Selflessness in Learning Organizations LO15255

Kerr, Donald A (Donald.A.Kerr@USAHQ.UnitedSpaceAlliance.com)
Tue, 7 Oct 1997 11:57:02 -0500

In other threads we spoke of selflessness and its relationship to
self-esteem, learning organizations, and spirituality. I've been thinking
more about the principle of *descending into greatness* or the principle
of *losing your life to find it.* I believe I recall comments by some that
the idea of purposeful selflessness can be taken to the destruction of
self-esteem, ego or personal mastery. I'm not sure I understand. Is
there or should there be a mechanical balance between selfishness and
selflessness? The selflessness I'm speaking of is actually a discovery of
self in all of it fullness that goes beyond ego. I'm interested how
others view selflessness, how it is achieved, how it can be facilitated.
What is one really saying when one advocates a *death of self* philosophy?
Could it be that selflessness is selfishness in disguise, i.e. An *if you
do this, you'll get that* Kohn-like idea?

I'd like to see us engage in dialogue specific to selflessness and its
role in learning or its role in an organizations capacity to learn. Does
selflessness need to be valued in an organization before it can begin to
have the type of conversations required? Seems to me this is a very
pragmatic, bottom-line place to start.

I've very interested in your thoughts and book references on this subject.
Thanks in advance!

Have a Great Adventure!
Don Kerr

Have a Great Adventure!
D.A. Kerr
Don Kerr
donald.a.kerr@USAHQ.UnitedSpaceAlliance.com

-- 

"Kerr, Donald A" <Donald.A.Kerr@USAHQ.UnitedSpaceAlliance.com>

Learning-org -- An Internet Dialog on Learning Organizations For info: <rkarash@karash.com> -or- <http://world.std.com/~lo/>