Friday, May 11, 2007

Collective feedback: how to disclose what everyone is talking about

With regards to the way in which the ABCD is used or not supposed to be used....or how the FSSD is not the SSD framework, or that there is not an SSD package? Or that SSD is more general and what we have learned is a framework? Questions, conversations arise- and there is some miscommunication and feelings of animosity towards the way information feels cryptic or slightly secretive- or not wholly sure of itself? How do we go out into the world and share what has been learned without being fearful of misrepresentation? And with uncertainties flowing throughout- how might one leave the program feeling confident, feeling like a contribution has come from the growing pains of the program? How many will recommend the program now? Is this somehow related to the confusion over these issues?

What is the best way to disclose information that everyone seems to be talking about? How can top management best receive this information to be able to consider its importance and faciliate participation from those who are feeling violated, uneasy, fearful, or angry? What if feedback came from one representative, and the thoughts of the collective were distilled in a clear way to be shared... Is this not practicing transparency? Or is this self-organization? Are the givers of the feedback then disconnected- at which point they turn responsibility over to one? Is it better that each individual share? Is this cumbersome- does each individual need support of his/her fellows to feel that their opinion is valid? What is the vision of success for the group? Why do they want to be heard? Is it that they want to be understood or are they looking to prevent the same from happening to others... or to themselves in the future? What is the delay involved? And how many assumptions are underlying each persons thoughts and opinions? How is it framed in a way that is not blame?

Thursday, May 10, 2007

10 Dimensions to wrap your mind around

Armadillo medicine and thoughts become things


Drawing from the wisdom of elders from ancients tradions, like that of the Mayan, Yaqui, Aztec, and the native peoples of the Cherokee, Lakota, Seneca, Chotaw, and Cheyanne tribes, David Carsona and Jamie Sams, shamans and healers, have devised a deck of cards that seeks to share the lessons of the animal kingdom and reconect us with the natural world. They accompany a book entitled Medicine Cards
In better understanding what thousands of years of ancient peoples have learnt from all of their relations- the four-legged, the winged ones, the finned ones- we can open the doorway to a more connected awareness and oneness with all life. The medicine cards help guide us on the path- towards realizing our true selves. Like the Tarot tradition, the cards may be drawn and spread as a map of challenges and opportunities. Likewise, any way one wishes to make use of the teachings is equally valuable. Sometimes, I draw a card in the morning, to spark my connection with the universal oneness and guide the day's journey in a conscious and learningful way. Today, the shuffle unveiled the Armadillo card.
Armadillo gives us the power to set boundaries for ourselves, like the protective hard shell it wears on its back. This is not to be taken in a paranoid, distrustful way, rather with Armadillo medicine you can prevent others from invading your sacred space and allowing others to cloud your core purpose or values. This is helpful for letting misguided words- that appear as insults to roll right off you. Likewise, the boundaries allow you to be true to yourself inorder to best express your unique gifts. The medicine suggests drawing a circle - and inside the circle, writing what you wish you life to be, what you want, what you enjoy, what you connect with, what you are striving for. I might add- what you are grateful for. Another way might be to take a stick and draw a big one in the sand- and dance inside, all the while- focused on your unique vision. This is especially powerful in the the shifting paradigm of the quantum world and fostering the Power of Attraction where thoughts become things (Mike Dooley). Margaret Wheatley, author of Leadership and the New Science, also speaks of the Great attractor and the creative tension that exists when a vision of succcess in set forth and life is lived in tow of the vision.
Something to learn from in the social organization of the armadillo clan- especially as interdependence is better understood, especially from a subsitence level, and and natural resources must be shared for the benefit of all. Armadillos build dens uderground to sleep in. They will often share their dens with other armadillos as well as with other animals, such as skunks, rabbits, and oppossums. Here is an overview list of what each animal represents in the broad sense, although, like much of our language, there is much meaning behind each word and its ability to connect us to the world.
Eagle Spirit), Hawk (Messenger), Elk (Stamina), Deer (Gentleness),
Bear (Introspection), Snake (Transmutation), Skunk (Reputation),
Otter (Woman Medicine), Butterfly (Transformation),
Turtle (Mother Earth), Moose (Self-Esteem), Porcupine (Innocence),
Coyote (Trickster), Dog (Loyalty), Wolf (Teacher), Raven (Magic),
Mountain Lion (Leadership), Lynx (Secrets), Buffalo (Prayer & Abundance),Mouse (Scrutiny), Owl (Deception), Beaver (Builder), Opossum, (Diversion) Crow (Law), Fox (Camouflage), Squirrel (Gathering), Dragonfly, (Illusion) Armadillo (Boundaries), Badger (Aggressiveness), Rabbit (Fear), Turkey (Give-Away), Ant (Patience), Weasel (Stealth), Grouse (Sacred Spiral), Horse (Power), Lizard (Dreaming), Antelope (Action), Frog (Cleansing), Swan (Grace), Dolphin (Manna),Whale (Record Keeper), Bat (Rebirth), Spider (Weaving), Hummingbird (Joy),Blue Heron (Self-Reflection), Raccoon (Generous Protector),Prairie Dog (Retreat), Wild Boar (Confrontation),Salmon (Wisdom/Inner Knowing), Alligator (Integration),Jaguar (Integrity/Impeccability), Black Panther (Embracing the Unknown)

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