[Ailist] RE: OD job descriptions Bring back the Court Jester role

[Stephanie West Allen]

Excerpt:

The jester has a rich tradition in history. That being was the high- 
spirited character who graced the king's court long ago and had  
permission to speak the truth -- a truth for which others might be  
beheaded.

The jester had a unique kind of wisdom. Sometimes it wandered alone  
outside the king's court, interacting with the people in the towns  
and countryside. Those interactions with the jester left people  
somehow moved, if only to increase their smiles and laughs.

Rest here:

http://westallen.typepad.com/idealawg/2007/05/friday_frivolit.html

Best,

Stephanie

On May 18, 2008, at 4:00 PM, ailist-request at lists.business.utah.edu  
wrote:

>  It is my understanding that in the old English Courts there was an OD
> Consultant and that his role was similar to this description (of  
> Nick's
> "free spirit").
>
> He was called the Court Jester.
>
> The position was abolished in a wave of reform (efficiency etc.)  
> and we have
> all suffered as a result.
>
> Just think about it - someone on the inside whose job it is - to  
> puncture
> the vanities and inflated egos that get us into so much trouble  
> because they
> rule and prevail unchecked.
>
> Cheers
>
> John Loty
> Appreciative Inquiry Advocate
> Sydney, Australia