The conversation it is lifted from is about developing the "new
civilization" of the future, this particular quote comes from a discussion
of process thinking...
"...--snip--
OK, process and procedure aren't the same thing. Actually, I think that
process goes better together with outcome. In other words, if a certain
outcome is desired, it is necessary to go through whatever needs to happen
to get there. If doesn't work to insist on a certain outcome and then not
allow any flexibility in how it is accomplished.
This makes me realize that it is often not a matter of a process vs
outcome dichotomy, but rather a matter of people having different
outcomes.
A recent example for me is that I've been sitting in some meetings amongst
some people who intend to produce a magazine together. It is a
collaborative thing where a group of organizations who would otherwise
have separate publications are working together on producing one. There
has been a bit of conflict between those who are concentrating on the
production deadlines and those who feel that they are there for the
process of seeing a new collaboraton emerge, like myself. Both are
processes, of course. Certain things need to take place for a magazine to
happen. And certain things need to be worked through for a group of people
to learn to work together. Which we focus on is a matter of what outcome
is most important to each of us. For me personally, I care most about the
evolution of the community of people, and I could care less when the
magazine comes out. For others the outcome of getting the magazine out on
a schedule is most important, and the relationship between the people is
secondary.
Process is inherently tied to outcome. But, depending on what outcomes
each of us have, we make assumptions about what style of process will get
us there.
I recognize that, for myself, my outcomes are usually in the region of
good relationships between people, worthwhile learning experiences, new
understandings, etc. I'm usually perfectly happy with leaving many other
things open-ended. I'm often achieving my outcome even if totally
surprising and unpredicted things happen.
--snip--..."
I just liked the way he put it...
mike
--"Johnson, Mike" <MJohnson@deltabtg.com>
Learning-org -- An Internet Dialog on Learning Organizations For info: <rkarash@karash.com> -or- <http://world.std.com/~lo/>