Noah Baker: Week 3 Reflection
The First step to systemic change is having a system that allows itself to change. However the system we live in values traditions more than change, this creates a situation that is unsustainable. The world around us changes but we don't, we are suffering because we refuse to adapt. To change our situation we have to be innovative, but not your everyday innovative. We have to be culturally innovative and try out new things. One such way to try out new things is to switch the social norm from a hierarchy to a collaborative leadership design. Collaborative Design is a far more effective way of including more people into the decision making process. Collaborative design also gives many different perspectives to the same problem allowing for unique contributions to the solution. For example if I told an engineer to pick 10 people to help him design a farm and he was in charge, he would probably pick 9 engineers and the final design on the farm would be very technical and everything might be very similar. However if you found a group of 10 people from completely diverse backgrounds and asked them to collaboratively design a farm from scratch, they might create something much more unique and different than the group of engineers created. The diverse group would do this because of the multiple different perspectives that they bring to the table. The people in this group could consist of Artists, Musicians, Firefighters, Designers, Engineers, Police Officers, Farmers, Environmental Scientists, People from wealthy backgrounds, People from low income backgrounds, you name it. However the people in the group of engineers might all have a relatively similar story that involves a 4 year university. Collaborative Prototyping is a large part of Collaborative Design. Collaborative Prototyping allows many eyes to see the same thing and critique that thing in a group setting. This allows for the most refined version to be made because a Designer may not see a problem that a Environmental Scientist sees and if they can work together they may find a solution to said problem. In my opinion the more people involved in the prototyping process the better. Innovation can also lead to systemic change by reclassifying materials that would be considered trash now. We clearly saw this innovation process at Deep Dirt Farm where Kate tried to repurpose anything she could get her hands on. One thing she found that worked well was old satellite dishes as roof tops. This type of innovation is very important in our world that is ever growing and wasteful but we also need to be innovative with the technology that is working against us. One such way people are using technologies that are working against us is the uprise of activism on social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. People are using these social media platforms as ways of getting the word out. Social media is perhaps the most effective way of conveying information to the public that would otherwise not be released. In my personal opinion I think strong social media presence is the key to Global systemic change because it creates almost a new system that is accessible by anyone who has a computer. However Local systemic change requires an entirely different approach to this . Local systemic change requires physical activism in communities instead of online. You have to show your community that they can change the way they are living for the better and show them different ways of doing things. Leading by example can be seen in Patagonia where the Borderlands Restoration Institute is showing the community the idea of a restoration economy instead of a destructive one. If more cities and towns followed in Patagonia's footsteps and continued to do so, the world could change.
Week 3 Reflection - Michelle Ouellette
How can collaborative design and prototyping approaches contribute to creating positive systemic change and innovation locally and globally?
This question is a large one indeed. When thinking about it's implications, one of the first words that comes to my mind is synergy. Since learning about synergy, I have noticed when and where it exists in my life, and also when there is lack of it in certain situations. Above and beyond the dictionary's definition, I see synergy as the creative flow of energy that comes from collaboration. I have experienced a lot of synergy over this block working in small collaborative groups. For example, when Sophia, Lily, and I were making our PEMS/PASER sheets for our Site Assessment group we weren't sure exactly how we wanted to go about it, but knew we wanted to do something different. We put our creative ideas together and ended up making a cross-reference chart that met our goals very effectively. If it had not been for our discussion and idea sharing, it is likely that we would never have reached the same conclusion.
In a larger sense, the synergetic flow of energy that is captured from collaboration is a key component of creating any kind of systemic change that we would like to see in the future. One of the most important ways that we can create a synergetic environment is by practicing compassionate communication in which we would authentically listen to each other and strive to truly understand each other's thoughts and feelings. In a design process, the most hindering thing that I have noticed is when people are so passionate about their own ideas and beliefs about how the process should go, that they are not open to the ideas of others. This pattern occurs countless times in our communications in modern societies. A potential solution to this would be teaching children from a young age the value of having an open mind, and the wisdom that comes from being able to entertain a thought with out having to immediately accept or reject it.
In order to create positive systemic change and innovation, on a local and global level, it is absolutely imperative that we learn to value each other's ideas and learn to communicate effectively when we would like to see something different.
When it comes to prototyping, what I think of is the experimental nature of the design of the natural world. According to the reading “Six strategies for creating system change for a sustainable future”: “Change will not happen unless we create something new. In nature, our living systems change through multiple experiments that evolve and shift the world around us.” This idea reminds me of the spaghetti/Marshmallow lab that we did in the beginning of the semester. In my personal experience, I worked with a group that laughed a lot and had fun with the experiment. We did not focus very hard on the final result and spent more time just going for it and incorporating all of the ideas of our group members. In the end our model was successful at holding up the marshmallow. In contrast, some of the other groups focused more on planning what they thought would work for most of the allotted time. They seemed to be getting frustrated during the design process and everyone's ideas were not being heard. In the end were scrambling to finish their design and it turned out that it wasn't able to stand up by itself. This example follows the model of the statistical results of the experiment, in which kindergartners had a much higher success rate than recent business school graduates. What I took away from these results is the benefit of embracing the sometimes chaotic process of creation and having fun throughout the journey, not being only focused on the end goal, which often causes a strong feeling of anxiety and uncertainty.
This principle can absolutely be applied within our local and global communities to help us face the complex problems that we are faced with when trying to create a world in which we can all thrive along side our Mother Earth and heal the preexisting wounds while striving to prevent further damage at the hand of human creation.
