59 Topics
Hygean 4 Team Philly August 2015
Our Hygean 4 simulation team from the Holacracy Practitioner Training at Desmond Hotel, Malvern PA, August 18-22, 2015 Group photo on colleague's FaceBook page:...
09/01/2015
Domain Policies, Legacy Policies, Hybrid
Howdy Folks - Okay, so - let me divide and conquer a bit into 1) Domain Policies and 2) Legacy Policies. Context for those who don't know us, we're a hybrid still - with our Board of Directors still operating as-was, and nearly all of our local and...
09/09/2015
Project / Duty To Process
Hey Folks - Okay I have another totally real er I mean hypothetical case I'd like some input on, regarding a Project that a... circle member accepted.many moons ago. I think this... circle member ... accepted the Project in agreement...
09/09/2015
Constitution Versions
Howdy folks - Um, so we adopted Holacracy August 2014, when the constitution was version 4.0 ... then this past June the 4.1 version came out... and it's great, all good. And then the question landed... what happens over time and in...
11/19/2015
Third Party Contractors - Partners?
Howdy Holacrats - We're wondering if/how/when any of you have incorporated contractors (vs employees) as Role-fillers or otherwise as Core Circle Members. At present in our organization, we have Souls differentiated as Employees,...
11/25/2015
Anchor Circle Redux
GlassFroggers - Our nonprofit organization is hybrid Holacracy and will remain so for the forseeable future - an anchor circle running all operations and a board of directors using bylaws/Robert's Rules modified. Our ratifier (then-Board Chair) did our initial GlassFrog setup, and set up the boar...
12/02/2015
Interrupting the Facilitator
I'm having some difficulty determining exactly the extent of Facilitator authority during meetings. As Facilitator I am experiencing some circle members who interrupt to offer their opinion without direct invitation. At times I believe this comes about because of a tendency from our circle member...
02/22/2016
Anchor Circle Accountabilities
In 5.2.4 the constitution indicates that the Lead Link of the Anchor Circle has the authority to name the Circle, clarify its Domains and add or modify its Accountabilities. How does GlassFrog accommodate this functionally?
02/22/2016
Absentee Tactical Tensions
Folks - A few times now at Tactical meeting, we've had one of the partners ask another member to bring a Tension for them. The requests, oddly enough, have been for input/advice on a topic vs something very specific 'will @Administration lead please complete new task X?'. Each time this has happe...
03/24/2016
Definition of Policy
Folks - Hopefully it's in the mix for next constitution update - but I am continuing to experience tension about the lack of definition for Policy - specifically that part which indicates it cannot require new accountabilities as clearly specified during the HolacracyOne practitioner and coach tr...
07/11/2016
Subcircle justification: Meeting? Frequency?
Howdy Humans - Super-fun Governance meeting just now brought up a very good group of questions around how/if/when a Role is justified to be a Circle? Or when an inactive Circle is justified to be collapsed. As part of our first-ever anchor-circle-facilitator governance audit I identified 5 subcir...
07/20/2016
Facilitator as Proposer
Folks - Whether it is a proposal coming from the role of Facilitator (such as from a repair of invalid governance or recovery from process breakdown) or from another role held by the same soul, is there any rule or best practice about stepping out of Facilitator during the part of governance meet...
07/20/2016
Reason For Redesign?
Curious what brought on the new appearance of the role view. It is so starkly white I find it difficult to read and I cannot fathom a tension that brought this into play. And, I profess my ignorance - so am curious to know : Why the redesign? Why such a stark white appearance?
09/01/2016
Role Names as Domains?
Okay so we had our first major restructure of the anchor circle and other key roles (mentioned in part in the post about 'elevation vs demotion' reactions) and now am ready to pose question about some governance cleanup. In part a result of expediting the intent of the proposal, created by someon...
09/01/2016
The big reveal thing on Friday
Folks - Quick question - I think I may finally and completely lose my soul-not-role sanity if I do not go to a protest on Friday mid/late-morning and I am afraid that I may miss the whole Eventbrite thing if I go to the protest. Is there plan for another presentation, or recording this one?
