. Apparently, for me, the sanddune rises forever! I
guess as my writing here suggests, the connections to personal beings,
aware of their learning, matter most to me. Only from connections might I
learn more...and the application is my decision.
How many of the other 2000 or so people on this list feel their own feet
in unfamiliar sand? It is not my concept, but I find the Law of
Diminishing Astonishment has worked in my favor here. Partly due to my
need for exploration, and partly to all of you and your gracious care and
concern for me.
I hope that this personal description fits your need for information,
Rick. I cannot offer a theory or prescription for anyone else, nor could
I give you or your SoL people adequate advice for continuing your efforts.
But please consider this description in whatever you decide.
Thanks for asking!
Charlie
--Chuck Saur <csaur@remc8.k12.mi.us>
Learning-org -- Hosted by Rick Karash <Richard@Karash.com> Public Dialog on Learning Organizations -- <http://www.learning-org.com>
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