Week 3 Perma Reflection ~ Sophia Malonson
“The more diverse and self-expressive the parts are able to be, the more resilient, adaptive and
creative the living system is likely to be.” ~Living Systems Theory, Michelle Holliday & Michael Jones
Just as this quote from the Living Systems Theory research paper highlights, diversity, uniqueness within a larger whole creates more complexity, effectiveness and harmony in the overall system. The example of how life has evolved on Earth from single cell organisms, throughout time to massively complex and synergistically intelligent matter-forms depicts the Living Systems Theory perfectly. Although the intelligence of life still stands within all forms, the abilities of co-creation and innovation through higher complex life is undeniably amazing. Within our own human bodies, we have twelve major systems that, without their unique expression of cells and roles, would not be able to work together in their extremely intelligent way of function and support. Just a few roles within this alliance are the breaking down of food and either utilizing or storing fuel/nutrients, creating an immune response to bacterium, virus and inflammation, removing waste, and keeping the body upright and in motion. Each system is dependent and interrelated to the other, is deeply affected (negatively, neutrally, and positively) by all others, and simultaneously acts in complete uniqueness in order for the whole to thrive. Essentially from my perspective, the jobs of cell formation are divvied up so that not all cells have to do all jobs and create a confused, multitasking-celled organism that is constantly shape-shifting from one job to the next.
With this analogy of and reference to the teamwork it takes within the human body, I would like to talk about how this and obviously all of nature is the perfect system to model our own work after if we wish to design and prototype approaches that create positive systemic change locally and globally. It is all about collaboration. And what I have been learning through our experiences in this course, through supplemental readings and beyond is that allowing each self-expressed role people possess within the collaborative visioning and design process can not occur unless there is authentic listening from the other systemic parts. For example, if the circulatory system that carries and delivers vital nutrients and oxygen around the entire body, was completely unaware that the lymphatic system was to take any waste, toxins or acids from the blood to filter and excrete them from the body in various forms, then the circulatory system would be in trouble wouldn’t it? We would not be able to live very long with acidic blood coursing through our veins and capillaries. The communication and balance that happens between these systems is a wonderful model for us in using our talents to create higher levels of synergy in our local and global systems.
Obviously, one of the first steps within re-enacting this model is to share and listen to the self-expressed ideas, skills and interests of group members (starting out locally). Through the dance of hosting and being hosted, we can encourage and reaffirm the truth of others’ expression, find and solidify our own and see how they can work together in creative, constructive and supportive resonance. Methods such as communication design allow values, ideas and opinions to be expressed visually through the use of media that may convey this information to others in a way that makes sense for the hosting or hosted. It allows conversation, speaking and listening to move past just words and into a deeper discussion in material form. It is also inclusive of various learning styles. This is an excellent tool that can encourage creativity, deep listening and learning, systems thinking and exploration of self within a system.
Combining and recognizing the importance of listening, encouraging self-expression and motivating unity is what a systems leader truly is. Someone who understands the importance of co-operation, collaboration, and the role of each person within the whole to create a web of innovation and resilience. I believe that this has to first start out locally, that first we must navigate within smaller spheres to get use to the water and ways of systems thinking, leading and acting. We may even find that other people we are drawn to, play similar roles to us as if we are in the same organ system! And this is fantastic, for we can build each other up through things like acknowledgment, affirmation, feelings of belonging, sharing ideas and tools and mentorship. As we open our circles, like the Rising Appalachia song suggests, we are allowing greater layers and levels of collaborative sharing to occur in support of one another until these local communities of systems change reach out to other communities which will eventually create a global infrastructure of self truth, positivity and harmony!
creative the living system is likely to be.” ~Living Systems Theory, Michelle Holliday & Michael Jones
Just as this quote from the Living Systems Theory research paper highlights, diversity, uniqueness within a larger whole creates more complexity, effectiveness and harmony in the overall system. The example of how life has evolved on Earth from single cell organisms, throughout time to massively complex and synergistically intelligent matter-forms depicts the Living Systems Theory perfectly. Although the intelligence of life still stands within all forms, the abilities of co-creation and innovation through higher complex life is undeniably amazing. Within our own human bodies, we have twelve major systems that, without their unique expression of cells and roles, would not be able to work together in their extremely intelligent way of function and support. Just a few roles within this alliance are the breaking down of food and either utilizing or storing fuel/nutrients, creating an immune response to bacterium, virus and inflammation, removing waste, and keeping the body upright and in motion. Each system is dependent and interrelated to the other, is deeply affected (negatively, neutrally, and positively) by all others, and simultaneously acts in complete uniqueness in order for the whole to thrive. Essentially from my perspective, the jobs of cell formation are divvied up so that not all cells have to do all jobs and create a confused, multitasking-celled organism that is constantly shape-shifting from one job to the next.
With this analogy of and reference to the teamwork it takes within the human body, I would like to talk about how this and obviously all of nature is the perfect system to model our own work after if we wish to design and prototype approaches that create positive systemic change locally and globally. It is all about collaboration. And what I have been learning through our experiences in this course, through supplemental readings and beyond is that allowing each self-expressed role people possess within the collaborative visioning and design process can not occur unless there is authentic listening from the other systemic parts. For example, if the circulatory system that carries and delivers vital nutrients and oxygen around the entire body, was completely unaware that the lymphatic system was to take any waste, toxins or acids from the blood to filter and excrete them from the body in various forms, then the circulatory system would be in trouble wouldn’t it? We would not be able to live very long with acidic blood coursing through our veins and capillaries. The communication and balance that happens between these systems is a wonderful model for us in using our talents to create higher levels of synergy in our local and global systems.
