A Prepared Environment for Optimal Group Development? Considering Dynamic Governance for Montessori Organizations

Our ability to provide quality Montessori education for children is greatly influenced by our ability to work together, as a school, faculty, Board, or student/family/regional/statewide organization.  Recognizing the essential role the prepared environment plays in a child’s development, the Ohio Montessori Alliance (OMA) has spent a year considering and experimenting with structures that align with Montessori principles, to support our organizational development.  What follows is a reflection, and an invitation... 

The potential for the Ohio Montessori Alliance (OMA) was birthed through dialogue...a quiet truth that existed within each of us that transformed into a palpable presence within the safe space and energy created by the group -- “We are all in this together, and working together is necessary for real change to happen”.   The magic of Life is that you never know how it will express itself through a particular form or being, and so we waited in wonderment of what would unfold, and set about the task of nurturing our development.  

Montessorians excel at establishing conditions that enable Life to flourish...the question before us was, "How can we transfer our shared knowledge of the critical role the prepared environment plays in an individual's development to nurture the development of our Montessori-community-as-an-organism?"

Considering structures for our prepared environment, we quickly recognized that traditional hierarchical organizations are based on the same understanding of the world as is conventional education: “Newtonian images of the universe [where] we manage by separating things into parts, we believe that influence occurs as a direct result of force exerted from one person to another, we engage in complex planning for a world that we keep expecting to be predictable, and we search continually for better methods of objectively measuring and perceiving the world.”(Pg 7) This recognition echoes the words of Edward Deming, who, “revered around the world as a pioneer in the quality management revolution...would often say, ‘We will never transform the prevailing system of management without transforming our prevailing system of education.  They are the same system.’” (Pg xi & xiii)  This system and its underlying assumptions has served a phase of humanity’s evolution, but is not accurate or comprehensive enough to help us interact with change and each other, at the pace and scale necessary for the Earth’s survival.  

An alternative paradigm for understanding Life is emerging through discoveries in a variety of fields (quantum physics, biology, chemistry, partnership studies, chaos and complexity theory, systems thinking, etc), that echoes the indigenous wisdom of our ancestors, and aligns with the truths observed by the scientific mind of Dr. Montessori.  This paradigm focuses on holism and integration, rejoices in complexity and interdependence, and recognizes “relationship [as] the key determiner of everything”. (Pg 11)  It is in this paradigm that the OMA sought an organizational structure to serve as our prepared environment.

For the past year, the OMA Board has been experimenting with Dynamic Governance, “a decision-making and governance method that allows an organization to manage itself as an organic whole” [Pg 2].  Based on equivalence and Systems/Complexity theory, Dynamic Governance (DG) seeks to leverage the creative forces of self-organization, which allows the overall organization, as well as each of its members, to “achieve their full potential”. (Pg 20)

Some benefits of DG-as-a-prepared-environment include: 

   *establishes a “power-with” governance structure 

   *maximizes inclusion and efficiency

   *builds autonomy and enhances alignment

   *fosters engagement, productivity and commitment

   *encourages creativity and innovation 

   *creates energy and harmony around decision-making

Although we have only “dipped our toes” in the DG waters, we have noticed that, similar to how the prepared environment shapes the development of the child's brain and personality, the practice of engaging with others within the structure of DG seems to guide and shape our optimal development, as individuals and an organization. 

A little over a year into our growth, I’ve had a chance to glimpse the form of Life that seems to be unfolding within the OMA:  This past week I fumbled.  As one of the leaders of the OMA, I missed an important detail; dropped a major ball.  With full trust in the safety and wisdom of the group, I sent out an SOS -- sharing my failure and seeking help.  Within an hour, support and resources appeared, and multiple solutions emerged where none had seemed to exist.

I believe the structure of DG has helped the OMA organize for change by building our capacity to manage crucial conversations, cultivate a learning culture, tap the group's collective intelligence, harness system's thinking and the healing power of inclusion, embrace complexity, and develop a “win/win”, “both/and” approach to decisions-making.

