>As i was catching up my literature, i must admit that Philip Ramsey's
>contribution to The System Thinker 'The Structure of Paradox: managing
>Interdependent Opposites
>Sometimes "structuring" generates more gains then its counter-pole
>"destructuring". These gains AND strengthen the use of structuring AND add
>to the need of destructuring
Thanks for your thoughts and comments Jan.
It brings to mind a process we use everyday in order to grow. We swallow
food.
Peristalsis is an organic manifestation of "managing the opposites."
Constriction followed by relaxation followed by...." Convergence followed
by divergence followed by...."
To grow emotionally, intellectually, spiritually... we swallow, we
digest, we feed the body. We think and explore divergently. Then, in
turn, we benefit from thinking and exploring convergently. The rhythm can
be natural if we don't impede it. Conscious action is not usually
required to swallow (unless...?).
Scott Peck wrote that interdependence often brings to mind a word with
"baggage" -- "co-dependence." He offers a definition for "co-dependency"
-- working interdependently to evoke one another's weaknesses. He looks
at the word "collaboration" and suggests that we think of "co-laboring" --
laboring together, or working interdependently to evoke one another's
strengths. Managing the opposites in a generative manner?
In closing, a word from the lighter side. Please "try to keep these
thoughts and insights down." There is such a thing as anti-peristalsis.
Take care,
John
--John Dicus | Cornerstone Consulting Associates Providing Experiences In... Teamwork - Systems - Stewardship jdicus@ourfuture.com | http://www.ourfuture.com 800-773-8017 (in US) | 330-725-2728 (voice/fax) 2761 Stiegler Rd, Valley City OH 44280 (Experiences in Stewardship - April 26-29 & Oct 25-28, 1998)
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