Obviously, one of the first steps within re-enacting this model is to share and listen to the self-expressed ideas, skills and interests of group members (starting out locally). Through the dance of hosting and being hosted, we can encourage and reaffirm the truth of others’ expression, find and solidify our own and see how they can work together in creative, constructive and supportive resonance. Methods such as communication design allow values, ideas and opinions to be expressed visually through the use of media that may convey this information to others in a way that makes sense for the hosting or hosted. It allows conversation, speaking and listening to move past just words and into a deeper discussion in material form. It is also inclusive of various learning styles. This is an excellent tool that can encourage creativity, deep listening and learning, systems thinking and exploration of self within a system.
Combining and recognizing the importance of listening, encouraging self-expression and motivating unity is what a systems leader truly is. Someone who understands the importance of co-operation, collaboration, and the role of each person within the whole to create a web of innovation and resilience. I believe that this has to first start out locally, that first we must navigate within smaller spheres to get use to the water and ways of systems thinking, leading and acting. We may even find that other people we are drawn to, play similar roles to us as if we are in the same organ system! And this is fantastic, for we can build each other up through things like acknowledgment, affirmation, feelings of belonging, sharing ideas and tools and mentorship. As we open our circles, like the Rising Appalachia song suggests, we are allowing greater layers and levels of collaborative sharing to occur in support of one another until these local communities of systems change reach out to other communities which will eventually create a global infrastructure of self truth, positivity and harmony!
I created an example of Communication Design that communicates the importance of opening up & supporting space that shares and affirms the unique values/skills everyone brings to the system!
Week 3: Co-Design Reflection
Sara Davidson
As we learned from the readings “Hero to Host” and the “Art of Hosting and Harvesting”, collaborative leadership is much more effective given the complex issues our world faces today. Margaret Wheatley says that in an uncollaborative design process, “those at the bottom of the hierarchy submit to the greater vision and expertise of those above.” This greatly limited the possibilities within local and global systems. If everyone’s voices were allowed to heard, positive systemic change and greater innovation would most certainly arise as a result. Taken from the “Art of Hosting” reading, people in real-life organizations and conversational groups agree that “better decision-making, more efficient and effective capacity building and greater ability to quickly respond to opportunity, challenge and change” comes out of working collaboratively.
Along with collaborative leadership comes collaborative design that helps “harness the collective wisdom” of a group such as our Permaculture class. Based on the experiences we have had in this course, positive systemic change has shown through just by the way our class has been hosted. Instead of having conventional classroom hierarchal leadership, collaborative leadership has enabled us to learn how to work together more effectively and generate more developed ideas and designs. Based on the results of collaborative design in just our small classroom setting, the possibilities could be enormous on local and global levels if people learned how to work together better. David Suzuki says that there is nothing more important in life than having strong relationships. With collaborative design, comes stronger relationships and a decreased mindset of greed that comes with valuing the economy over the environment of which our lives depend on. David Suzuki reminds us in his speech that every living thing is connected that humans are not separate from nature, we are animals too. Hierarchical systems have arisen from the linear mindsets that everything is separate. However Suzuki points out that there is no distinct line where one living system ends and another starts, therefore collaborative design is only natural.
The prototyping approaches that proved to be effective were demonstrated in the rotation of our classmates into different groups while designing a Synthesized Vision Statement, an Ethics & Variables Venn Diagram, a Systems Map, an Overview Design, and finally a Windsong Design. This allowed for everyone in the class to have a turn, have their voices heard, and make their mark on each design project step. Creating a vision statement helped prototype our design for Windsong by ensuring that everything we imagined had a purpose. Creating a Systems Map helped us prototype our design by making visible how everything is connected and what factors are at play. Additionally, the Systems Map helped show how Windsong plays a part in the whole. Creating an Overview Map helped us prototype our design by allowing us to look at the big picture and the big issues at hand so that we may start addressing them when zooming into Windsong Peace and Leadership Center. Each of these four prototyping approaches are all crucial in prototyping a design for Windsong in order to follow the permaculture principles, enable Environmental and Social justice, hold a peaceful space, and inspire the leaders of the next generation.
Along with collaborative leadership comes collaborative design that helps “harness the collective wisdom” of a group such as our Permaculture class. Based on the experiences we have had in this course, positive systemic change has shown through just by the way our class has been hosted. Instead of having conventional classroom hierarchal leadership, collaborative leadership has enabled us to learn how to work together more effectively and generate more developed ideas and designs. Based on the results of collaborative design in just our small classroom setting, the possibilities could be enormous on local and global levels if people learned how to work together better. David Suzuki says that there is nothing more important in life than having strong relationships. With collaborative design, comes stronger relationships and a decreased mindset of greed that comes with valuing the economy over the environment of which our lives depend on. David Suzuki reminds us in his speech that every living thing is connected that humans are not separate from nature, we are animals too. Hierarchical systems have arisen from the linear mindsets that everything is separate. However Suzuki points out that there is no distinct line where one living system ends and another starts, therefore collaborative design is only natural.
