Friday, October 16, 2009
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Economics 3.0
Otto Scharmer has posted a paper that I think is highly relevant to the discussion we need to be having across the globe. I would encourage you to read this and comment.
Jim
http://www.ottoscharmer.com/docs/articles/2009_SevenAcupuncturePoints5.pdf
Jim
http://www.ottoscharmer.com/docs/articles/2009_SevenAcupuncturePoints5.pdf
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Change Agents
One of the interesting insights as I shared my experience here in SE Illinois with a good friend and mentor from the Chicago area is that we struggle as leaders as we seek to enlighten and assist our served populations with ideas and facts that show change is needed, and in the end, are unable to effect the change we know would greatly advance a region into the next iteration of growth and development.
I am reading Margaret Wheatley's book "Finding Our Way: Leadership for an Uncertain Time" (2007) and I want to quote some of what she states because it resonates with me strongly as I work within bureaucratic and community structures.
I am not a politically naive person, yet this last round of activity that the state exerted in our region is puzzling and disappointing. The Board I served was solidly behind the actions that they were taking in enlisting regional discussions and cooperation. The federal funder, USDOL, was also very supportive in regionalism discussions and efforts to leverage federal funds for better outcomes. The elected official prior to last years elections were also very involved and supportive. However, a combination of events decidedly ended the effort and diminished the work of the board to a non-player regionally - exactly where it was when I arrived on the scene. Many of the relationships cultivated over the three years were ruined by decisions made outside the region without regard to the consequences and the setback that this action represented.
What was being developed by the efforts and discussions at the regional level was not to become some power center, but rather, use the model of the farm cooperative and create a community cooperative or as Meg Wheatley states a community of practice. "The concept community of practice was developed to illuminate that learning is a social experience. We humans learn best when in relationship with others who share a common practice. We organize as communities with those who have skills and knowledge that are important to us."(Wheatley, 2007).
Another important insight I learned is best summarized in this quote;"Aggressive problem solving techniques manifest in subtle ways as well. Nearly every problem faced by an organization is complex. Yet we act as if simple cause and effect are at work. We push to find the one simple reason things have gone wrong. We look for one action, or the one person, that created the mess. As soon as we find someone to blame, we act as if we have solved the problem. Of course it is always some one else's fault, never our own. This is the one real joy of scapegoating - we walk away and somebody else or their project takes the hit. Finding others to blame is the only reward of simplistic thinking." (Wheatley, 2007)
These repeating activities in the area I have just completed my service in ensures that innovation and creative responses will diminish because one risk taker after another is banished from the region when it becomes evident that they are starting to affect change. A friend of mine said he could name six or seven wonderfully intelligent leaders who came here and in as little as one year were disenfranchised because they stirred up too much discussion about the future. The status quo keepers even have a training program to ensure that after the next generation takes leadership that the same types of behavior will continue. Sad.
The healthy alternatives are to be a life long learner, open to the changing environment, globally and regionally, and then create responses that will best serve the next generation. Richard Longworth's book, Caught in the Middle (2008), is playing out in the Midwest as this weak economy strikes hard at the manufacturing base of the Midwest. When will we learn that collaboration and the emerging changes in economic relationships demand a different approach and level of awareness?
I am reading Margaret Wheatley's book "Finding Our Way: Leadership for an Uncertain Time" (2007) and I want to quote some of what she states because it resonates with me strongly as I work within bureaucratic and community structures.
I am not a politically naive person, yet this last round of activity that the state exerted in our region is puzzling and disappointing. The Board I served was solidly behind the actions that they were taking in enlisting regional discussions and cooperation. The federal funder, USDOL, was also very supportive in regionalism discussions and efforts to leverage federal funds for better outcomes. The elected official prior to last years elections were also very involved and supportive. However, a combination of events decidedly ended the effort and diminished the work of the board to a non-player regionally - exactly where it was when I arrived on the scene. Many of the relationships cultivated over the three years were ruined by decisions made outside the region without regard to the consequences and the setback that this action represented.
What was being developed by the efforts and discussions at the regional level was not to become some power center, but rather, use the model of the farm cooperative and create a community cooperative or as Meg Wheatley states a community of practice. "The concept community of practice was developed to illuminate that learning is a social experience. We humans learn best when in relationship with others who share a common practice. We organize as communities with those who have skills and knowledge that are important to us."(Wheatley, 2007).
Another important insight I learned is best summarized in this quote;"Aggressive problem solving techniques manifest in subtle ways as well. Nearly every problem faced by an organization is complex. Yet we act as if simple cause and effect are at work. We push to find the one simple reason things have gone wrong. We look for one action, or the one person, that created the mess. As soon as we find someone to blame, we act as if we have solved the problem. Of course it is always some one else's fault, never our own. This is the one real joy of scapegoating - we walk away and somebody else or their project takes the hit. Finding others to blame is the only reward of simplistic thinking." (Wheatley, 2007)
These repeating activities in the area I have just completed my service in ensures that innovation and creative responses will diminish because one risk taker after another is banished from the region when it becomes evident that they are starting to affect change. A friend of mine said he could name six or seven wonderfully intelligent leaders who came here and in as little as one year were disenfranchised because they stirred up too much discussion about the future. The status quo keepers even have a training program to ensure that after the next generation takes leadership that the same types of behavior will continue. Sad.
The healthy alternatives are to be a life long learner, open to the changing environment, globally and regionally, and then create responses that will best serve the next generation. Richard Longworth's book, Caught in the Middle (2008), is playing out in the Midwest as this weak economy strikes hard at the manufacturing base of the Midwest. When will we learn that collaboration and the emerging changes in economic relationships demand a different approach and level of awareness?
