Holding a Space

How do we hold a space to allow reality to emerge?

The first part of holding a space is sensing that a particular type of communication needs to occur. This might include any number of types of communication such as creative (visioning, brainstorming), administrative (status), integrative (goal setting), productivity (operational), governance (process) or even emotional venting (sometimes we just need to let people get frustrations out in the open). Sensing which type of communication is needed drives the kind of communication space and time that is needed. How many people? Which people? How long? What is the agenda?

Depending on the type of communication, the content of the discussion will tend toward either more structured (administrative, integrative, operational) or less structured (visioning, brainstorming, venting). Generally the less structured the conversation, the larger the sociological space that is needed to allow ideas to emerge. More structured conversations can typically be more controlled, but there should always be an underlying principle of space and timing so that unexpected refinements have the opportunity to present themselves.


Part of the concept of holding a space is to allow creation to happen vs. forcing a particular pattern into existence - a co-creative process instead of an ego-based approach. We may perceive a new situation as a repeat of past experiences. We may want to force this new situation into the same pattern as some specific or synthesized prior experience. What we do not realize is that each new situation is unique. It has emerged in a new time, space and with different subjects and objects. Forcing an old pattern on a new situation may be a well-intentioned desire to make things come out "right", but too much control may kill the possibility of a new or better manifestation.

We may struggle allowing moments of silence when we are in leadership positions. Many times we are doing much of the talking when our groups or teams are assembled. We give status, updates and articulate goals. If we ask a question and see blank stares or too many moments of silence, we may jump to fill in the void with further clarifications or persuasive words. In doing so we may intercept the emergence of ideas that were in the process of baking into existence. This may derail a crucial comment from a colleague.

Some personality types are more suited to holding a space for idea emergence than others. Obviously, listeners are more comfortable with space and synthesis than talkers who may monopolize the conversation and may wish to enforce particular implementations and outcomes on the environment.

Social Networks

I saw the movie "Social Network" tonight. It was very engaging. Afterwards I remembered the people and companies I worked with in the late nineties when the Internet was just starting to take on a more mature level of development. From reading the Wikipedia article on Social Network I wandered around through information about Sean Parker. From there I remembered Tantek Celik, which lead to his LinkedIn site. From there I explored common connections to turn up literally dozens of people I had not considered in years. Folks from the Aldus, Claris, Microsoft and Macromedia years. Lots of great memories.

Week of September 19-26

Well, I guess it's time to wrap up the week. It always seems like a long time has past when I try to think back over the week. Sometimes its a blur. Other times there is more clarity. In keeping with my new blog stream of consciousness philosophy, I will just go ahead and splatter as I listen to John Coltrane playing Central Park West or, now, Pat Metheny playing Soul Cowboy on the wonderful digital music jazz station supplied by the corporate evil entity, Time Warner.

As usual, work occupies the major portion of my week. We are getting close to shipping the next release of the Corepoint Health Integration Engine in 2010. That is very satisfying. We have a couple of long pole features keeping it back but we are getting close.

Other than work, I am looking into buying more property. With interest rates at historic lows and deals to be had, I am thinking about ways to leverage that. A house I am interested in was reduced by 20k just this week (amounts to about 10% reduction). I am making a run for it. We'll see what happens with the low offer I proposed.

I was fortunate to attend a very excellent SMU Orchestra concert Saturday night. They played a premiere compostion by Paul Phillips, the orchestra director. The best piece was the Rachmaninoff Variations on a Theme by Pagannini. Of course the Brahms 4th symphony was no disappointment either. Very excellent. I love to see young people coming together to create a modern experience of historical compositions. Something about that makes life worth living.

Finally, I finished the week today walking for an hour around White Rock Lake with my best friend Diana. We had wonderful conversations about children, music, philosophy, psychology and theological variations. This afternoon turned out to be perfect weather and I heard the Mike Drake trio at Times Ten Cellars. What a treat as it was really a quintet that included the best musicians in Dallas.