Striving for real and sustainable impact, the OMA Board has committed to a two day training in Dynamic Governance with John Buck, by embedding it within our Annual Meeting, an opportunity we wish to share with all interested individuals and organizations throughout the Montessori community...

If you are someone who is excited about Montessori education (parent, administrator, directress, student, alumni, grandparent, etc), we welcome you to join us at the OMA Annual Meeting in Columbus, Ohio, on October 26th and 27th, to:

   *gather and grow as a community,

   *deepen our connections, as well as our understanding of the work before us, 

   *better understand this new paradigm, and consider ways to leverage Montessori Education, Dynamic Governance and “collective impact”, as complementary tools for architecting a new culture, within our schools, faculties, Boards, and student/family/regional/statewide/national organizations...and perhaps, the world.

We hope you will join us!

Exploring "The Map"

Have you had a chance to explore "The Map" of the Montessori movement?  Approaching this dynamic and interactive tool is a journey of discovery.  What is it?  How many ways can it be used?  What possibilities does it hold?  Although the answers to these questions are probably limitless, here are some personal discoveries/reflections...

Orienting
Inundated with work in our own spheres, it is all too easy to miss the early exponential growth of the Montessori movement that is occurring all around us.  The Map, at its most basic level, visually frames the many monumental initiatives, giving us a chance to see ourselves in context of our community, and witness our evolution.

Building a Public Repository of Our Collective Knowledge
Montessorians committed to children and working tirelessly for change is nothing new, but the unprecedented collaborative commitment of our community is.  The "crowdsourcing" technique of The Map empowers us to build a public repository of our collective knowledge, that we can continue to organize and develop.

Engaging Our Social Brain
The Map enables our our entire community to "be on the same page" -- literally!  This shared focus activates our social brain to become alert and attentive.  Recognizing our interrelationship with others can help us (1) more effectively communicate visions for what is possible, (2) cultivate connections with others with similar passions/interest, (3) share resources/information which will shorten our learning curves, and (4) coordinate efforts that will magnify the voice and presence of Montessori in education dialogues.

Generating Purposeful and Unified Action
If the unprecedented collaborative commitment for cooperation signals a new ability for our community to act as a unified organism, might The Map be a metaphoric brain? Perhaps this is a stretch, but worthy of consideration, so we don't overlook a potential capacity.

Similar to a brain, The Map brings information acquired by our various parts, to be stored in a central location.  Accessible for all to view, this new knowledge will build on, and be shaped by, what each of us knows.  Once integrated with our current needs and past memories, The Map endows us with the ability to plan, coordinate, and execute purposeful and unified action.  Recording the findings/reflections of these efforts back into the map, where they can be further processed, integrated, and acted upon by increasingly more individuals, makes the Montessori-community-as-an-organism capable of more rapid learning and ever greater and more refined movement.

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Perhaps the Map as a metaphoric brain is an overly simplified idea, but concepts about brain development may still offer guidance for our collective growth:

      *If you don't use it, you'll lose it:  The potential of The Map will only be realized if we commit to making it purposeful and meaningful.  If we do not constantly input, refer to, and act upon information in this repository, The Map will fade into obscurity.

     *Development depends on activity:  Our motive for action is great!  The world desperately needs an alternative vision for our children and our future.  Dr. Montessori provided such a vision, as well as a roadmap for how to get there! But, since Montessori education currently reaches only about 2% of the population, there is much work to be done.  The more we get involved and engage with others, the stronger our network of relationships will grow, and the more effective and refined our efforts will become.

     *The beginning years are foundational: Recognizing that "as the twig is bent, so grows the tree", Montessorians invest much time preparing the environment for a child's optimal development.  Similarly, it is essential that we intentionally establish communication/decision-making/governance structures that foster curiosity, engagement, respect, lifelong "fearless learning" and group flow.

     *Connections matter:  The development of The Map will be greatly influenced by how many people know about it, and link together through it.  But, just as the number of neurons are not as important as how they are connected, the way in which we reach out to, and work with, one another, will greatly influence our collective intelligence.

