Sociocracy as a governance model, values connection and authenticity in its approach to decision-making, group dynamics, and leadership. Here are some ideas to fosters connection and authenticity in sociocracy by facilitators:
- Consent-based decision-making:
In sociocracy, decisions are made based on consent rather than consensus or majority rule. This means that each member of the group has an equal voice and that decisions are only made when all members give their consent. This approach fosters trust and collaboration, as each member feels valued and heard.
- Circles and role definitions:
Sociocracy uses the circle structure, which is a way of organizing people into smaller, self-governing groups within the larger organization. Each circle has a specific purpose (aim and domain) and a set of roles that are defined through the consent of its members. This allows for greater clarity and accountability, as members are clear about their responsibilities and are empowered to make decisions that affect their work.
- Open and honest feedback:
Sociocracy encourages open and honest communication through feedback loops, which are built into the decision-making process. Members are encouraged to give and receive feedback in a constructive manner, which helps to build trust and mutual respect.
- Leadership as service:
In sociocracy, leadership is seen as a service to the group, rather than a position of power or authority. Leaders are elected by consent and are responsible for supporting the group in achieving its goals, rather than imposing their own ideas or agendas. The leader of a group is also named coordinator and is working with all the members of the circle. A leader has no decision-making power over the other members of the circle.
- Continual improvement:
Sociocracy values continuous improvement and learning, which allows the group to adapt and evolve over time. Members are encouraged to reflect on their work and to identify areas for improvement, which helps to foster a culture of growth and development. At the end of a meeting, we use to have a feedback section to evaluate the meeting and become aware about what could be improved in the future. We also learn by continuous practice in the communities of practice or through our own researches and case studies.
Overall, sociocracy promotes connection and authenticity by valuing each member’s voice and by providing a structure for open and honest communication, accountability, and continuous improvement.
To discover more “in depth” insights about “Connection and Authenticity for Facilitators”, I invite you to use this Sociocracy Manual:
I guess it is a good idea to combine theory with practice so I invite you to be present and to participate in our:
In the Community of Practice for Facilitators (CoP-F) no one teaches anyone, but we all learn from each other by practicing and sharing real life experiences.
We welcome your presence and contribution. It will enrich all of our sociocracy knowledge.
Next meeting is scheduled for May 8th, 2023, from 14:00 UTC (CoP-F East) and from 18:30 UTC (CoP-F West). We are available to schedule any other meetings, as necessary.
Best wishes to all of you!