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Jeff,
I concur with your observation, having experienced the "authorization" of the mapping process first hand with you.
In terms of teaching it I would say that you're already doing it through your modeling. Although, bringing the students awareness to what you are doing, and what they are experiencing when it happens would possibly enhance the learning experience. Perhaps, a quick self inventory of the students experience would be effective in recognizing "authorization of a map" when they experience it, e.g. what they are seeing, hearing, and sensing.
When I have had similar experiences I would describe it as being a steward of, or "holding" the mapping "space", not dominating it, nor simply being a scribe. For me, awareness of the "shared" experience is critical to success and ownership of the map, as each member of the group contributes to it. It is the "we" or "us" if you will. People know this intuitively, but often are not aware of it until it is very strong, or missing completely.
By acknowledging such a (subtle) space exists and asking people to sense it for themselves at different times in a training or meeting, fine tunes their awareness of the group dynamics, as well as the content & technology that contributes to it. The facilitator is usually the most significant contributor in the beginning, which can be further enhanced (or usurped) by the group, and the content and/or technology being used, in this case dialog mapping.
I believe that the awareness of the degree of engagement in, and ownership of, the dialog mapping process, as well as, the shared experience would work well to train others in the art of "authorization" as you call it. Needless to say that the degree of experience and comfort with the technology will effect this. However, learning to be "completely in service of the group's collaboration and sense making process" is a more subtle skill that requires awareness and intention to do well.
I applaud your awareness and observations Jeff. And, I feel confident your intuitive skill as an instructor will lead you to the answer to your question. I very much look forward to your advanced training.
Richard
----- Original Message -----
From: Jeff ConklinSent: Tuesday, November 16, 2004 2:09 PMSubject: [vims] Authorizing dialog mappingI had an insight last week while I was doing some training that I'd like to share with the Dialog Mapping community for your feedback. It's still only partly baked, but it is beginning to fill in an elusive piece of the puzzle for me about the practice and craft of dialog mapping.
As I observed the students in the training and reflected on what it is I'm doing when I dialog map, it struck me that I sometimes do all the parts without really fulfilling on the promise of dialog mapping.
Real mastery of this facilitation approach goes beyond knowing ... beyond being fluent in IBIS and graceful in the dance of shared display, beyond knowing the software well enough to operate it without having to think about it. I have been saying that this extra something was confidence, or giving yourself permission to interrupt and validate the map, or experience ...or the product of lots of practice. The practice is essential, but the extra something I stumbled on is about authorizing yourself. Authorizing yourself to facilitate, to interact with the group, to be the designated listener, and to be the bridge between the group and their map in the shared display. It's a stand. It comes from being, not doing. It says "This map and this mapping process are immensely valuable and will help this process ... even if you don't see that yet."
It's not about ego. Egotistical dialog mapping will get in the way and is ultimately toxic. It's more about being willing to expose yourself completely in service of the group's collaboration and sense making process. In that sense, this stand shows up as authorizing the shared map. Authorizing the map to be a powerful augmentation of the group's collaborative effort. Authorizing the shared display, moment by moment.
So, how do you teach this stand of authorization? I don't know. It may not be teachable. But I'm excited about observing carefully as I dialog map for clients, and I think I know what the advanced "training" is going to be about now.
Cheers,
JeffDr. Jeff Conklin <mailto:jeff@...>
CogNexus Institute ... Collaborative Display, Collective Intelligence
http://cognexus.orgPhone: 707-256-3425 Fax: 707-256-3903
1037 Juarez St., Napa, CA 94559 USA
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