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Orienting, building, engaging, generating -- what other possibilities do you discover when you explore The Map?

Organizing for Change

“If you want to go fast, go alone.  If you want to go far, go together.”

                                                                            ~African Proverb

Working together is indeed powerful ... but it can also be quite difficult, especially when we consider the complexity of the problems we seek to address, and the diversity within our community.  Our ability to aid life and transform society hinges on our ability to stay cohesive despite these challenges. 

When working together to create change, it is helpful to:

DEVELOP DEEPER CONVERSATIONS

Tap our Collective Intelligence:  A group can be amazingly intelligent -- smarter than its smartest members -- IF we maintain:

     *Diversity (in approach, thought processes, experience and resources),

     *Independence in thinking (ensuring that no one is dominating others), and

     *Decentralization (“flatter” network structures tend to be more flexible and  innovative).   [The Wisdom of Crowds]

Anticipate Crucial Conversations:  A Montessorian’s task to “aid life” touches on the sacred.  So although diversity can increase a group’s intelligence, when it comes to the ideas we care most deeply about, diverse opinions can feel profoundly threatening and trigger our “fight or flight” response, causing us to respond with violence (by attacking each other’s ideas and feelings), or silence (disengaging from the conversation).  By anticipating crucial conversations as part of our process, we can better prepare ourselves, and effectively manage these moments. [Crucial Conversations]

“Go Slow To Go Fast”:  There is part of us that wants to see change happen QUICKLY! so we are eager to “get down to business”.  However, investing time and energy to make sure the entire group is looking at the same thing (problem) in the same way (all perspectives are expressed and understood) by (1) making all information explicit, (2) giving as much attention to the process as the content, and (3) fostering a “win-win”, “both-and” culture, can embed ownership and alignment within the process, ultimately making the group more coherent and effective. [The Collaborative Operating System]

VALUE SAFETY & INCLUSION

Prioritize the NEED FOR SAFETY: How can groups leverage the power of diversity, even when the stakes are high and emotions are running strong?  Monitoring feelings of safety enables us to recognize when we are in the midst of a crucial conversation.  In “real time”, we can make “repair attempts”, by letting the other person know we care about his/her best interests and goals (mutual purpose), and that we care about him/her (mutual respect), thereby reestablishing safety so collaborative work can continue. [Crucial Conversations]

Invest in Building a “Pool of Shared Meaning”: When ideas, feelings, and opinions are openly shared, a group develops a “pool of shared meaning”.  The more information that is in that pool, the better decisions the group can make.  Developing a rich pool of shared meaning requires an investment of time, but it ultimately serves the group’s effectiveness and efficiency, by helping us move beyond “your way” and “my way” so that we can discover “our way”. [Crucial Conversations]

Create a Community of “Fearless Learners”: To accomplish something we have never done before, requires us to travel through “the land just beyond proficiency”.  Whether it is struggling with a camera during a videoconference, having difficulty accessing google docs, or stretching ourselves to stay engaged in a conversation that feels threatening, we will need to grapple with feelings of incompetence, frustration, and vulnerability.  Anticipating the learning curve normalizes and depersonalizes the awkwardness.  Establishing a culture where learning is supported and mistakes are embraced will nurture personal and collective growth, as well as group cohesion.

Define Who “We” Are: In her book, Children Who are Not Yet Peaceful, Donna Bryant Goertz illustrates the healing power of inclusion.  The mindfulness community considers lovingkindness/compassion to be a skill set we can develop by reflecting on: What are we paying attention to? Whom are we paying attention to? Whom becomes the other? Whom do we ignore? By observing and being aware, we train our attention to include or exclude.  Improving our ability to monitor our attention gives us the potential to harness the healing power of inclusion.

