Many Agile transformations settle for trading old ways of working for newer ones, but leave dysfunctional power hierarchies untouched. Businesses have mistaken agile for a delivery methodology, rather than the disruptive and emergent practice that it is supposed to be. Agile itself is part of the problem however; its strengths are not in scaling governance and policy-making - two processes that are crucial for organisational effectiveness and employee engagement.
Agile has a kindred spirit in Sociocracy - a collaborative decision-making and governance system. With shared roots in systems theory, Agile and Sociocracy have a common language, emphasise human connections, and focus on effective outcomes. By utilising its core principles of effectiveness, equivalence, and transparency, Sociocracy has the power to evolve businesses organically.
In this workshop, Erin and Nick will provide an overview of the shared goals and concerns of the agile movement and sociocracy, and introduce the audience to the concepts and practices of sociocracy in an interactive session. With this knowledge, lasting transformative and evolutionary change can be introduced at organisations, large and small. They will also explore the regenerative design of social permaculture and why it ought to be a goal of any 21st Century business.
Organisations and Leaders seeking innovation and agility should consider complimenting their agility with the processes and principles of sociocracy. We would love to share these insights with you!
Erin Young is a consultant, trainer, mediator, and facilitator. Collaborative decision-making and governance tools (Sociocracy) and holistic design for people systems (Social Permaculture) are her primary frameworks; all nature-inspired and informed.
Nick Emery is an Agile consultant and coach, Scrum Master, and Systems Thinker. His understanding of complex systems and culture has formed through experience, research, and post-grad studies in Sociology.