01/18/2017
Request to Test Proposal in Governance
I know it's allowed, there's a whole section 3.2.3 about what proposal testing means and that Facilitator MAY test, but I do not see language verifying circle member's right to request proposal testing, and/or at what stage of Governance. I can hear Brian 'at any time' from coach training, but my...
02/05/2017
Tensions from 'outside' / non-Partners
Howdy folks - question. I remember hearing during Practitioner Training I believe, something about anyone can bring a Tension, even if they're not in a Role or appointed as Circle Member. If so, how? And where in the Constitution is this described? I do see in 3.3.1 that the Links can invite, and...
07/11/2017
Lots of Crappy Governance
YUP. So - if your organization's governance was full of conflict in domain that has caused tensions - brought about by oh say 3 years or so of floundering by facilitators and practitioners and what ought to have been NVGO time and again getting added into a mass of used gum underneath a school de...
07/26/2017
2.4.2 as applied to a Lead Link role
I've assumed (or heard @ practitioner or coach trainings) that more than one individual cannot be assigned to a lead link role - but I have not been able to find/verify that assumption in the constitution. Imagine the case of a Role that is assigned to Peter, Paul and Mary. Then the Role is expan...
12/21/2017
Changing Legacy Policy
Folks - So 5.4 very briefly accomodates pre-existing policies and systems that remain valid after adoption of Holacracy. It states that they lose all weight and authority as soon as Governance is defined that replaces or contradicts them. Here's our question: Does new Governance remove a legacy p...
01/04/2018
Automating Tension Strikethrough
One thing we've bumped up against, especially if/when our circle @Secretary and other users may not be quite as technologically skilled, is the creation of tension items and corresponding 'enabling' of the create/edit proposal, create/edit policy and hold election tools in the Governance Meeting ...
01/08/2018
Failing To Object Out Of Fear
More on the 'Human in Holacracy' - how to coach/assist a practitioner who expresses having felt great anxiety and fear of conflict and/or reprisal if they object? This isn't about an overly timid person but also a challenging environment that seems to reinforce the idea that objection is personal...
01/09/2018
Multi-Filled Roles and Domain decisons
If a Role is assigned to more than one person, and there is no focus definition that limits or specializes the 'co-assignment', do they each have to agree when it comes to Domain impact? Or can any one individual decide?
01/09/2018
Latest Facilitator Guide different from PDF
Just purchased and received latest laminated Facilitator Guides - and there is slight discrepancy between hard copy and posted PDF on Tactical card. On the back '5 Pathways' the title of the last two are different. Print: Request Space To Share PDF: Share Information Print: Request An Ongoing Exp...
01/13/2018
Breakdown & Restoration : HOW?
Folks - We've been playing the game about 3 1/2 years now, and to date our process breakdowns have been mostly domain violations, with a couple role assignments outside of governance restrictions and sub-circles not meeting regularly. AND, we've got plenty of shadow power issues to work through t...
03/06/2018
Absences Part 2: Coordination/Permission
Folks - The other part of our challenge with absences (see Absences Part 1: Responsibility/Authority Coverage) is how to handle scheduling planned absences - vacation - within the construct of Holacracy. My perception based on both H1 trainings, forums, articles and 3+ years of practice tell me t...
03/06/2018
Shadow Power - Resources
Folks - Do you know of any articles, videos, etc on shadow power, its manifestations, and solutions to reduce/eliminate? I've got some great notes from the Coach Training but seeking more... Thanks
03/30/2018
Projects / Projets
04/16/2018
Conflated Terminology "Individual Action"
Folks - So this has been bothering me for a while and I'm just now getting to it as some partners are exhibiting confusion. The problem? The GlassFrog uses the term 'Individual Action' in a way that is not in alignment with the Holacracy Constitution use of 'Individual Action'. The Constitution h...
04/24/2018
Lead Link Accountability Phrasing
Holacrats - One accountability in particular in default Lead Link role definition is quite insanely worded. Please help. "Removing constraints within the Circle to the Super-Circle enacting its Purpose and Accountabilities" The problems here are the prepositions 'within' and 'to' and the pronoun ...