The prototyping approaches that proved to be effective were demonstrated in the rotation of our classmates into different groups while designing a Synthesized Vision Statement, an Ethics & Variables Venn Diagram, a Systems Map, an Overview Design, and finally a Windsong Design. This allowed for everyone in the class to have a turn, have their voices heard, and make their mark on each design project step. Creating a vision statement helped prototype our design for Windsong by ensuring that everything we imagined had a purpose. Creating a Systems Map helped us prototype our design by making visible how everything is connected and what factors are at play. Additionally, the Systems Map helped show how Windsong plays a part in the whole. Creating an Overview Map helped us prototype our design by allowing us to look at the big picture and the big issues at hand so that we may start addressing them when zooming into Windsong Peace and Leadership Center. Each of these four prototyping approaches are all crucial in prototyping a design for Windsong in order to follow the permaculture principles, enable Environmental and Social justice, hold a peaceful space, and inspire the leaders of the next generation.
Conner Skyler McElroy Reflects Again
The strengths of collaborative design lie in how it brings people together and gives them all equal voices. Our whole class has been an experiment in collaborative design. When we work as a collective properly, we all get equal voice and a chance to share our ideas. This gives us all a strong sense of ownership. When we feel like owners, we normally feel passionately about that which we own. So, when we work collaboratively and create this feeling of ownership we create people who are ardent about their design. In relation to our class, I know that I feel strongly about how to create a design for Windsong and the greater borderlands region because I have been given full creative expression and ownership of the design. Well, not full creative expression because there are other people who I must work with and sometimes that means conflicting ideas.
There is a huge challenge that comes with working collaboratively and that is that it involves creating as a group. It is not common that a community of people will agree with each other on every aspect of a project. This leads to a series of compromises and sacrifices. But, a lot of people are not used to sacrificing or compromising. This was an issue that I faced in a design jam on our trip. I eventually sacrificed an idea of mine, but I have to admit that I was not very gracious about it. I had a hard time engaging with the flow of ideas after this, which led to tension within our small group. While working as a diverse group can lead to a community that adapts and responds to change quickly and effectively (as the quote that Sophia used in her reflection indicates) it can also be quite taxing for people who are not used to thinking as a unit.
I believe that performing as a team can lead to a very high quality final project, but only if the team can play well together. This sort of process consists of a flow of give and take between the teammates, support for all, listening and inclusiveness, open and honest dialogue, and a willingness to work as a collective. Without these characteristics, a collaborative design can go sour very quickly.
I think that this reflects a need in our society to create more opportunities for group cooperation because the benefits can be so productive, as we have seen in our class. When we work together, we get more ideas on paper than any one person can. Without our entire class’ contributions the work would be much more daunting. I know that having Jackson as a partner in crime for our design project has been, and will continue to be, awesome. When we first got a chance to work together on our blueprint, I was not sure where to start, but he had a great idea: start with the basics. I know that having Jackson as a teammate will inspire me to higher levels of academic achievement than I would work towards on my own. He contributes a different set of ideas than mine, a good work ethic, and companionship in the work. If I were working on this project without him I’m not sure I would be able to churn out anything special for my design. I believe that we will work well together because we are willing to engage on a level that facilitates good group work and because we have had excellent practice for teamwork in the last three weeks.
There is a huge challenge that comes with working collaboratively and that is that it involves creating as a group. It is not common that a community of people will agree with each other on every aspect of a project. This leads to a series of compromises and sacrifices. But, a lot of people are not used to sacrificing or compromising. This was an issue that I faced in a design jam on our trip. I eventually sacrificed an idea of mine, but I have to admit that I was not very gracious about it. I had a hard time engaging with the flow of ideas after this, which led to tension within our small group. While working as a diverse group can lead to a community that adapts and responds to change quickly and effectively (as the quote that Sophia used in her reflection indicates) it can also be quite taxing for people who are not used to thinking as a unit.
I believe that performing as a team can lead to a very high quality final project, but only if the team can play well together. This sort of process consists of a flow of give and take between the teammates, support for all, listening and inclusiveness, open and honest dialogue, and a willingness to work as a collective. Without these characteristics, a collaborative design can go sour very quickly.
I think that this reflects a need in our society to create more opportunities for group cooperation because the benefits can be so productive, as we have seen in our class. When we work together, we get more ideas on paper than any one person can. Without our entire class’ contributions the work would be much more daunting. I know that having Jackson as a partner in crime for our design project has been, and will continue to be, awesome. When we first got a chance to work together on our blueprint, I was not sure where to start, but he had a great idea: start with the basics. I know that having Jackson as a teammate will inspire me to higher levels of academic achievement than I would work towards on my own. He contributes a different set of ideas than mine, a good work ethic, and companionship in the work. If I were working on this project without him I’m not sure I would be able to churn out anything special for my design. I believe that we will work well together because we are willing to engage on a level that facilitates good group work and because we have had excellent practice for teamwork in the last three weeks.
Jackson Amberley Sims-Myers
“That’s really what you want in life, you want to feel connected, you want to feel relevant you want to feel like you’re a participant in the goings on of activities and events around you That’s precisely what we are, just by being alive…” -Neil DeGrasse Tyson
Sophia wrote that systems thinking is deeply similar to the human body. Our bodies are able to function because of our unique and complex systems (muscular, cardiovascular, nervous, etc.), the cells the comprize us, the immensely diverse types of bacteria that help organs function, and the atoms full of knowledge that collectively unify to produce our thoughts, expel our waste, and work to fight our ailments. These functions are comparative to other human systems including intentional communities, governments, activism groups, and even companies. However, highly functioning systems can only succeed when each part of the system works for their fullest potential and feels valued as integral, necessary elements that allow the whole to function.
