[Ailist] Appreciation vs. Cynicism

Sun Mar 9 00:33:06 MST 2008

I think this is a wonderful discussion. So this is my view and recollection

>From my perspective It started with a question around Steve Jobs and around
the possibility to appreciate results from people who might not be very
positive but with very strong missions.

It took a couple of turns around the Apple - PC debate where there was some
offense taken around what some might have felt as attacks on a dear friend
(the mac)

Then it jumped of to another thread around appreciation vs being positive
(my interpretation again)
And about making assumptions and labeling people
And if it is permitted for a candidates wife that fundamental values have
been lost on the way.

I have been a very happy reader and participant of these discussions as they
suddenly have become an idea laboratory instead of "I am new to this, and I
have a question" and "I am an expert of this and I have your answer"  (sorry
- this was a little bit of humour  (ha ha))

Anyway I got three fantastic pieces that I have used already.

The idea of being a catalyst - it was so right for me at that moment and I
used it immediately
The concept of leaving a Zero sum game - thank you!
The speech of Steve Jobs - It gave a picture of an inside that is looking
into strengths

Thank you all for this.
Finally, I would like to add a couple of thoughts connected to this, that
gives meaning to me on a higher level
*Reflection nr 1 - Appreciative vs Positive*
I am not totally happy with the immediate connection to "Positive" from
Appreciative and/or strength based.  I fear it takes us in a direction of
"pursuit of happiness" stuff.  Life is not always happy.  It's full of hard
times and low tides.  I have begun to learn to appreciate that this is the
way it is at times.  You can trust that the water is coming back and allow
yourself not to be cheerful.
**
*Reflection nr 2 - Appreciate the consequence of something not positive*
Connecting with this I would like to say a couple of words around Obama &
Company.  From a european perspective the present president is perceived in
a positive way by less than 10% of the population in any country.
The opportunities of uniting the world was wasted by the present
administration. Many would agree to that. (and I am sorry if I offend
someone by saying this)  But looking through the situation with an
appreciative lens there are a lot of interesting things happening.
Thanks to the present president...

   - there is a good chance that either a black person or a woman will
   become president of the US
   - the world has become a more balanced place where a weakened US and a
   stronger Europe, India, China & South America might mean more equal
   relations in the world
   - The self confidence of Europe has grown, with an understanding of
   our responsibility for the world

*Reflection nr 3 - Looking into the consequences of a multi perspective
identity*
One of the basics of AI, whole systems change etc is the idea of multiple
perspectives.  That each person has his/her own reality. That different
realities can co exist, and different perspectives can be equally
relevant.
In the AI-list there is participation from a lot of people all over the
world.  Sometimes I wonder if some of the US participants are aware of
this.  I think one strenght of having a European identity is the inevitable
understanding that we live in different and perceive different realities.
Sweden is the size of Californa with the population of New York.
If you decide to embrace an European identity you will  have an identity
where your fellow Europeans come from almost30 countries with as many
languages and mostly with a foreign language, English, as you communication
vehicle.

Some examples of consequences:
Always write our phone number like this:  +46 707 73 00 54
Write our adress in full, not assuming others know abbreviations (like WA,
NE etc)
Understand that we must negotiate around perspectives before action,
allowing for the frustrating process of negotiation before meaningful action
can be taken.

To all the list colleagues in the world, appreciate the week ahead -
whatever it may bring!

ps.  By the way, there is a great network conference arranged by the
European Network around Appreciative Inquiry and Strength Based Change in
Norway April 10,11,12.  Check out www.networkplace.eu for information and
registration!

