Entrepreneur and author Tom Nixon discusses his work on Source, a break away from the idea of no single leader in co-creation, and its importance in start-ups. The conversation explores working with source, individual sovereignty, blowing apart and building open systems, cultivating responsiveness, exploring suppressed emotions and relationship with money, and the role of violence and masculinity in society.
The role of source in bringing ideas to realization is crucial, and it is distinct from formal positions.
The tensions faced by a source include balancing top-down and bottom-up perspectives, and navigating clarity and doubt.
Recognizing when an initiative is no longer aligned with its vision and needs to be closed allows for growth and transformation.
Deep dives
The Role of Source and Creative Field
The podcast episode explores the concept of the role of source in bringing ideas to realization. It emphasizes that for any human endeavor, there is exactly one individual human being in the role of source, who invests themselves and takes the first step to turn an idea into reality. This role is distinct from formal positions and naturally emerges. The episode also discusses the concept of a creative field, which is like a magnetic or gravitational field that exists around an initiative. The field is influenced by the source's idea and passion, attracting others who resonate with it. The creative field is a place where individuals can contribute and collaborate, while still staying rooted in their own sense of purpose and vision.
Navigating the Tensions of Being a Source
The podcast delves into the different tensions that a source faces in their role. One tension is the need to balance top-down and bottom-up perspectives. As a source, one must accept the responsibility of initiating the idea while also being open to listening to others and allowing greater insights to emerge. Another tension is around clarity and doubt. The source often experiences doubt about what's in and what's out, and the next steps for the initiative. Sitting with the doubt and listening for clarity to emerge is crucial. The podcast emphasizes the importance of holding both tensions and developing the skills to navigate them effectively.
The Process of Closure and Creating Space for New Initiatives
The podcast shares a personal story of closing down a company and the lessons learned from the process. It highlights the importance of recognizing when an initiative is no longer aligned with its original vision and needs to be closed. The closure allows for the energy and resources to be released back into the system, enabling new initiatives and ideas to emerge. The podcast emphasizes that closure does not signify failure, but rather creates space for growth and transformation. It also discusses the potential for succession or the launching of new arcs under different sources, enabling the initiative to evolve while staying true to its purpose.
The role of source in collective initiatives
In this podcast episode, the concept of the role of source in collective initiatives is explored. The speaker emphasizes that each initiative needs someone to open the field and invite others to participate. This person, known as the source, takes responsibility for the space and holds the vision. The roles of source and helper can switch between people or even within different project domains. It is crucial for clarity and reduced confusion that everyone knows their role and the specific responsibility associated with it.
The importance of personal practice and self-identity in working with source
Another key aspect discussed in the podcast is the importance of personal practice and self-identity when working with source. The speaker suggests that cultivating mindfulness and being connected to the whole nervous system can enhance responsiveness and discernment. Additionally, exploring one's identity and integrating all possible identities is crucial for functioning well as a source. The speaker emphasizes the significance of working through one's shadow and embracing all aspects of oneself, including those that may be repulsive or contradictory. Furthermore, the podcast highlights the value of examining one's relationship with money, as it can serve as a mirror for deeper aspects of self.
This week I got to speak with Tom Nixon. An entrepreneur and the author of the book Work with Source (workwithsource.com). The conversation adressed his work on Source especially in the context of regenerative and decentralised ventures. The work is based on Peter Koeneig's work and it has proven to be of great importance again and again in start-ups. The Source principles is a break away from the not uncommon idea that as we co-create there is no single leader and rather it claims that the actual initiator of the question, gathering or the organisation has a special position. This conversation is exciting and highly useful to get a 10.000 m view of Toms work. If you're curious to know more check out the links in this description. Tom is also the founder and source of maptio.com (a tool for drawing decentralised organisations). If you want to get in touch with him you can either go through tomnixon.co.uk or via twitter: @tomnixon
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