So...this is the first entry for 2009 on the blog. Hopefully my future doesn't rely on my blogging ability but I do believe in the generative power of connecting all of you exceptional people!
I've been thinking a lot about all of you lately. Some of you have heard me tell at least a portion of this story but Project Impact seems to be coming into its own. Steve often jokes that my vision for Project Impact is actually to change the world. And while I tend to downplay it, that really is my hope.
Today I had my mid-year performance review. My boss is great - but we live in a world that measures success and progress by quantitative means. As he was describing to me the metrics we need to put in place - to prove our success - I found myself saying outloud that I could play the game, that I had become a cynic convinced that things are never really going to change.
As I walked home from work I found myself wondering, is that really my Box B?! Do I really believe that things, that people can't/won't change? And then I thought about you. And it occurred to me that I'm actually not a very good cynic:-) I do in fact believe that each of us can change the direction of our most persistent inquiries and therefore the impact we have. I believe that Project Impact, through each of you, really could change the world.
So I know that you're in the midst of the grind of crazy economics and the busyness of summer. And on top of that you're doing interviews that are intent on uncovering what people love, believe, and who they're becoming! But we are uncovering what is below the surface of the water in ways that really do have the potential to "lift the veil" for people so they can see the significant, important, subtle things that are not countable. So thank you - for reminding me that there is a deeply planted hope for a bold impact,just below the surface.
Monday, July 20, 2009
Monday, June 23, 2008
Remind me why we're doing this?
As most of you are discovering, the analysis part of all this is work! We are faced with the insufficiency of our data. We bump into our own selves, our prejudices and biases. We are fearful to make judgments about what another person might believe, love or become...Below is a brief reflection from Steve - the obvious brains behind this operation - on the analysis process. I found it a simple and elegant reminder of why it is and how it is that we are doing all this so I thought I would share it. Thanks for all of your work in this!
"We've been encouraging a process that takes you through the data five times: the first three (what, how, and why) comprising the "inductive" steps of analysis; the next two ("heart triangle" and "frankena's boxes") framing the "deductive" steps. So in the first movement of analysis, you try to let the data speak for itself by asking increasingly interpretive questions of them. In the second movement, you look at the data through the lenses of the two models we have been using most frequently to see if those models illuminate something that was missed in the first movement. In many cases, or at least some cases, looking through the "heart triangle" and "frankena's boxes" at the data will cause you to see aspects a little more fully energized by the value system that undergirds the project--namely, that what is "inside" people (beliefs, becomings, loves) is most enduring and what is "below the surface" (boxes A,B,C, and D) is critical to any human system's essence."
"We've been encouraging a process that takes you through the data five times: the first three (what, how, and why) comprising the "inductive" steps of analysis; the next two ("heart triangle" and "frankena's boxes") framing the "deductive" steps. So in the first movement of analysis, you try to let the data speak for itself by asking increasingly interpretive questions of them. In the second movement, you look at the data through the lenses of the two models we have been using most frequently to see if those models illuminate something that was missed in the first movement. In many cases, or at least some cases, looking through the "heart triangle" and "frankena's boxes" at the data will cause you to see aspects a little more fully energized by the value system that undergirds the project--namely, that what is "inside" people (beliefs, becomings, loves) is most enduring and what is "below the surface" (boxes A,B,C, and D) is critical to any human system's essence."
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Update on mini-projects
We've had a number of questions about the mini-projects. So here is a down&dirty summary of what you want to be working on...
Below is a brief recap of the process – and what we hope to have at the “end” of it.
-Complete interviews
-Each individual analyzes their data using the What? How? Why? Worksheet and the Frankena/Heart-Triangle Worksheet to get to initial findings.
-Come together with your team and analyze findings again so that you have one set of -findings for your team.
-Write up findings per the instructions. You only need one write-up per team. While you want to do analysis as a group you may want to have one person do the writing. Remember to think about metaphors that you might use for your findings – to help “lift the veil of perception” for those who will read them.
We will be pulling together a compendium of the “best” mini-projects and “publishing” them. We will be sending that out to your CEOs and other stakeholders so that they can get a picture of what it is that we are doing. I know that this can feel a bit overwhelming but take a shot at it and have a fun! Once you have a draft done send it to me and we’ll get you feedback.
Below is a brief recap of the process – and what we hope to have at the “end” of it.
-Complete interviews
-Each individual analyzes their data using the What? How? Why? Worksheet and the Frankena/Heart-Triangle Worksheet to get to initial findings.
-Come together with your team and analyze findings again so that you have one set of -findings for your team.
-Write up findings per the instructions. You only need one write-up per team. While you want to do analysis as a group you may want to have one person do the writing. Remember to think about metaphors that you might use for your findings – to help “lift the veil of perception” for those who will read them.
We will be pulling together a compendium of the “best” mini-projects and “publishing” them. We will be sending that out to your CEOs and other stakeholders so that they can get a picture of what it is that we are doing. I know that this can feel a bit overwhelming but take a shot at it and have a fun! Once you have a draft done send it to me and we’ll get you feedback.
Friday, June 6, 2008
Your work metaphor
As Steve has shown us, metaphors are powerful means by which we can "lift the veil of perceptions" so that people can really see what is going on. One of my favorite parts of Project Impact so far has been when you shared your metaphor for how work is going. For some of us we did that a long time ago. What's your metaphor now?
Mini-projects
So what is your research question for your mini-project? Not that you've done all of your analysis yet but are you beginning to see things that are intriguing?
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