The article Social Permaculture, Starhawk mentioned a quote from Diana Leafe Christian, who said, “No matter how visionary and inspired the founders, only about one out of ten new communities actually get built. The other 90 per cent seemed to go nowhere, occasionally because of lack of money or not finding the right land, but mostly because of conflict. And usually, conflict accompanied by heartbreak. And sometimes, conflict, heartbreak and lawsuits.” Christian focuses on the fact that conflict is the main reason for the downfall of a system, even though passion and focus are present.
There appears to be numerous reasons that systems of people fall into disarray and dissolve. One cause that I have seen most often in my own life, and one that is very much plaguing the American political system currently, is the me-versus-them mentality. The rift we can create between ourselves and the rest of the world is a systemic problem that has entered into many areas of our lives in very complex, and sometimes subtle ways.
The Dawn of Systems Leadership, an article from the Stanford Social Innovation Review, describes the healing process for this issue of moving to a perspective that things “out there” are “in here.”’ The article goes on to say, “Real change starts with recognizing that we are part of the systems we seek to change. The fear and distrust we seek to remedy also exist within us—as do the anger, sorrow, doubt, and frustration. Our actions will not become more effective until we shift the nature of the awareness and thinking behind the actions.”
My experience in this class, as well as in the other communities I am a part of, has been that when we can change how we see the world, shift our paradigm, and see ourselves and others on the same level, all with fears, dreams, insecurities, and aspirations, we can begin to develop the skill of hosting individuals and communities, as well as becoming vulnerable and be hosted ourselves. In turn, when a group becomes an open place of hosting and harvesting each other's insights, ideas, and even failures, we move towards a collaborative, mutually beneficial, and high functioning multifarious system.
Leadership in the Age of complexity: From Hero to Host by Margaret Wheatley and Debbie Frieze, reflects that when this process happens, “People who didn’t like each other, people who discounted and ignored each other, people who felt invisible, neglected, left out—these are the people who can emerge from their boxes and labels to become interesting, engaged colleagues and citizens.” In order to have pieces of a whole function and work with each other, we need to, at the core, value the totality of our systems and communities and our communities and systems need to feel valued. Through collaborative design and prototyping approaches we can create positive systemic change and innovation on a local and global scale.
The article Social Permaculture, Starhawk mentioned a quote from Diana Leafe Christian, who said, “No matter how visionary and inspired the founders, only about one out of ten new communities actually get built. The other 90 per cent seemed to go nowhere, occasionally because of lack of money or not finding the right land, but mostly because of conflict. And usually, conflict accompanied by heartbreak. And sometimes, conflict, heartbreak and lawsuits.” Christian focuses on the fact that conflict is the main reason for the downfall of a system, even though passion and focus are present.
There appears to be numerous reasons that systems of people fall into disarray and dissolve. One cause that I have seen most often in my own life, and one that is very much plaguing the American political system currently, is the me-versus-them mentality. The rift we can create between ourselves and the rest of the world is a systemic problem that has entered into many areas of our lives in very complex, and sometimes subtle ways.
The Dawn of Systems Leadership, an article from the Stanford Social Innovation Review, describes the healing process for this issue of moving to a perspective that things “out there” are “in here.”’ The article goes on to say, “Real change starts with recognizing that we are part of the systems we seek to change. The fear and distrust we seek to remedy also exist within us—as do the anger, sorrow, doubt, and frustration. Our actions will not become more effective until we shift the nature of the awareness and thinking behind the actions.”
My experience in this class, as well as in the other communities I am a part of, has been that when we can change how we see the world, shift our paradigm, and see ourselves and others on the same level, all with fears, dreams, insecurities, and aspirations, we can begin to develop the skill of hosting individuals and communities, as well as becoming vulnerable and be hosted ourselves. In turn, when a group becomes an open place of hosting and harvesting each other's insights, ideas, and even failures, we move towards a collaborative, mutually beneficial, and high functioning multifarious system.
Leadership in the Age of complexity: From Hero to Host by Margaret Wheatley and Debbie Frieze, reflects that when this process happens, “People who didn’t like each other, people who discounted and ignored each other, people who felt invisible, neglected, left out—these are the people who can emerge from their boxes and labels to become interesting, engaged colleagues and citizens.” In order to have pieces of a whole function and work with each other, we need to, at the core, value the totality of our systems and communities and our communities and systems need to feel valued. Through collaborative design and prototyping approaches we can create positive systemic change and innovation on a local and global scale.