Friday, June 26, 2009
New Chapter
My chapter as the Executive Director here in Southeastern Illinois is about to end with a political reason surpassing rationality and performance.
I have enjoyed my stay here for the most part. I have met good people who are making every effort to improve the economic outlook in the region and who understand that the current status quo translates into a continued decline in population and job opportunities.
I want to first thank Jeanne Dau from Eastern Illinois University who embraced my entrance into the region and became a collaborator and friend.
Art Borum from South Central Illinois Growth Alliance also embraced my arrival and has supported the work of the CWIB by always offering periodic opportunities for me to present to the group the exciting work on GIS.
Speaking of GIS, Dr. Mike Rudibaugh has been a wonderful partner as we both realized the potential to develop a core competency of marketable skills for those graduating in GIS to serve the rural region.
Trisha Mason has also stepped up to the plate as ECIDC Executive Director and become a valued partner to the workforce system. She also has latched on to the GIS prioduct and has trained herself to become proficient in this tool. How the CWIB handles this investment will speak volumes to how the future of the region might unfold.
Tiffany Macke has also riosen in leadership with her SIBER initiative partnered with Bob Stephenson and the CWIB. Many in the region realize that inexpensive connectivity to the world wide web is a must in the economic world of global business.
The future of the region is at stake and the CWIB has has a tumultuous six months that will end with IECC becoming the fiscal agent and grant recipient. The CWIB last night passed reasonable items to move forward and designated some of the board members to negotiate with the CEOs in attempting to find common ground. My statement last night was in support of mending whatever has caused this rift in the relationship.
Perception is everything and I know there are some who perceive that somehow control was lost. However, one needs only to go to the CWIB web site, www.cwib.net to see that all financial reports, service delivery reports, board and committee meetings are posted there for the world to read.
I am grateful for the opportunity to serve this region and the experience has allowed me to better understand the rural issues related to workforce and governance issues. This will help me have a more rounded background in workforce development.
I have enjoyed my stay here for the most part. I have met good people who are making every effort to improve the economic outlook in the region and who understand that the current status quo translates into a continued decline in population and job opportunities.
I want to first thank Jeanne Dau from Eastern Illinois University who embraced my entrance into the region and became a collaborator and friend.
Art Borum from South Central Illinois Growth Alliance also embraced my arrival and has supported the work of the CWIB by always offering periodic opportunities for me to present to the group the exciting work on GIS.
Speaking of GIS, Dr. Mike Rudibaugh has been a wonderful partner as we both realized the potential to develop a core competency of marketable skills for those graduating in GIS to serve the rural region.
Trisha Mason has also stepped up to the plate as ECIDC Executive Director and become a valued partner to the workforce system. She also has latched on to the GIS prioduct and has trained herself to become proficient in this tool. How the CWIB handles this investment will speak volumes to how the future of the region might unfold.
Tiffany Macke has also riosen in leadership with her SIBER initiative partnered with Bob Stephenson and the CWIB. Many in the region realize that inexpensive connectivity to the world wide web is a must in the economic world of global business.
The future of the region is at stake and the CWIB has has a tumultuous six months that will end with IECC becoming the fiscal agent and grant recipient. The CWIB last night passed reasonable items to move forward and designated some of the board members to negotiate with the CEOs in attempting to find common ground. My statement last night was in support of mending whatever has caused this rift in the relationship.
Perception is everything and I know there are some who perceive that somehow control was lost. However, one needs only to go to the CWIB web site, www.cwib.net to see that all financial reports, service delivery reports, board and committee meetings are posted there for the world to read.
I am grateful for the opportunity to serve this region and the experience has allowed me to better understand the rural issues related to workforce and governance issues. This will help me have a more rounded background in workforce development.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
On the Move
Well, the time in Southeastern Illinois seems to be drawing to a close and the next opportunity is about to unfold. I have enjoyed most of my time down here in Illinois wth the exception of the past seven months. It is a long story and maybe someday I will write about that story because it is so bizarre. Small town politics triumphs over innovation and collaboration once again. The fear based leadership making decision on nonexistent and non verifiable issues will hinder and confine the growth of this region. It is a sad thing to witness.
Anyhow, the stimulus money is here and the system has six months to show significant response to this effort to retrain American workers. I am sure most of us will do a great job. The key is to train for the emerging future job demand of business, and that is what the system is trying to do. Looking into a crystal ball is hard, and trends do not always give the best data for the future. However, if we remain vigilant and focused, we will impact the people we serve in a very positive way.
Look forward to continue this blog from a new location in the US.
Anyhow, the stimulus money is here and the system has six months to show significant response to this effort to retrain American workers. I am sure most of us will do a great job. The key is to train for the emerging future job demand of business, and that is what the system is trying to do. Looking into a crystal ball is hard, and trends do not always give the best data for the future. However, if we remain vigilant and focused, we will impact the people we serve in a very positive way.
Look forward to continue this blog from a new location in the US.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
This is a very good interview on Bill Moyers Journal.
http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/04032009/watch.html
Isn't time for the American people to find out what put us in this place in our economy?
http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/04032009/watch.html
Isn't time for the American people to find out what put us in this place in our economy?
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Nature and prisioners
This is a great video from TED.
http://www.ted.com/talks/view/id/476
Wouldn't it be great to have this type of activity in our local prisons?
http://www.ted.com/talks/view/id/476
Wouldn't it be great to have this type of activity in our local prisons?
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