04/19/2018
Augmenting Elected Role Definition
Holacrats - I know from constitution 2.5.3 that @facilitator @secretary and @rep link role definitions can be augmented - but when discussing it in our study group I was asked for an example of why a circle would want to do that - and I could not come up with anything useful. Anybody have example...
05/10/2018
Strategy Meeting Process
Howdy Holacrats - So, has anyone utilized the Strategy Meeting Process created by HolacracyOne? If so, about how much time does it take overall? by section? How did you like it? Were there any sticking points - places in the process to be on the lookout for something? Thanks
06/13/2018
Role Assignment "de minimis"
We're thinking thoughts and wondering if any orgs who have made a "de minimis" role assignment can provide a bit of context to the why/what prompted that type of assignment, and how it's worked out. From GlassFrog - "You may exclude someone from representing their role in meetings only if (a) the...
07/12/2018
Performance Feedback
Hey Holacrats! Knowing that Lead Link monitors fit between role and soul... how are some Holacracy organizations doing or not doing additional / separate Performance Feedback for employees? If you do have some sort of feedback system, to what degree are Lead Links involved? Thanks much
07/11/2018
Disappointing Lack of Activity / H1 Response
Over the years the activity level here in the Community of Practice has had ebb and flow but we do seem to be at a pretty low point, and I see very little involvement from HolacracyOne, even when myst posts specifically ask for some. Is there a Role at HolacracyOne that has any responsibility for...
07/31/2018
Election - Candidate Last To Object?
Anybody have an idea why it is required or useful that the candidate be the last Circle Member to be offered the chance to Object? It has seemed to me to be counter-intuitive - that the candidate may be the most likely to object, based on not wanting to do the job (objection 'too busy - already F...
08/16/2018
Nomination Catch-22?
Folks - Is it your experience that the same individuals are routinely nominated as Facilitator or Secretary? The constitution requires us to nominate the circle member we believe is the 'best fit among all eligible' - which often results in picking someone who has demonstrated good performance. M...
08/17/2018
GlassFrog User 'Profile' or 'Note'?
Hey Folks, something I know our team could really use is a little paragraph text area inside GlassFrog user display where soul lists roles, for the use to insert a few basic articles of availability, contact preferences etc. Many teams may not need that if they're in the same building or have uni...
02/09/2019
Ranking Tensions - Broken Window?
Holacrats - Our circle(s) have for a couple years now been entering a 'ranking' for their tension, 1 being most urgent, 5 being least urgent, as a guide for Facilitator in navigating through a long list in case time becomes short. AND. This doesn't exist anywhere in the constitution - where full ...
03/04/2019
97 Replies
Holacracy Constitution Quiz
Yes, I tried to add something and correct a misspelling to no avail - perhaps allow commenting if you don't want to allow anyone to edit?
09/01/2015
Holacracy Constitution Quiz
Originally Posted by Stephan Jenner:Stephan - I'm in love with your comments and recognition of the under-attention Article I and IV receive - how can I learn more about what you're doing? I'm going to be a key part of our organization's bootstrapping effort. Many of 'us' seem to think it's ab...
09/01/2015
Gamifying Glassfrog
Howdy and welcome, Leanne! Great question... trying to imagine some game aspects to GlassFrog. Folks, Leanne is a great sport who tolerated some fun-but-nasty role-playing from my snarky alter ego (which another teammate Melissa named "Kevin") - and yes our whole team was ultra-competitive, stri...
09/09/2015
Gamifying Glassfrog
Michael - I like the concept - but think that the idea of getting points for accepting roles could be a setup for failure on individual and team levels. I think focusing on actions taken relative to constitution articles I and IV - re: duties and responsibilities - is much more likely to produce...
09/09/2015
Domain Policies, Legacy Policies, Hybrid
Oh, the shame - 2 posts no response 5 days later. Maybe it's my glassy-eyed stare at a plastic orange Darth Vader head that's brought about the avoidance. Hmmm.
09/14/2015
Domain Policies, Legacy Policies, Hybrid
Thank you Mary for your reply - I always wondered what that + was doing there and now that makes great sense. I'll be exploring that with domains in my own Roles then inform others on my team. Re: the legacy stuff, that also helps - the idea that we could put a 'good until X date' on older mater...
