I like Rol's term "awakening," the first stage in what Senge, et al (5D
Fieldbook) call "double loop" learning. Awakening emphasizes the very
personal nature of of change interventions which require new states of
self-consciousness. I think such interventions are required much more
often than is acknowledged or even recognised.
Awakening changes begin at the core of who a person is and how they
perceive themselves. These are usually not the same and sometimes are very
different. Knowledge of this difference can be threatening and potentially
painful. Indeed, a therapist or someone as well qualified is needed to
assist a "newly awakened" person cope with their newly found elements of
self, but is not always part of typical intervention.
I have experienced such awakenings myself and know how difficult it is to
resolve disparities between self-perceived versus objectivly measured
behaviors. (I was fortunate that part of the intervention did include
qualified personnel to help me cope with this information.) But, like Ben
(in his recent posting about an a former boss obsessed with measurement),
I feel that ultimately it has made me happier because I am much more in
tune with myself and what I bring and don't bring easily to groups. It
makes me happier and the organization more successful in the long-run to
do something I prefer or at least don't despise doing than to grin and
bear it.
All the best,
-- Reed A W Altman A&EE, 113 Ricks Hall, Box 7607, NCSU, Raleigh, NC 27695-7607 Email : altman@amaroq.ces.ncsu.edu Phone : (919) 515-2819 FAX : (919) 515-1965Learning-org -- Hosted by Rick Karash <rkarash@karash.com> Public Dialog on Learning Organizations -- <http://www.learning-org.com>