Six Lenses More Information Here Data

Birth of the Chaordic Age We live in an era of unprecedented challenge and unparalleled opportunity. Every aspect of our societies, organizations and personal experience is undergoing profound transformation. What will it take to realize the dreams we all harbor for fulfilling lives, creative work, healthy communities and a sustainable relationship with the Earth?

Transforming … Cultures and Economies Globalization Transformative technologies Control of wealth and power Social and demographic shifts Ecological constraints

Transforming … Organizations and Institutions Limiting centralized command-and-control Fostering innovation and creativity at all levels Adapting new information and communications technologies Creating open, flexible structures for activity and governance

Transforming … Organizations and Institutions Supporting diversity and search for meaning in work Integrating financial, intellectual, social and natural capital Enabling fluid webs of collaboration and competition Transforming concepts of leadership

Transforming … People and Relationships Meaning and identity Relationship and diversity Contribution and creativity Equity and acknowledgment

Transforming … All Aspects of Human Life Global scope and responsibility Growing interconnectedness Evolving technological prowess Extraordinary need and unprecedented opportunity Emerging stories

Patterns That Connect Complexity sciences Organizational learning Political philosophy and economic theory Ecology and living systems Consciousness research Evolving business models New technological systems Community development Grassroots social movements

An Evolving Whole The cosmos at all scales is … Self-organizing and self-regulating Interconnected and interdependent Participatory Open to and productive of novelty and diversity Harmonious blend of competition and cooperation Continually evolving

What If Our Organizations Were… Self-organizing and self-governing in whole and part. Designed to foster maximum autonomy while enabling coordination and coherence at every scale to the global. Able to thrive amid diversity, complexity and change. Compatible with the human spirit and biosphere.

chaos and order … CHAORD (kay-ord) Living systems thrive in a narrow band between chaos and order … CHAORD (kay-ord) ORDER CHAOS CONTROL

A Chaord Is Any organism, organization or system that is: Self-organizing Self-governing Adaptive Nonlinear Complex “Chaordic” means characterized by the fundamental organizing principles of nature and evolution. CHAORD

Chaordic Organizations Enduring in purpose and principle. Powered from the periphery, unified from the core. Exist to enable constituent parts. Equitably distribute power, rights, responsibilities and rewards. Fluid webs of cooperation and competition. Cannot be managed, can only be led. Compatible with the human spirit and biosphere.

Chaordic Initiatives Multi-Stakeholder Networks Strategic business alliances Cross-sector initiatives Social movements Community transformation Organizational Initiatives For profit corporations Nongovernmental organizations

Six Lenses into Organization PURPOSE PRACTICES PRINCIPLES PARTICIPANTS CONSTITUTION ORG. CONCEPT ©2001, The Chaordic Commons

Chaordic Design Process PURPOSE PRACTICE PRINCIPLES Chaordic Design Process: Six Lenses on Organization CONSTITUTION PARTICIPANTS ORG. CONCEPT Chaordic Design Process ©2001 Chaordic Commons

The one community (commonality) PURPOSE A clear, commonly understood statement of that which identifies and binds the community together as worthy of pursuit. The one community (commonality) encompassing many. Purpose ©2001 Chaordic Commons

Commitment to right relationship. PURPOSE PRINCIPLES Clear, commonly understood statements of how Participants will conduct themselves in pursuit of Purpose. Commitment to right relationship. Principles ©2001 Chaordic Commons

The members of the community necessary to its effective initiation PURPOSE PRINCIPLES The members of the community necessary to its effective initiation and continuance – all relevant and affected parties. PARTICIPANTS The many communities participating in one. Participants ©2001 Chaordic Commons

Organizational Concept PURPOSE PRINCIPLES Characterization of Participant relationships that all can trust to be just, equitable and effective in achieving the Purpose in accord with the Principles. Images of organization – patterns and scales of connection. PARTICIPANTS ORG. CONCEPT Organizational Concept ©2001 Chaordic Commons

Adaptive, binding agreements. PURPOSE PRINCIPLES Codification of Concept specifying rights, obligations and relationships of Participants, giving rise to the organization as a legal entity. CONSTITUTION PARTICIPANTS Adaptive, binding agreements. ORG. CONCEPT Constitution ©2001 Chaordic Commons

PURPOSE PRACTICES PRINCIPLES Activities, products and services through which Participants pursue the organization’s Purpose and create value. CONSTITUTION PARTICIPANTS Life, work, and service. ORGANIZATIONAL CONCEPT Practices ©2001 Chaordic Commons

An Iterative, Interdependent Process PURPOSE PRACTICE PRINCIPLES CONSTITUTION PARTICIPANTS ORG. CONCEPT An Iterative, Interdependent Process ©2001 Chaordic Commons

Six Lenses into Organization PURPOSE PRACTICES PRINCIPLES PARTICIPANTS CONSTITUTION ORG. CONCEPT ©2001, The Chaordic Commons

What is deeply meaningful Life in action PARTICIPANTS CONSTITUTION ORG. CONCEPT PRACTICES PRINCIPLES PURPOSE Right relationships Adaptive agreement Many communities within one Fractals, scale, and patterns of connection ©2001, The Chaordic Commons

Deep Commonalities Expanding Possibilities A Fertile Starting Point (One Right Answer) PARTICIPANTS CONSTITUTION ORG. CONCEPT PRACTICES PRINCIPLES PURPOSE Expanding Possibilities (Infinite Right Answers) A Fertile Starting Point (Many Right Answers) ©2001, The Chaordic Commons

Community Organization PARTICIPANTS CONSTITUTION ORG. CONCEPT PRACTICES PRINCIPLES PURPOSE Diversity Commonality Formality Dynamism Organization ©2001, The Chaordic Commons

Deeply personal Deeply common Unique starting point Universal nature AND… Deeply personal Deeply common PARTICIPANTS CONSTITUTION ORG. CONCEPT PRACTICES PRINCIPLES PURPOSE Unique starting point Universal nature AND… ©2001, The Chaordic Commons

Expression of Creativity (Infinite right answers) Bonding (One right answer) Expression of Creativity (Infinite right answers) PARTICIPANTS CONSTITUTION ORG. CONCEPT PRACTICES PRINCIPLES PURPOSE Source of Creativity Enabling (Many right answers) ©2001, The Chaordic Commons, Jack Ring, OM

Process Notes Process is iterative and interdependent. Team members are stewards. Probe assumptions with rigor and respect. Gently push for radically new perspectives. Seek balance among creative tensions. Recognize what is “good enough for now.” Be comfortable with conflict, frustration, ambiguity and confusion – and excitement, inspiration and fun. ©2001, The Chaordic Commons

Ideal Conditions for Success Strong sense of need (or crisis) Perceived opportunity, aspiration and vision Leaders and champions Appropriate project design Dedicated, diverse working groups Broad communication and engagement Resources Interplay of design and practice Will to succeed, grace to compromise