How important is meeting presence in sociocracy?

How important is meeting presence in sociocracy?


How important is meeting presence in sociocracy?


Meeting presence is highly important in sociocracy as it contributes to effective communication, collaborative decision-making, and overall organizational functioning.

Here’s why meeting presence holds significance in sociocracy:


  1. Active Participation:

Meeting presence ensures active participation of all members. When individuals are physically and mentally present in meetings, they can contribute their perspectives, ideas, and concerns. Active participation fosters a sense of ownership and engagement, leading to more inclusive and well-informed decisions.


  1. Effective Communication:

Meeting presence facilitates effective communication. When members are fully present, they can actively listen, understand, and respond to others’ contributions. It enables real-time interaction, clarification of ideas, and the ability to ask questions or seek clarification when needed. Effective communication enhances shared understanding, reduces misinterpretation, and promotes effective decision-making.


  1. Collaboration and Consent:

Sociocracy emphasizes collaboration and consent decision-making processes. Meeting presence allows for direct interaction, dialogue, and collective exploration of ideas and objections. When participants are present, they can engage in constructive discussions, build upon each other’s contributions, and work towards finding integrative solutions that work for all the members of the circle. This collaborative approach strengthens relationships, fosters trust, and promotes shared decision-making.


  1. Empathy and Connection:

Meeting presence enables members to empathize and connect with each other. When individuals are fully present, they can observe non-verbal cues, emotions, and subtleties in communication, fostering a deeper understanding of others’ perspectives and needs. Empathy and connection enhance the quality of relationships and facilitate a supportive and respectful meeting environment.

  1. Efficient Decision-Making:

Sociocracy values efficient decision-making. Meeting presence contributes to the effectiveness and timeliness of the decision-making process. When members are actively engaged, decisions can be made more efficiently, objections can be addressed in real-time, and the decision-making process can progress smoothly.


  1. Accountability and Responsibility:

Meeting presence demonstrates accountability and responsibility. When individuals commit to attending and actively participating in meetings, they contribute to the collective responsibility of decision-making and organizational governance. It shows respect for the time and efforts of other members and reinforces the commitment to shared goals and values.


While meeting presence is important, it is also essential to acknowledge that there may be circumstances when members cannot physically attend meetings. In such cases, employing technology and alternative means of participation, such as video conferencing or asynchronous communication, can help ensure remote members’ engagement and inclusion.

Overall, meeting presence in sociocracy supports effective communication, collaboration, an consent decision-making. It strengthens the organization’s governance processes, fosters a sense of shared responsibility, and contributes to a culture of active participation and engagement.

If you would like to share your comments or personal reflections on this topic, please feel free to do so in a comment below. Thank you.

Best wishes.