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."

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.

Project Impact Core Team Retreat - Camp Harrison

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?