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Module 1: Why Shared Work?
Tuesday and Tim developed this foundational model for use in their systems change work. Time and time again, it has helped us to get unstuck when working in very diverse groups. We must identify our Shared Work together to move forward collaboratively.
In this first session, Tim and Tuesday lay the groundwork for understanding this pragmatic model for systems change.
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Module 2: Difference & Commonality
The fundamental 'stuck' place is people's orientation to difference or their orientation to commonality: "Are we going to focus on what we have in common or are we going to focus on where we are different?"
In session two, Tim and Tuesday discuss the dogma in both these areas that perpetuate the status quo and prevent you from getting to the work.
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Module 3: Relationship as Resolution
At times the issues we are working on together are so complex, so deep seated, and so full of history, that a resolution of the issue is impossible in the moment. It doesn’t mean that we stop working on the issues, but it does mean that sometimes our ability and willingness to stay in relationship is the resolution.
In session three, Tim and Tuesday run through the architecture of team productivity, exploring how we can adjust our approach to predict and amplify the best of how people rally together.
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Module 4: Inquiry as Answer
When we are working with challenges we don’t know how to solve, we can be tempted to rely on answers we’ve tried in the past or best practices we’ve heard from other places. We’re tempted to try harder with what we already know how to do.
In session four, Tim and Tuesday, explain how this stance asks the group to understand reality by identifying the questions or inquiries we should be in together to move toward new solutions. It begins from a place of “not knowing” — a risk for people who have expertise and passion for an issue! — and a commitment to work from that place together.
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Module 5: Seek Multiplicity
When we invite others into collaboration, we often do so from a representative mindset: Who/what constituency does this person represent? Representation is important, but it only gives us a partial understanding of those we are working with.
In session five, Tuesday and Tim illustrate how seeking multiplicity as a stance encourages us to invite the whole person into the collaboration with their multiple roles, identities, and perspectives. Allowing the fullness of each person we are working with leads us to better, more robust solutions.
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Module 6: All Levels, All The Time
When working collaboratively, we should be aware of the different levels that are present in our work: personal, interpersonal, organizational, systemic, and structural.
In session six, Tim & Tuesday demonstrate how each of these play out in all of our interactions, and while our collaborative work may focus on a particular level, it is important to understand that each level impacts and informs the other. We can make strategic choices on where we will intervene, but we need to understand that all levels are operating on the issue at all times.
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Module 7: Power Matters
Considering power in our collaborations is key. We cannot ignore how power plays out in our relationships, our understanding of the issue, and the action we take.
In session seven, Tuesday & Tim describe how understanding different types of power — not painting “power” with a broad brush! — as well as making strategic choices in our action related to power, can ensure that our shared work is successful.
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Module 8: Grace
Underneath the ability to practice the five stances of leadership is a capacity for grace.
In session eight, Tim & Tuesday explain how the groups that found their way through and kept going had the capacity for the 'practice of grace' - a willingness to forgive ourselves and each other when mistakes (inevitably!) are made. The practice of grace is one of the key things that allow human beings to stay in relationship with each and to get to the depth that allows for something new to emerge.
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Module 9: Look to the Future
Although Tuesday and Tim are very strong believers in the collaborative process - in participation as the way to move change forward - neither of them believe that participation is the only way. Sometimes it's about using the mandate of power to get things done. Sometimes Shared Work is discovered and sometimes it's mandated.
The most courageous people The Outside works with are 'expanding out' to meet the complexity, directionality, and understanding of their reality.