Lara Mehra
Week 3 Reflection
Deanna Mazzella
Collaborative design can assist in positive system change because it results in actual products and creates experiences for people more unique than any other. Often times in collaborative design you are partnered with people with different backgrounds or beliefs. Sometimes in our culture we look at this as a negative thing. We might see working together with someone who might be considered different than us as a way for problems to arise, arguments to happen, and distant between people to form. But in actuality collaborative design will achieve things that we never would have without inviting such diversity into our lives. The important part is that it needs to be INVITED. We have to go into it with an open mind, ready to listen, learn, contribute and just be open. In collaborative design it is best approached with an open mind to different opinions. This allows people to get insight that they never would have realized prior. It allows people the ability to question. It allows people to question how or why something will work. It allows people to question why they think the way they think. It allows people simply the ability to question, to ask simple questions that answer problems people thought we're more complex than they had to be. It is a reflective process that broadens your horizon to more and different possibilities. Collaborative design also leads to collaborative learning. People begin to engage with one another, they share their knowledge and together everyone is more intelligent than they are on their own. People will also find that they have more in common then they may have thought. Often time people have a common desire for improving the lives of others with just different opinions on how to achieve such goals. Most everyone also has common survival based needs, such as food, shelter, and companionship. But these needs can go deeper, such as the desire to have nourishing, tasty food, or to want to have a place to call home, a space where you are familiar, comfortable and can play out your daily practices or even to have deep relationships with others, that are valuable to your happiness. Recognizing this can usually make it easier for someone to go into a collaborative scenario with a more open mind, ready to see how common needs can be met in different ways. This type of work also allows for things to be done more readily. When there are more people it allows for some to take action and do, for others to learn by doing or observation, for constructive criticism, for productive failure, for unexpected success, for ongoing learning and growth and all and all for change. An important part of system change is to see the bigger picture when often times people focus on parts. In a collaborative group more eyes on the goal lead to the ability to see the whole system. Also seeing the whole system can lessen divisive issues and arguments around a subject. This allows change to happen in a sustainable way. Often without knowing an outcome a challenge can seem daunting. When you collaborate with others it makes a task more efficient, effective, timely, manageable, and possible. All of these outcomes of collaborative learning are basically what system change is all about. Collaborative change is also a part of building successful system leaders, and switching the mindset of hero to host. It allows everyone to take action rather than just an individual carrying the impossible weight of everyone else. When you think about it this way, it is also a more realistic lifestyle than the one we currently live.
Week Three Design Reflection
Lily Caster
Before you can create effective change, through action and movement, you need a plan- a design. This design, if done correctly will be a collaborative process consisting of many stages, successes, failures, and prototypes. Our world is zig-zagged with complex webs and systems, that trap members of our society in the unsustainable lifestyle we have been practically programed to live by. If we want to see a paradigm shift, we must create designs, whether they are on a global scale or for our backyard. Designs lead to action, and action is what creates change.
The very first principle that David Holmgren lists is to observe and interact. Although this might be difficult for some, who want to jump into action, it is vitally important when creating a design. Simply understanding an area of land, and how it interacts with the various elements it interfaces with, will help you understand how to create positive systemic change. How can you find a solution if you don’t know what the problem is? While talking with Kate at Deep Dirt Farm, and Gary Nabhan, they both explained that the very first thing they did was observe their land for almost a year before starting any development. They stressed how important this was because it enabled them to address the problems that existed, and plan out where the most efficient placement/orientation would be for every element of the design. In this way, they were working with the land, instead of trying to change and divert it, they incorporated it for their benefit, increasing productivity and efficiency. A sustainable system is one that needs little maintenance and upkeep because it is incorporated and integrated so well into the natural systems that are already in place. In order to achieve this high level of balance and harmony, you must create a design from careful and extensive observation.
Through careful and extensive observation and planning you can easily create change in your backyard, but how does this create an impact on a global scale? Well, I like to think of design as a sort of fashion trend that catches on quickly and soon spreads over the whole globe. Design can create community and community is much more powerful than a single person. Yet another permaculture principle states that you should move at a slow and manageable pace. So by starting with a small design and conducting multiple tests/prototypes to see what works the best, we can slowly expand our vision and build momentum. Once a solid foundation is built, I feel as though there is no limit to what design can do. What does design even mean? What are we designing? You can design a garden, a building, a home, an entire property, a community, a city, or a country! “Design” is defined as a purpose, plan, or intention that exists or is thought to exist behind an action, fact, or material object. That being said, design is the first step in the process of action. As discussed in my last reflection, dreams and goals are hollow unless they are implemented. We could say the same about design, however that doesn't mean it is unnecessary, because action without design is unproductive chaos and wasted effort.
I see collaborative design as a network that connects people and creates change through positive results and inspiration. I believe that the most effective teaching tool is the action of showing and giving solid examples, rather than telling and preaching about abstract theories. Collaborative design allows us to show our success, to spread and share our results and ideas, it enables us to cultivate sustainability, beauty, efficiency, balance, harmony and so so much more.
Lily Caster
Before you can create effective change, through action and movement, you need a plan- a design. This design, if done correctly will be a collaborative process consisting of many stages, successes, failures, and prototypes. Our world is zig-zagged with complex webs and systems, that trap members of our society in the unsustainable lifestyle we have been practically programed to live by. If we want to see a paradigm shift, we must create designs, whether they are on a global scale or for our backyard. Designs lead to action, and action is what creates change.
The very first principle that David Holmgren lists is to observe and interact. Although this might be difficult for some, who want to jump into action, it is vitally important when creating a design. Simply understanding an area of land, and how it interacts with the various elements it interfaces with, will help you understand how to create positive systemic change. How can you find a solution if you don’t know what the problem is? While talking with Kate at Deep Dirt Farm, and Gary Nabhan, they both explained that the very first thing they did was observe their land for almost a year before starting any development. They stressed how important this was because it enabled them to address the problems that existed, and plan out where the most efficient placement/orientation would be for every element of the design. In this way, they were working with the land, instead of trying to change and divert it, they incorporated it for their benefit, increasing productivity and efficiency. A sustainable system is one that needs little maintenance and upkeep because it is incorporated and integrated so well into the natural systems that are already in place. In order to achieve this high level of balance and harmony, you must create a design from careful and extensive observation.
