Something to say…
Win Wenger
I imagine each of us has something pretty special to say before it’s all over, but we never really get around to saying it. This time of sudden surprises we’re in, gives us opportunity to reflect and then to express what our particular life is all about, or what special observation we really most wish to pass on..
I fully intend to be around for many afternoons to come, but were I to die this afternoon, this is one thing I will want to have gotten said:
* Hear one-another out. DRAW each other out. And when it’s your turn to be speaking, pay far more attention to what you are actually perceiving than to what you know. …And don’t repeat yourself much. The universe is infinite: by attending your own perceptions, you are infinite. And so also that person you are drawing out. Even the least of us is a window on God, whatever your definition.
This is more than just a sentiment. It is more than just my belief that this marks the main path to a more fully human future.
You can read more on this thread here:
http://www.winwenger.com/feed1.htm and here
http://www.winwenger.com/part33.htm
Leader-Follower
Dee Hock
Leader presumes follower. Follower presumes choice. One who is coerced to the purposes, objectives, or preferences of another is not a follower in any true sense of the word, but an object of manipulation. Nor is the relationship materially altered if both parties accept dominance and coercion. True leading and following presume perpetual liberty of both leader and follower to sever the relationship and pursue another path. A true leader cannot be bound to lead. A true follower cannot be bound to follow. The moment they are bound, they are no longer leader or follower. The terms leader and follower imply the freedom and independent judgment of both. If the behavior of either is compelled, whether by force, economic necessity, or contractual arrangement, the relationship is altered to one of superior/subordinate, management/employee, master/servant, or owner/slave. All such relationships are materially different than leader-follower.
Induced behavior is the essence of leader-follower. Compelled behavior is the essence of all the others. Where behavior is compelled, there lies tyranny, however benign. Mere behavior is induced, there lies leadership, however powerful. Leadership does not imply constructive, ethical, open conduct. It is entirely possible to induce destructive, malign, devious behavior and to do so by corrupt means. Therefore, a clear, meaningful purpose and compelling ethical principles evoked from all participants should be the essence of every relationship, and every institution.
More Responses
Contributing Editor Arthur Noll writes in response to Dee Hock’s Understanding the Industrial Age:
Mechanism, Chaos, and Creativity
Once again, I must disagree with Dee Hock. However, I also agree with him on something, as we will get to later in this article. But I want to start with the disagreement, it is more fundamental. He feels that mechanism is an outdated view of the universe, which has lead to many of our problems. I cannot agree with this.