09/18/2015
Testing Proposal
ogergo - I'm eager to see responses - it seems that HolacracyOne is engaging much less in the updated Community of Practice, but I've followed your post to be notified of other responses. At the Practitioner Training we never tested Proposals, only Objections, so I have no true experience but ha...
09/18/2015
Constitution Versions
No reply from anyone @ HolacracyOne? Have they simply abandoned these forums?
11/25/2015
Third Party Contractors - Partners?
I am grateful for the responses and in-depth dialogue here.I think in the instance the Brian describes, trying it out with someone that was in long ongoing relationship, that THEN was made a Partner through role assignment, and necessitate training in Holacracy, and attendance at meetings... woul...
12/02/2015
Anchor Circle Redux
Grateful for the hearty response and participation - we've been in face-to-face meetings this week and are going to move ahead with approach like the above, in my copious time next week when back home. THANK YOU !!
12/10/2015
Hola Spirit web tool
YAY for dynamic, market-driven competition for service provision! Competition breeds expansion of services and lowering of costs - all good for the customers (including resource-poor nonprofits!!)
12/13/2015
Anchor Circle Redux
I'm about to do all this, folks - and am terrified that I will lose all the History in my 'true anchor circle/currently a subcircle' when I work all this through. Is there a way to export/save all history, or would I have to rely on my email notifications as a backlog?
12/13/2015
Interrupting the Facilitator
Tactical
02/22/2016
Interrupting the Facilitator
Thanks for the input, Margaux and Michael.To Margaux's response - I believe that the troubling engagement was not with the 'tension bringer' but to the other circle member. I think the 'tension bringer' had clearly stated what they wanted. To Michael's response - yes I agree and I work to remind...
02/23/2016
Interrupting the Facilitator
Thanks very much Dien. I'm reminded of something Brian said at the Practitioner training - which I've quoted a number of times ... 'the Facilitator's job is to be more stubborn than the most stubborn participant...'Your idea about a reminder up front is very helpful. I've been cautioning our ci...
02/25/2016
Responsibilities of Role Filling
I like everything I'm reading - and it's to be noted that without use of something like Asana or other task/project management, that there is a minor but appreciable gap in GlassFrog - around ACTIONS.While PROJECTS created during Tactical (or offline) are created and therefore reviewable, ACTIONS...
06/14/2016
Definition of Policy
All helpful, thanks - and not quite what I'm looking for. I do like the Glossary, I refer folks to it a lot, I just wish it said what it cannot be to remove the socialized conflation of the term policy to mean rules that *can* require action. If 1.4 is the sole constitution-provided definition o...
07/12/2016
Definition of Policy
Very interesting and thought-provoking stuff, thank you all.The 'policies' in reference are intended as required actions of circle members of our anchor circle - not of all Partners in the part of the org using Holacracy (we're still hybrid and Holacracy still working its way through a predominan...
07/15/2016
Role Names as Domains?
Thanks Dien and Chris - I have some kick-ass material to give to the Rep Link, I have really been working on this using all the stuff from coach training and before. I'll share the results after it gets considered.Re: my ability to object/not at the time< i admit my own desire to get some sort...
09/05/2016
Role Names as Domains?
Has a renewed opportunity for clarifying questions been tested, hold the reaction, if/when the proposer amends proposal?
09/11/2016
Sub-circle absorption to parent Circle
Good questions and answers. I'd add one more: is there a real, live, compelling reason (qualifying tension) that would be addressed by collapsing the sub-circle into the broader circle?It's not just objections that are tested, but proposals. Any proposal that comes about could be asked to describ...
09/11/2016
Request to Test Proposal in Governance
Hmm okay. Thanks for the input, folks. Asking testing-proposal style clarifying questions seems like converying information, ie "I think your proposal is invalid".If I was @Facilitator I'd have the right to do so 'at any time' but I do not see how I can request that the @Facilitator do so.Waiting...
02/06/2017
Third Party Contractors - Partners?
