An important and broader issue raised in this piece is using parts of whole systems, when those parts are interdependent. A common mistake is thinking that one can just choose bits and pieces, AND get the same results as using the whole.

Failures I’ve seen with sociocratic systems often come from leaving out inter-dependent parts. To use the bicycle example, getting both front and rear wheels, but not bothering with the handlebar. Or, front wheel and handlebar, sure, but who needs another wheel, got one already! These bikes will not function, not as a bike anyhow. They may even be dangerous to try and ride.

Using consent decision making without also implementing equivalence and transparency is an obvious example. “Consent” in this context may be given under duress or from a power-over or power-under position, and/or without full information on the factors involved. Consent in this case just means I consent because I’ll be fired otherwise, or because information that would lead me to object with good reason is not available to me.

Organizing domains of work in circles without implementing circular feedback (the double-linking of the Sociocratic Circle-organization Method, or other functional equivalents) will likewise have different consequences than with integrated circular feedback. In most cases the consequences will not be positive; just consider what would happen in your body if your nervous system were not continually providing feedback between vital organs and processes. Or any organization you’ve been involved with where communication and feedback were poor or absent between important parts.

Sociocratic behavior involves a group, and what “we” are doing together. In the USA at least, the cultural foundation is the individual, “me,” and what I get or don’t get from being involved with these other people.

It’s a far bigger shift in behavior than people tend to think, from “me” to “we.” Picking and choosing the “comfortable” bits of a sociocratic approach is one way to avoid the challenge.

Giving a full and fair trial to a systemic sociocratic approach pushes hard on a “me” culture, creating a lot of discomfort — and, gives far more support for shifting to a “we” culture.