Through careful and extensive observation and planning you can easily create change in your backyard, but how does this create an impact on a global scale? Well, I like to think of design as a sort of fashion trend that catches on quickly and soon spreads over the whole globe. Design can create community and community is much more powerful than a single person. Yet another permaculture principle states that you should move at a slow and manageable pace. So by starting with a small design and conducting multiple tests/prototypes to see what works the best, we can slowly expand our vision and build momentum. Once a solid foundation is built, I feel as though there is no limit to what design can do. What does design even mean? What are we designing? You can design a garden, a building, a home, an entire property, a community, a city, or a country! “Design” is defined as a purpose, plan, or intention that exists or is thought to exist behind an action, fact, or material object. That being said, design is the first step in the process of action. As discussed in my last reflection, dreams and goals are hollow unless they are implemented. We could say the same about design, however that doesn't mean it is unnecessary, because action without design is unproductive chaos and wasted effort.
I see collaborative design as a network that connects people and creates change through positive results and inspiration. I believe that the most effective teaching tool is the action of showing and giving solid examples, rather than telling and preaching about abstract theories. Collaborative design allows us to show our success, to spread and share our results and ideas, it enables us to cultivate sustainability, beauty, efficiency, balance, harmony and so so much more.
JakobPasdertz
When asked how can collaborative design and prototyping approaches contribute to creating positive systemic change and innovation locally and globally? One can foresee many answers to this questions. The path that I have chosen to explore is very similar to the approach Joe Hsueh uses. This approach is one of community building. From this I am led to harvest the thoughts that through collaboration we can find more purpose as humans. Because of this we will find a cultural consciousness in which we are able to ask harder questions about the problems our modern world is grappling with. In asking these questions with our mindfulness centered on the whole, we will be able to prototype and explore possibilities and ultimately create a new system with a positive cycle.
The first step on the path to creating positive systemic is the fostering of a community on a cultural level in order to unite people towards common goals. As said by Anna Birney in an article titled Sic strategies for creating system change for a sustainable future “System change begins and ends with people ready to lead themselves and their organisations.” (the guardian) Birney lists community building as the first step of system change. A system is defined as a harmonious arrangement or pattern. The system of both our local and global culture needs to be harmonious in order for us to establish a pattern. In the establishing of a cultural rhythm we will find the freedom of a deeper connection with those around us.
After discovering a cultural consciousness we will be ready to analyze our system and ask the questions of what are the problem in it. These questions will lead us to leverage points. As said by Donella Meadows leverage points “are places within a complex system (a corporation, an economy, a living body, a city, an ecosystem) where a small shift in one thing can produce big changes in everything.” (Academy for systems change) These points are where we need to direct our attention. If we can identify these point, we will be able to ask the question of what is inhibiting us from using these points to their maximum potential for cultural positivity. On a local level we will be able to look at shifting economies from extractive to restorative, and we will be able to weigh out human and ecological rights to the same degree.
Once we identify these leverage points we will be able to implement solutions that are not plans,but the product of experimenting and testing. This will allow us to find dynamic solutions to problems as opposed to inflexible plans that are constrained and unable to account for unforeseen obstacles. This process is known as prototyping or creating a solution and immediately testing it. Then gathering data from your tests and either altering the original design or starting with a new one entirely. This process allows weakness that otherwise would be over looked to be exposed. Though this we as a society both in our local communities and global communities will be prepared to answer questions that propose value in the form of human progress as opposed to material gain.
In conclusion though the ascertaining of a collective societal consciousness, and the willingness to experiment with solutions to the problems we are currently experiencing as a society. We will be able to easily shift our paradigm to ask questions like "[...] How is my success depending on your success?"[...]. "Might there be a deeper shared aspiration that can bring us together?” (Marc Gunther). Questions like the ones Hsueh is asking will lead us to collaboratively design and prototype in order to to creating positive systemic change as well as local and global innovation
The first step on the path to creating positive systemic is the fostering of a community on a cultural level in order to unite people towards common goals. As said by Anna Birney in an article titled Sic strategies for creating system change for a sustainable future “System change begins and ends with people ready to lead themselves and their organisations.” (the guardian) Birney lists community building as the first step of system change. A system is defined as a harmonious arrangement or pattern. The system of both our local and global culture needs to be harmonious in order for us to establish a pattern. In the establishing of a cultural rhythm we will find the freedom of a deeper connection with those around us.
After discovering a cultural consciousness we will be ready to analyze our system and ask the questions of what are the problem in it. These questions will lead us to leverage points. As said by Donella Meadows leverage points “are places within a complex system (a corporation, an economy, a living body, a city, an ecosystem) where a small shift in one thing can produce big changes in everything.” (Academy for systems change) These points are where we need to direct our attention. If we can identify these point, we will be able to ask the question of what is inhibiting us from using these points to their maximum potential for cultural positivity. On a local level we will be able to look at shifting economies from extractive to restorative, and we will be able to weigh out human and ecological rights to the same degree.
Once we identify these leverage points we will be able to implement solutions that are not plans,but the product of experimenting and testing. This will allow us to find dynamic solutions to problems as opposed to inflexible plans that are constrained and unable to account for unforeseen obstacles. This process is known as prototyping or creating a solution and immediately testing it. Then gathering data from your tests and either altering the original design or starting with a new one entirely. This process allows weakness that otherwise would be over looked to be exposed. Though this we as a society both in our local communities and global communities will be prepared to answer questions that propose value in the form of human progress as opposed to material gain.
