James Baker, founder of Intentional Society and a community building expert, teams up with Richard D. Bartlett, an authority on decentralized leadership. They discuss creating intentional communities for personal growth, emphasizing the shift from traditional careers to nurturing collective connections. Explore the complexities of inclusivity and leadership as they balance structured planning with adaptability. Hear insights on post-pandemic trust dynamics and the advantages of virtual engagement, alongside the importance of developing a meta network for robust community growth.
The Intentional Society emphasizes personal growth and relational practices, fostering a supportive community for self-improvement among its members.
Leadership within the community is transitioning towards a decentralized model, encouraging shared responsibilities and organic emergence of leadership among participants.
Deep dives
Formation of Intentional Society
A person transitioned from a software career to form a community called Intentional Society, aimed at personal growth and self-development. This community enables members to connect virtually, primarily through Zoom calls, fostering growth in their personal lives and relationships. The focus is on creating an environment where individuals can strive to become their best selves, thereby influencing larger community systems. The core values of the society revolve around self-improvement and collective growth, creating a supportive framework for members.
Philosophical Foundations
The community is grounded in adult development theory and relational practices, combining psychological insights with practical applications. Members often engage in practices like authentic relating and collective presencing to deepen their interpersonal connections. Participants come with a desire for meaning and understanding in their lives, which may range from being seasoned practitioners to those unfamiliar with relational practices. This blend of experience levels enriches the community's dynamic and encourages ongoing learning.
Membership and Inclusion Strategy
The community maintains an open membership with a somewhat flexible entry process, allowing individuals who resonate with the mission to join. Potential members participate in orientation calls to understand the community's structure and expectations, thus ensuring alignment. While inclusivity is valued, there are concerns regarding maintaining a safe environment, prompting discussions about boundaries and the types of members who might not be suitable fit. Ultimately, the approach relies on self-selection, with a focus on discovering genuine connections among members.
Leadership Dynamics and Vision
Leadership within the community is seen as an evolving aspect, moving towards a more distributed model where responsibilities are shared among members. The founder grapples with the balance between guiding the community and fostering autonomy, recognizing that leadership models need to adapt as the community develops. There’s a vision to cultivate a self-aware community that actively shapes its culture and addresses challenges collaboratively. The long-term goal is to create a space where leadership emerges organically, enhancing the collective experience while supporting individual growth.
James Baker, founder of Intentional Society, speaking with Richard D. Bartlett about their community building experience, especially focussed on questions of how to decentralise leadership. Their website is here: https://intentionalsociety.org/
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