The Cincinnati CoreChange summit is done, but the work, of course, is only begun.
The tasks are clear in many cases, the connections have been sparked and next steps include designing an ecology to open the way to the best types of interactions, where strength connects to strength, democracy rules and a collective vision unites and pulls forward.
That latter piece is the big challenge — but most paramount as well.
In order for this to amount to anything akin success, however you define that, the very quality of the human interactions throughout this whole process will be foundational.
As Cleveland’s chief officer of sustainability Jenita McGowan said, ultimately, this all comes down to relationships.
Systems-thinking expert Peter Senge offered a way of thinking to frame all our interactions going forward in this to ensure that quality of relationship. He suggested we constantly seek the paradoxical balance between commitment to what we have put in place and openness to the change and new voices that will inevitably come in as well.
For me, that quality of relationship came to life in the group I was working on when one young man knelt down next to an elderly woman in the group who was listening but made it clear she felt she didn’t have anything to contribute to this group of mostly young enthusiasts. He must have talked with her for 20 minutes, looking to gather her insights, obviously feeling she had something immensely important to offer as well.
Perhaps we should consider this quality of relationship our very top priority in these efforts moving forward.
Yes, assign tasks, keep people connected and ensure the leadership/accountability ecology is operating smoothly.
But what about keeping the beauty of our interactions as a frame of reference for all we do?
Without a doubt, this would definitely ensure the process itself is one we want to continue in – and it would be most exciting to see what efficiencies, productivity and innovation emerge as a direct result.
The question is how to keep this top and front and centre.
There are many possibilities for things that could act as prompts and inspiration – a visual representation, a list of commitments, a champion. Another thought is for a team of journalists to be part of this and commit to asking questions and telling stories that also keep this on the radar.
I’d love to hear other people’s thoughts. How can we keep our quality of relationship front and centre in this CoreChange work going forward? What would help you? What have you seen done elsewhere that you think might be fun to try here?
Michelle Strutzenberger attended the CoreChange Summit Feb. 17-19 in Cincinnati, which through using Appreciative Inquiry brought the whole-system together to create plans for the city’s future.
Axiom News has been covering the strengths-based movement in Cincinnati. Click here to read an editorial on what we see as important about the summit.
