Foundations Workshop is good for weight loss
The other day I ran across this posting from two years ago and found it so amusing that I asked Graciela if I could post it here.
Graciela Kort - 03:56pm Feb 7, 2003 GMT ( 2.)
Great!!
Very interesting!! Now guys I have a new marketing tip for you. here in Argentina women are very concerned about how we look, not gaining weight, look forever young and so (please tell me I have succeeded on that last point!!) I have found the workshop is so good for my diet! I do not move away from the PC. Not even to get a cookie or that last cup of coffee. And suddenly..it is 8 pm I should go home and I haven't eaten any snack in between. Great!! For the same price I can lose weight.
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Debra Sloat thesis
We try to stay in touch with participants but always wish we knew more about their work and their paths afterwards. So it's especially gratifying to hear from Debra Sloat (rcole02 at telus.net), who participated in the Foundations of Communities of Practice workshop in 2003, and who sends along a copy of her thesis on
A Sustained Community of Practice written while in the
Masters of Leadership and Training Program. She writes:
To me I was often embarrassed that I was researching something that seemed so simple. I had this perception that when I wrote my thesis it should be something miraculous I guess, and in the end I just find CoP's so simple, and so valuable to the overall bottom line, I didn't understand why I had to even sell the idea or still do to organizations. To me it just seems like common sense. I have heard from many organizations, even now, that if we let employees get together they me organize against management. I tend to see the following beliefs very evident
"We wove the following beliefs into our practices: that humans are motivated by selfishness, greed, and fear. That we exist as individuals, free of the obligation of interdependence. That hierarchy and bureaucracy are the best forms of organizing. That efficiency is the premier measure of value. That people work best under controls and regulations. That diversity is a problem. That unrestrained growth is good. That a healthy economy leads naturally to a healthy society. That poor people have different motivations than other people. That only a few people are creative. That only a few people are willing to struggle for their freedom." Margaret Wheatley, Supporting Pioneering Leaders as Communities of Practice.
Yet when I speak to managers individually many of them agree with the concept of CoP's and many have asked to read my paper and are very supportive and ask me to present about the simplicity and value of CoPs
During the writing of this thesis and having to discuss my ideas on-line with others I felt very intimidated. I find I need f2f communication, yet now I feel a connection with some of your names, Bronwyn, John, Miguel and Etienne but yet I have never met you or had much communication with you all. I often wanted to ask questions but just didn't know how to put my thoughts out there. When writing I really wanted to just tell you and let someone write it, yet as many have said 'just do it' and it will get easier and it has.
The CoP itself and the organization I have long left, but am still sometimes lonesome for both, it has been a form of grieving, I guess. I long for that connection and sharing of ideas and being valued. Participants have said they miss the way it was, yet they still meet. I am not sure if it has the ingredients of a CoP anymore but that might be just my sense of loss.
If you are interested in how a CoP emerged without anyone having any idea of the research behind it and how it has sustained itself, then have a read.
Debra Sloat
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