Nature's Principles Spiral

When strategising or planning, we usually ask ourselves...What's the desired outcome? What do I/we want to do?

These are natural, more than likely, ego-centric questions. But how can we make the question more eco-centric, more ecological, following Nature's principles? With an eco ego, the aim is for SYNERGY and PRECESSION, where the whole is greater than the sum of the parts, e.g.  1 + 1 = 4.

For synergy to occur,  both DIVERSITY and INTERDEPENDENCE are required. The energising eco-centric desired outcome is to value diversity, work interdependently and hope for synergy. However,  synergy is not predictable. Synergistic outcomes require TRUST (in self, in each other, in the system). When in tune with Nature, synergy emerges and energises further spirals.

Inevitably there will also be follow-on side effects or ripple effects that we call precession. It's important we take responsibility for not only the positive effects (often called serendipity), but also address the emergent negative effects (often called unintended consequences). Again, when in tune with Nature, the positive effects will outweigh the negative, and serendipity energises further spirals to value diversity and working interdependently even more. That's the way Nature works.

NEXT: Eco Ego Spiral — Four imperatives for any eco-centric strategy.

More: Functions Spiral  More: Practices Spiral

  The Principles Spiral (tex &, graphics) by Yoshimi & Jon Brett is marked with CC0 1.0 (OK to copy)