So I know there were more recent instances of a topic like this, but thought I'd update what we changed our Partner Definition to back in January.https://app.glassfrog.com/policies/8181259
04/11/2017
Employees
Julia - would you kindly share a role definition for the second bullet in your response?Julia posted:You are right that using Holacracy doesn't suddenly mean that everyone is self-sufficient and requires no input/guidance/support/mentoring/feedback from others.We have done a couple of things:Crea...
04/11/2017
Being a founder / poking people
Interesting stuff to ponder - where Shadow Power might be infringing in your interactions with the team.One thought here in particular - which respect I ask - what makes you think that as @Secretary you have the accountability to remind people to record their checklist / metric items? I don't see...
11/19/2017
Eligibility
It's clear to me that only core circle members are eligible. If an individual is not a member of the circle by nature of role assignment, a lead link can appoint them as a core circle member, making them eligible for election to one of the elected roles.Re: the thread, I very much like the idea o...
12/22/2017
2.4.2 as applied to a Lead Link role
I'm simply looking for some clarity or interpretation of 2.4.2 or anywhere else that precludes this. I do not think it wise and would never advocate for it. I do of course understand that a circle is not automatically expanded to a circle due to multiple assignment.
01/04/2018
2.4.2 as applied to a Lead Link role
That does help a bit Chris. I'm thinking that the whole 'as long as that does not decrease the clarity' phrase sort of inherently brings with it a strong argument again co-assigning (or allowing to remain co-assigned, in this instance) the role of lead link. But that it is not specifically preclu...
01/05/2018
Changing Legacy Policy
Right, thanks Chris - so imagine for simplicity that the legacy policy has a set of definitions. Perhaps think of them A-Z assignments.A = Antelope, B = Bird, C = Cat, etc.New governance comes along defining B = Bullfrog.Does the previous set of definitionsget tossed in its entirety, leaving us w...
01/05/2018
Changing Legacy Policy
Got it.
01/08/2018
Latest Facilitator Guide different from PDF
Except - the PDF is still not updated to match the print copy. http://www.holacracy.org/wp-co...tical-card_2016_.pdf
01/23/2018
Latest Facilitator Guide different from PDF
Thank you - I think very wise to link the action - that when the new print version is made available, to make PDF available.
01/17/2018
Failing To Object Out Of Fear
There is much help here and I appreciate it.AND.I believe that there is much to consider regarding the "Human in Holacracy". There are people for whom Holacracy may be more challenging than for others.some personality types, perhaps 'introverts', 'emoters', 'relation-oriented'those who've been sy...
01/13/2018
Failing To Object Out Of Fear
This is very useful. I specifically like the resource references.I think it may be important to recognize that people who are systemically oppressed do not always have the capacity to bridge the additional gap created by cultural systems of privilege. Also aware that some personality types need a...
01/17/2018
Circle Member not filling Role
This is where the Human Meets Holacracy - and it's not easy for many.In a traditional hierarchy, you couldGo to the Maestro and say 'have, I've had a number of volunteers show up with nothing set up for them to do, and it's eating into my time, ORGo to your colleague's supervisor and say 'you kno...
03/01/2018
Breakdown & Restoration : HOW?
Brian Robertson posted:If Partner A ignored Governance to take actions outside of established procedure (legacy policy) and make decisions in an area of authority clearly delineated as a domain of Partner B's role, what is there to do?Some questions first to help answer your question: Did Partne...
03/07/2018
Breakdown & Restoration : HOW?
Very helpful, Brian. Yes in this instance it's me as anchor circle facilitator trying to determine what I can reasonably/effectively do vis a vis 'process restoration' - and my own judgments aren't directly at play.Yes I have them, I'm human - but if I have a responsibility as partner to comply w...
03/07/2018
Breakdown & Restoration : HOW?
Yes thank you - your response shows I'm thinking on the right track(s) and I value the proactive suggestions.I've pushed the GlassFrog habits program, required (via partner agreement) basic study and participation in continuing study (both in-house bootstrapping, all we can afford) and not sure w...
03/07/2018
Purpose of the circle member (role-filler)
What we did was essentially describe all in one place those duties and responsibilities and incorporate that and a couple other requirements (basic study of Holacracy, commitment to ongoing study of Holacracy, commitment to a few practices regarding absence coordination and team communication) al...
