|
TACTics
Journal |
In
this issue:
- “Announcing the 12th TOCfE International Conference!” from Kathy Suerken
-
“AHAs from TOCfE Warsaw Conference” from
-
“Translating Reflections and Inspiration from
Polish Conference into a Local Vision” from
-
“Wanted” from Denise Meyer
-
“How to Be Your Own Jonah” Part 2 from Kathy
Suerken
- “TOC for the Soul” from Danilo Sirias, Ph.D
- “TOC
and the Ladder of Inference” from James Holt, Ph.D (attached)
Announcing the 12th
TOCfE International Conference!
Kathy Suerken
Location:
Venue and Accommodation:
Date: June 2009
“Ahas from
“Going there I didn’t know what
to expect for. However, the experience I gained is unbelievable! And now let me
to describe the most important thing I gained there. Before coming to the
Conference I was pretty sure that business under TOC and TOC for Education is
totally different fields. And finally I realized how blind I was! That
belief/assumption was totally wrong. This “aha” moment, the deeper
understanding inspired me to get through the crisis at my work and studies (to
tell the true I am still working on my Core cloud and not going to give up!). I
am considering even to join a
“Reflections and Inspiration from Polish
Conference.
How that translates into a local vision.”
It was with much excitement that I
arrived in
The conference for me was almost like a retreat. It was such a grounding experience, reminding me of what I want and what is possible and how much there still is to do. I am so grateful to Kathy and Efrat for allowing us the opportunity to share with each other and explore together – what a gift those sessions were. And how invigorating and inspirational it was to learn what incredible work people are involved with and what opportunities are being created all over the world for children and youth to experience TOC.
When I look at places where there
is great strength and movement I see, as I would expect, great individual
qualities and generosity of spirit. However, although each is unique they all
share one characteristic…..they have an ‘other’. So this is my call to
arms……..If you find yourself working hard but on your own, perhaps there is
some merit in exploring what strengths others can bring to your work.
The
So I would like to challenge all of you who do not yet feel supported or able to support others to reflect on why that is and what might be done to change that.
If you are based in the
If you are not
I look forward to hearing from you or perhaps hearing in TACTICS the experiences and challenges others face in promoting TOC in their area.
With my very best wishes,
Debi Roberts.
“Wanted”
Denise Meyer
WANTED:
My information: Denise Meyer; email - denise3491@yahoo.com; my phone: (562) 595-8606. Feel free to contact me if you are interested in participating.
“How to Be Your Own Jonah”
Part 2
Kathy Suerken
Based on my interpretation of the character in THE GOAL, a Jonah is person who enables you to overcome obstacles that prevent you from achieving what’s important to you. How does he/she do it?
Is it through questions that challenge your thinking…especially the assumptions upon which your paradigms are based? And, is it really possible to challenge our own thinking if, as Chris Argyris suggests, we are blocked by filters of prior knowledge and experience and through which we process and interpret what we see, read & hear?
In other words, at times are we so sure we have sufficient intuition and knowledge that we are blind to the possibility that ‘we don’t know that we don’t know’ and therefore we don’t even consider challenging the validity of what we are thinking? And/or if we have already taken actions based on these assumptions, our self esteem is so vested in them that most likely, do we attempt to validate these assumptions only with someone likely to agree with them who will justify our actions (particularly if we are dealing with a chronic conflict? )
Lina Simonavicute of
But what makes us Jonahs? If collaboration with another Jonah is the safety net, what creates the platform? Do we have a TOC process that enables us to guide ourselves toward the clarity and precision needed in writing logical statements and connections and especially toward the honesty (and courage!) needed to challenge our assumptions upon which these statements and connections are based?
WE DO!!! And it is very well described in part three of this series and which is attached. Entitled “ Avoiding Incorrect Conclusions: TOC and the Ladders of Inference and written by Dr. James Holt, it is a masterful presentation of The TOC Categories of Legitimate Reservations shared as a keynote address at the 11th TOCfE International Conference. Download a copy here.
“TOC for the Soul” Story Format
Hello friends
I am seeking stories for the TOC for the soul book
project and here is a description of the format for the story submission.
Upon request, I can send you an example of a story. (dsirias@svsu.edu)
It would be great if you can send your story by the
end of January 2009. Let me know if you have any questions.
Page
Layout
Page
Size: Width
Margins:
All margins
Gutter
Multiple
pages: Mirror margins
Font:
Times New Roman Size, 11
Single
Space
Length
Between
2 and 10 pages trees included
Story
Stories
should be real (not fiction here!)
Pick
a creative title for the story
It
is preferable that you do not use real names and make sure you have permission
to share the story.
Stories
ideally will contain an explanation of the problem, how the thinking tools were
used (with trees included) and a final result.
Finish
the story with your name and the country you are from.
Biography
If
desired, include a short bio about yourself which will be included at the end
of the book.
Permission
PLEASE
INCLUDE IN YOUR EMAIL SUBMISSION A SENTENCE SAYING: “I am giving permission to use the attached
story(ies) in your TOC book.
Danilo Sirias, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Management
Phone: (989) 964-6080
Fax: (989) 964-4699
And Finally …
A
personal apology for the delay to this November issue, I have been on a
two-week course to upgrade my personal knowledge of the Thinking Process and
have not been around to prepare and send the emails. It just proves that we are never too old to
learn!
Best
wishes,
Alan
…
Email: tactics@mct-ltd.com