Cohousing-L Mailing List: RE: process and the spirit of consensus

[Ruddick, T.R. (RUDDICK]

Here's another false dichotomy:

>> "Process can be used to avoid dealing with issues just as easily as to
deal
>> with issues. My favorite at the moment is "Process was followed therefore
>> you can't question the outcome."

>This one I would needlepoint into a pillow.

>If consensus is the objective, why switch the discussion to process? Is
>there a process that "produces" consensus? Where is the bottom line in
>"process"? It seems to be more process, not getting to the point of the
>issue.

>When did process become the subject instead of the subject? (Rhetorical
>question.)

>Sharon


I see a presumption here that all process is the same, and that process and
outcomes are disconnected from each other.

If you follow a good process, then you'll have opportunity for questioning
the outcome built in.  And if the outcome is good, the process was also.
The means and the ends are inseparable except in abtraction and theory.

Of course, if we use the outdated MBTI theories of personality, then some
people are more focused on process and others are more focused on outcomes.
If you take care of both elements, then both personality types will be more
comfortable.

TR Ruddick
Dayton (OH) cohousing
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