CONSIDER STEERING SYSTEMS

Leverage the Power of Systems Thinking:  Dr. Montessori understood systems! (The power of Montessori education lies in its totality and interrelationships; it can never be replicated by piecemeal copying because the synergy of Montessori education is created by the way all the parts work together.)  Montessorians can leverage the power of systems to shift our community from fragmentation to cohesion (until we do, time and energy shortages will remain one of the greatest obstacles to collaborative work), anticipate “delays” (collective work to promote public awareness and affect policy will ultimately lighten our individual loads, but there will be a time lag between these actions and their consequences, which, unrecognized, might lead to discouragement), and harness collective impact efforts to create a unified voice for policy change. [The Fifth Discipline]

Welcome Chaos: Today’s rate and scale of change, and degree of complexity, require more innovative, adaptive, and self-regulating systems.  There are many organizational tools and structures that harness the group’s dynamic capacity to self-organize (a concept that has many parallels to the child’s drive to self-construct), including  Dynamic Governance/Sociocracy, Open Space Technology, World Cafe, and Appreciative Inquiry; by inviting in chaos (in the sense of “having many possibilities”) they allow innovative solutions to emerge. [Mapping Dialogue]

“Begin with the End in Mind”: We will be most successful in creating a harmonious world in which everyone’s needs are considered if we align our process with our desired outcome.  How can we “prepare our environment” so that we can become adept at the skills which will enable our community to tap our collective intelligence, foster safety, manage crucial conversations, build pools of shared meaning, cultivate a learning culture, harness the healing power of inclusion and systems thinking, welcome chaos, and develop a “win/win”, “both/and” approach to decisions-making?  Dynamic Governance (a/k/a Sociocracy), offers a communication/decision-making/governance structure, that ensures that the needs of ALL members are considered (not just the majority), and creates harmony among members, while cultivating innovative thinking and leadership throughout the organization. Similar to Montessori education, Dynamic Governance was developed by a scientist who viewed his workplace as a laboratory and believed development is driven by purposeful engagement within the environment. Both Montessori education and Dynamic Governance incorporate cycles of work and self-correcting processes, encourage creativity, promote lifelong learning, harness the power of self-determination & self-realization, support complex development by allowing for differentiation and integration, and have a larger vision for the betterment of society. [We the People: Consenting to a Deeper Democracy] 

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Humanity is grappling with the limits and potentially dire consequences of our current model of competition, conquest and consumption, and desperately needs an alternative vision.  Dr. Montessori provided a vision for a global community and a peaceful world, as well as a method to bring this vision to fruition!  What remains for us, is to organize our community and cultivate the unified cooperation required to bring this transforming education into the lives of more children!

The Birth of the "Montessori-Community-As-An-Organism"?

Might the unprecedented collaborative commitment of Montessorians throughout the nation (including Ohio) signal the birth of the "Montessori Community-as-an-organism"?  

My consideration of the "birth of the Montessori-Community-as-an-organism" began recently, while rereading EDUCATION AND PEACE, and reflecting on Dr. Montessori's concept of "humanity as an organism", her belief that "mankind must organize", and her notion of  "the universal cooperation required of humanity for continued progress".   I am deeply moved by her words, believing that there is an urgent need for such organization, but wonder, "How CAN humanity organize itself???" The means are there (we are capable of universal connection, communication and identification) but the commitment and the will to work together has yet to be expressed. Without the motive for unified action, it seems that despite our capabilities, humanity remains unorganized. 

The Montessori community has been growing and doing amazing work to help children and the world since 1907, but might the unprecedented, collective commitment for cooperation signal a new ability to act as a unified organism, whose mind (ideas and beliefs), will (intention to defend and serve the child) and body (each individual member of our community connecting as part of a unified whole) are now aligned and engaged?  I wonder, if so, can we apply our understanding of child development to nurture the development of such an organism?  How?  What would that look like?  (For me, I see many parallels between the child's energy for self-construction and an organization's drive to self-organize, and the essential role of purposeful activity for the development of both types of organisms.) 

These are some thoughts and questions I'm considering -- what do you think?  There are likely hundreds of different perspectives on this idea, each of which will deepen our understanding -- so please share yours!  I value the chance to process ideas, deepen our "pool of shared meaning", and learn from you on this and other topics!