Leif Josefsson
Stockholm, Sweden, Europe
I live here<http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=sv&geocode=&q=%25C3%2596landsgatan+48,+11663+Stockholm,+Sweden+(%25C3%2596landsgatan+48)&sll=59.332788,18.064488&sspn=0.34392,1.005249&ie=UTF8&ll=59.313571,18.109589&spn=0.086028,0.363922&t=h&z=12&iwloc=addr>

2008/3/9, Lionel Boxer <lionel.boxer at rmit.edu.au>:
>
> Yes Kevin - I agree with you.  The president is seleted by the people
> and will be someone the people relate to and do not find threatening.
> So, the opportunity for someone who wants to change things is limited to
> how well they can veil their vision for change in terms of the status
> quo.  The consort / first lady has a support role that should complement
> that.
>
> An issue that may not be picked up in these discussions is how much
> America have been traditionally disliked throughout the world, which
> appears to be something that is only now being reflected on by some
> Americans.  I remember watching David Letterman and his friend Regis
> asking each other "why did they do this to us" shortly after 9/11/2001.
> I also remember watching a well-known and successful Australian
> indigenous man state that he thought America deserved the strike against
> them and the way his comment was denounced universally without
> reflecting on what he meant (I certainly do not agree with his
> suggestion that America should have been attacked, but I felt that I
> understood what he wanted to say to the world).
>
> Having spent the last two weeks visiting and working with people in SE
> Asia and ME, I am beginning to feel that the last thing the world needs
> is more western white people who are slothfully consuming
> disproportionate resources and inspiring developing nations towards
> consumerism.  If that is what Mrs Obama means then I totally support her
> in an appreciative way; how is our behaviour contributing to a more
> sustainable way?  I do not think there is anything cynical about that
> concern.
>
> We need to be kind to people - all people - and teach them how to be
> kind to one another without emulating the slothfulness of western white
> people.  It may be helpful if American elects a president who
> understands that and is able to articulate that in a way that inspures
> Americans to behave in a more appreciative way.  However, my comments
> are in no way meant to be political or even journalistic of the election
> taking place in the USA.
>
> Lionel Boxer CD PhD MBA BTech(IndEng) - 0411267256
> Associate of RMIT University - lionel.boxer at rmit.edu.au
> Graduate School of Business
> What's up?: http://intergon.net/events.html
> The Sustainable Way: http://intergon.net/tsw
> >>> "Kevin Kervick" <kervick at comcast.net> 09/03/08 8:06 AM >>>
> Well, that's the rub I suppose.  Ms. Obama is running for first lady of
> the country.  As such she is speaking for the country, or she should.
> The "us" necessarily is the collective identity of the United States of
> America.  If she cannot contextualize herself as connected to the us and
> advocate for the US as her "us" then I would not be able to endorse her
> husband for President.  That's the distinction.  Respectfully, I do not
> believe that someone should represent the country from the position of
> the perspective of someone outside the country.  It's pretty simple,
> really.  There is an American identity that Presidents need to embody.
> If they cannot accommodate to that stance that's fine, we are free, but
> it disqualifies one from being President in my opinion.  I want someone
> that loves this country, warts and all.  And appreciates us.
>
> Furthermore, most social indicators improved dramatically in this
> country from about 1985 to 2001.  Crime dropped dramatically.  Youth
> improved across the board.  Volunteerism rose dramatically.  Charitible
> giving was way up.  The economy was great.  Poverty declined.  So, she
> is just plain wrong on the issues.
>
> The related issue is whether or not Ms. Obama speaks for her husband.
> If she does then I think he has problems.
>
> Kevin
> -----
>
>
> With Ms. Obama's quote, some questions that beg to be asked for me
> are:
>
> §    What does she mean by the 'US'-is she talking about all the
> individuals who collectively make up a country that is called the US?
> Is she talking about how the US is seen by others in the world? Is she
> talking about the collective impact the US is having now (for itself and
> in the world) as compared to say 1776 or 1965 or 19The Appreciative
> Inquiry Discussion List is hosted by the David Eccles
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-- 
Leif Josefsson
Förenklare / Facilitator
LeanderLeander AB
Kommunikation & Förändring
.:Communicate & Change:.
Ölandsgatan 48 - 116 63 Stockholm - tel +46 (0)70-773 00 54

www.leanderleander.com

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