03/13/2018
Shadow Power - Resources
Hmm yeah - looking at my note set and thinking about conversations in our rooms since that training...What are some costs / impacts of unchecked shadow power? on organizationson circle/role relationshipson interpersonal levelsWhat are some ways for me to confront shadow power in others in the lea...
04/02/2018
Share your work at the Holacracy Forum!
Siobhan -Could you please remind about the date/location of this event?Thanks muchKeith Jarvis
03/27/2018
Rep Link Role
Morgan - just to play devil's advocate - why not 'insert your personal biases?'If your Tension isn't processed, are you in compliance with duty to process Tension?Or is the Tension at play not related to pursuing your role's purpose, your circle's purpose, your organization's purpose?Just curious...
03/16/2018
Shadow Power - Resources
I look forward to H1's response to your follow-up question, Fritz.Here's a couple of my thoughts from what I've observed in 3+ years and my recall from the trainings.Use of shadow power does not imply malevolent intent WHEN UNCONSCIOUS. When someone circumvents the rules, or governance that was c...
04/04/2018
Self-Organization Beyond the Work
Is registration required for this event? If so, I'm not seeing how to register.Thanks
05/18/2018
Project Updates
If I have a pressing need to comment or inquire about your project, I have a Tension.It's okay for a circle member to ask a brief question about a project update for clarity, but if it's a deeper inquiry about the how or why of the project, I suggest that Facilitator should ask it to be captured ...
05/18/2018
Taking Questions
I, too, think clarity is useful here - and I don't have to feel like I'm being rude or shuting someone down as Facilitator, either. A balanced approach is readily available.Circle member 'shares information' then trails off with 'and I'm complete for now unless someone has a question or comment'....
05/18/2018
Writing a purpose and style
Great topic - we've still got a mish-mash between the two 'styles' described here, with growing emphasis on non-action / non-'directive' (to use your term) purpose statements.The way we've been framing this internally is along the lines of a Mission Statement, which has Vision + Action = Mission,...
04/24/2018
Turn to speak in Tactical?
Absolutely it must be a separate tension. Otherwise, this sort of thing is an exhibition of shadow power.
04/24/2018
Performance Feedback
Nary another response?
07/17/2018
Tribe Space App
Tyler - I watched this video, great stuff - do you happen to have the presentation that was shared to the attendees by Matthias and Georg?
08/21/2018
Tribe Space App
I did get the presentation from Matthias - but don't think it would be appropriate to send it as I was not granted permission. I suggest direct messaging him here - or just emailing him m.lang@dwarfsandGiants.orgThanks!
09/13/2018
adding projects by lead link!
I am an administrator in our GlassFrog account, but I *believe* that most users cannot create a project for other roles, unless they are acting as @Secretary during a Tactical Meeting.So if that's true, the 'talk to them' part would be functionally required in order to get it into GlassFrog. OR I...
10/23/2018
Combine meetings
Here's the only issue we've faced with jumping right from Tactical to Governance if a Governance Tension came up in Tactical: NOTIFICATION.If ALL the circle members are present, the Secretary could theoretically fulfill the requirement to reasonably notify circle members of the Governance meeting...
01/02/2019
Lead links objection for a new role
Exactly what Tom said, only piling on to say that your Lead Link might be under the impression that there is more authority to the role than what actually exists. That person does not need to 'agree' with everything the circle creates - and the objection 'this seems to duplicate something in this...
01/02/2019
OmniFocus Alternative
Folks one more little vote for a Google mail extension called Active Inbox.It's not nearly as powerful as the systems referenced - Omnifocus, Asana, ToodleDo, Trello, etc etc. It doesn't have cool interfaces or charts.BUT it directly interacts with email, which is still my #1 inbound 'what is it?...
02/09/2019
GlassFrog User 'Profile' or 'Note'?
Hmm well thanks for the response, Audrey, but I've been experimenting with tag since your suggestion and it is quite a bit different from a simple text area. This should not be a very difficult development item.Would you kindly push it to feature request role(s)?Thank you
02/14/2019
Ranking Tensions - Broken Window?
Thanks Chris!
03/05/2019