Bottom-Up systems

Where the grass-roots can catalyse change

In hierarchies, the order sometimes flows upward, rather than downward

What does this mean?

1. Bottom-up processes suggest freedom plus responsibility.
2. Top-down systems echo the mindset of those (the few) at the top.
3. By contrast, those lower down represent a greater diversity of many views.
4. This includes a variety of characters, experiences, training and backgrounds.
5. Difference creates opportunities by showing a wider range of choices.
6. Difference is also necessary for creating combinatorial synergies.
7. But differences can also lead to conflict, which may reduce the chances of success.
8. Bottom-up systems are more chaotic - i.e. they may produce surprising outcomes.
9. Bottom-up teams should always try interpret perceived problems as solutions.
10. Every challenge is an opportunity - understand it, use it, re-direct it, apply it.

1. Although you are an important team member, your role is passive and covert.
2. Your invisibility to the other members enables you to notice important things.
3. You are 1 of 2 observers with different roles. You will either make notes about:
- 3a) changes in the team's awareness, body language and conduct
- 3b) the team's discussions, logic and decision-making
4. Which of these roles you undertake will be decided by the team.
5. You may therefore be assigned a different role, once the exercise has begun.
6. Whichever role you are given it is important to make clear notes and sketches, etc.
7. Wait for the team leader to invite you to give feedback to her/him, or to the team.
8. The quality of your observations/feedback may be decisive to your team's success.