In conclusion though the ascertaining of a collective societal consciousness, and the willingness to experiment with solutions to the problems we are currently experiencing as a society. We will be able to easily shift our paradigm to ask questions like "[...] How is my success depending on your success?"[...]. "Might there be a deeper shared aspiration that can bring us together?” (Marc Gunther). Questions like the ones Hsueh is asking will lead us to collaboratively design and prototype in order to to creating positive systemic change as well as local and global innovation
Anya Wallin Reflection
Prototyping and collaborative design are both processes that encourage people to work together in creative and spontaneous ways. In our changing systems, on a local and global level, challenges will arise that will require people to work together in this creative and spontaneous manner. For this reason the skills one develops when practicing prototyping approaches or creating a collaborative design, are very useful skills to have when working towards systemic change.
Prototyping requires an attitude of willingness to play and to fail. When we begin a prototype, we do not know what the results are going to be. We have a blank space, or maybe some ideas, and we must just jump in and try things. This attitude is useful when working for systemic change because we must be able to prototype new systems. We have to have the willingness to try new things in order to create new systems. Things are changing quickly and we don’t always have time for extensive planning and research. Sometimes we just have to go for it. An example of this in my own life took place this summer, when I was creating a Red Tent space at a summer camp. I had the goal of creating a new system for empowering young women, but I had never done it before. I had been to similar events where I gathered inspiration, but I had never built a tent myself from the ground up. I certainly experienced failure. I experienced failure when prototyping the physical structure. I ended up with tapestries and PVC pipes falling all over me, calling out to anyone I could see for a hand. I also experienced failure when trying out a new leadership role. I had moments of absolute silence as I thought about what to do next, forgetting the plans I had written and not being able to find my flashlight to check. All this failure was super worth it though when I was able to witness how the new system created personal change in the little girls I was working with. I am grateful that I was able to use this summer as a chance to prototype that system. I am now planning on trying it again at this school and while I know I am certainly not past the point of failing, I feel more confident after the first round. From this example, I understand how prototyping is an essential part of being a system changer.
The skill-set required in a collaborative design process are certainly useful skills for designing new systems as well. These skills include teamwork, listening, compromising, communication, playfulness, creativity, ability to let go, ability to make ones voice heard, and much more. I strongly believe new systems will need to involve collaborative leadership. I hope and pray that things will start looking more like circles and less like pyramids. Collaborative design is an artistic scenario that involves collaborative leadership. Therefore collaborative leadership requires the same skills as collaborative design. Design is an excellent framework in which to develop our collaborative leadership skills. This has been an interesting process for me, as someone who has been drawing out designs in notebooks since I was 5 years old, and never had to collaborate on one. I am learning a lot about letting go. I think this skill will certainly help me as a system changer.
Personally I feel very excited to learn how to be a host of collaborative leadership processes. When a leader takes on the role of a host the whole process becomes collaborative and we can as a collective make better decisions then any individual. Being able to hold all of the complex power dynamics and differing opinions in fun, safe and inclusive container is not easy, but it is certainly extremely important.
Prototyping requires an attitude of willingness to play and to fail. When we begin a prototype, we do not know what the results are going to be. We have a blank space, or maybe some ideas, and we must just jump in and try things. This attitude is useful when working for systemic change because we must be able to prototype new systems. We have to have the willingness to try new things in order to create new systems. Things are changing quickly and we don’t always have time for extensive planning and research. Sometimes we just have to go for it. An example of this in my own life took place this summer, when I was creating a Red Tent space at a summer camp. I had the goal of creating a new system for empowering young women, but I had never done it before. I had been to similar events where I gathered inspiration, but I had never built a tent myself from the ground up. I certainly experienced failure. I experienced failure when prototyping the physical structure. I ended up with tapestries and PVC pipes falling all over me, calling out to anyone I could see for a hand. I also experienced failure when trying out a new leadership role. I had moments of absolute silence as I thought about what to do next, forgetting the plans I had written and not being able to find my flashlight to check. All this failure was super worth it though when I was able to witness how the new system created personal change in the little girls I was working with. I am grateful that I was able to use this summer as a chance to prototype that system. I am now planning on trying it again at this school and while I know I am certainly not past the point of failing, I feel more confident after the first round. From this example, I understand how prototyping is an essential part of being a system changer.
The skill-set required in a collaborative design process are certainly useful skills for designing new systems as well. These skills include teamwork, listening, compromising, communication, playfulness, creativity, ability to let go, ability to make ones voice heard, and much more. I strongly believe new systems will need to involve collaborative leadership. I hope and pray that things will start looking more like circles and less like pyramids. Collaborative design is an artistic scenario that involves collaborative leadership. Therefore collaborative leadership requires the same skills as collaborative design. Design is an excellent framework in which to develop our collaborative leadership skills. This has been an interesting process for me, as someone who has been drawing out designs in notebooks since I was 5 years old, and never had to collaborate on one. I am learning a lot about letting go. I think this skill will certainly help me as a system changer.
Personally I feel very excited to learn how to be a host of collaborative leadership processes. When a leader takes on the role of a host the whole process becomes collaborative and we can as a collective make better decisions then any individual. Being able to hold all of the complex power dynamics and differing opinions in fun, safe and inclusive container is not easy, but it is certainly extremely important.