Sociocracy Is... Rapid Prototyping

Rapid prototyping is an iterative, step-by-step process of creating an functional and refined product (originating in the tech industry).  It evolves a product concept to an actual product through an experimental framework.

Rapid prototyping helps us understand the approach of sociocracy.  In sociocracy’s consent decision-making, a proposal (related to how a team will do it’s work) is processed in a similar way.

Here’s an example.  I propose to my family we eat a plant-based diet at home for the next year.  My family members are open to the idea but unsure how it will work for them over time.  We agree to do this for one month, and then check-in (review) how it worked for each of us. Those doing more physical work found it tough without animal products.  We then agree to eating plant-based for 5 out of 7 nights of the week for a month.  This feels more sustainable, so we agree to continue eating this way for 3 months, when we’ll look at the outcomes and refine it more if needed.

In sociocracy, each proposal has a designated review time-frame.  In situations with urgency to act, yet where the details of an idea aren’t fully clear, a proposal can be consented for a shorter timeframe.

Guiding each step forward is the motto: good enough to try, safe enough for now.

The ‘rapid prototyping’ displayed in sociocracy’s consent decision-making process allows for quicker, smaller-scale action with faster feedback loops.  The eventual outcome is a refined and functional product, service or system that meets the needs of the ‘end-user’.

[ Sociocracy is a collaborative decision-making framework for groups, large and small; supporting collective aims to be achieved effectively, transparently and with equal-value of members ]

Have questions and enquiries about sociocracy, including training, coaching and consultancy? Email me at erin.n.young@gmail.com.

#sociocracy #socialpermaculture #thrivingpeople #betterworld

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