The Capitol NVC Organizing Team (OT) has begun using the Sociocratic Method, a governance model that produces an effective organizational structure, efficiently organizes tasks, and features a decision-making process that values the input of every individual and makes room for meaningful relationships within the group.
Combined with NVC, sociocratic governance is an elegant approach to a common dilemma arising for voluntary groups: how to have an effective organization that actually gets things done, while preserving the energy and excitement that draws members to the group, and maintaining the joy and integrity of interpersonal connection. So far, the Capitol NVC OT's experience with this method has been energizing, lively, and productive - and life-serving.
One interesting aspect of a sociocratic organization is its structure. The basic unit of organization is called a "circle," which can be thought of as "an arena in which things happen." An organization can be made up of several functional circles, each of which serves some function that supports the overall mission of the organization. In day to day operations, a functional circle operates like any other group or entity with a mission; there is a functional leader who directs the activities of the circle members according to the circle's mission, aim, and policies, and things get done. The difference from a typical organization is that periodically the circle meets in a different way, called a circle meeting, in order to decide on the policies that govern these day-to-day activities (more on circle meetings to follow). Capitol NVC now has three functional circles - the Training Circle, the Financial Policy Circle, and the Publicity Circle.
Within a functional circle, the sociocratic method provides a variety of tools to organize production in an efficient manner. The most important aspect of these tools is the idea of a "circular process," known as Leading - Doing - Measuring. We are all familiar with the "Doing" phase; we spend most of our time in organizations getting things done (or trying to!). We are also somewhat acquainted with the "Leading" phase, which in sociocratic terms means the policy or instructions governing our doing. The most revolutionary part of the circular process is in "Measuring" - how are we doing relative to the instructions or policies? When we organize our production in this way, we develop what is known as a "steerable" organization. Each time we finish a task (Doing), we check the results against the policy or instructions (Measurement), and make adjustments to either bring the task execution (Doing) in line with the policy (Leading), or to change the policy if it is not working.
The other aspect of a circle, alluded to earlier, is the circle meeting, which in terms of what we've learned so far is intended to create or modify the policies that direct how tasks are done. Within the circle meeting each member is equivalent, regardless of position in the hierarchical structure. Decisions are made by consent, meaning that each member must be willing to live with any proposed policy or decision. When a member withdraws consent by making an objection, the circle works together to find an alternate strategy to resolve the objection. People are selected to roles and tasks through an open and engaging nominating process, matching the most qualified candidate to the responsibilities of the position in question. The final choice, like any other decision, is made by consent.
The principle of equivalence, embodied in decision making by consent, leads to a spaciousness and energy within the circle meeting that is often not present in a typical majority-rule organization. There is never the chance of a "tyranny of the majority" or a "disgruntled minority," and resolving objections becomes a practice in working together to ensure everyone's needs are met. The Capitol NVC OT has been using the circle meeting structure since February, with increasing facility and joy.
As the Organizing Team expands its use of the Sociocratic Method, there will be many opportunities for involvement and contribution. All who are interested are invited to contact me for more information about Sociocracy or to join one of the Capitol NVC Functional Circles.