Overview and Perspective – Tools for Sense-Making Series
This article will summarize the previous models from: Understanding the World – Where we are going? Part 2; Making Sense of the World – Where we are going? Part 3; and Where we need to be. Part 4 – Finalizing the model.
You Versus Others Model
The “You vs Others” model is where the individual sees themselves in opposition to others. It often results in a competitive or conflict-driven perspective.
Key Characteristics:
- Emphasizes “me vs. them.”
- Encourages divisiveness.
- Relies heavily on political solutions and power dynamics.
If a manager views their team as competitors, it will result in micromanaging and imposing strict rules. This result in distrust and bad team morale instead of fostering a culture of team work.
Connection Model
The “Connection” model focuses on creating connections between individuals. It also puts an emphasis on shared understanding and cooperation. This allows you to see others as people with their own individualistic perspectives and experiences.
Overcoming “Us vs. Them”: The initial step involves moving beyond the divisive “us vs. them” mentality. This requires recognizing our shared humanity and fostering connections with others, even those with differing viewpoints.
Building Bridges: Building bridges of understanding requires empathy, active listening, and a willingness to engage in respectful dialogue.
Finding Common Ground: Identifying shared values and experiences can create a foundation for connection and collaboration.
A teacher encourages group work where students share their cultural backgrounds. This helps classmates see each other as individuals with valuable experiences rather than just peers or competitors.
Participation and Co-Manifestation (Co-Creation) Model
The “Participation and Co-Manifestation” model shifts the focus from individual or group interests to a common good. This then encourages others to actively participate in common goals.
Active Involvement: Participation goes beyond passive observation. It involves actively engaging in the community, contributing to shared goals, and working together to address common challenges.
Co-creation: This involves working collaboratively to create something new and valuable, something greater than the sum of individual contributions.
Collective Action: By working together, we can achieve goals that would be impossible for individuals to achieve alone.
A community council can work with each other to create a public park. They prioritize the benefits of green spaces for everyone over individual preferences, such as the location of the park or specific amenities.
Higher Aim and Reverence Model
The “Higher Aim and Reverence” model builds upon co-manifestation by integrating a higher purpose that transcends immediate goals. It emphasizes reverence for principles beyond ones self-interest.
Higher Purpose: A shared, higher purpose provides direction and motivation for collective action. This could be anything from environmental sustainability to social justice to personal growth.
Reverence for Ideals: Recognizing the importance of higher ideals and striving towards them fosters a sense of purpose and meaning.
Avoiding Self-Reference: A healthy community focuses on external goals and aims to contribute to something larger than itself.
A hospital establishes a patient-centered care initiative inspired by the principle of compassion as a universal value. Then doctors, nurses, administrators, and support staff then align their efforts to both provide medical treatment and to meet the emotional needs and well-being of each patient.
- Higher Aim: The initiative transcends mere operational goals like reducing wait times or increasing efficiency. Instead, it focuses on creating a culture where every decision reflects a reverence for life and human dignity.
- Outcome: This shared commitment inspires innovations in care delivery, fosters deep trust among patients and providers, and unites the staff in a purpose larger than individual roles or institutional success.
For a more in depth overview of these models, please watch Models Part 5 – Overview and Perspective by Navigating Patterns.
Additional Episodes in the Tools for Sense-Making Series:
Our Views the Dangers of Oversimplifying – Where are we Going Part 1 – Article | YouTube
Critical thinking – if A then what else? – Article | YouTube
Conspiracy theories and their utility – Article | YouTube
Understanding the World – Where we are going? Part 2 – Article | YouTube
Making Sense of the World – Where we are going? Part 3 – Article | YouTube
Where we need to be. Part 4 – Finalizing the model – Article | YouTube
How to Think Better? Models – Part 5 – YouTube
The Trick of Socialism – YouTube
Cognitive Load – How it Works! – YouTube
Understanding the Enchanted World – YouTube
You vs. Others | Connection | Participation and Co-Manifestation | Higher Aim and Reverence