It is difficult to be prescriptive about developing a MeshWORK.
Because Spiral Dynamics enables us to recognise and work with a number of different
Value Systems (or vMEMES) in play at any one time, MeshWORKS interventions -
So a MeshWORK is highly organic and readily flexible, shifting its structure and its interventions to meet the changing circumstances and the changing natures of the client peoples and/or organisations.
However, there are 2 core principles:-
1. Breadth
The MeshWORK must create CAPI -
'Authority' is the ability to make decisions.
'Power' is the ability to implement or resist decisions.
'Influence' is the ability to 'Integrate' and align Authority and Power.
So a MeshWORK, to be effective, must bring together those who decide strategy and those who can implement those strategies in a way that they can work together.
2. Depth
The MeshWORK must look down the spine of the Spiral, to ascertain what is
happening at every level in every relevant context -
Often, it is highly beneficial to use the 4Q/8L lens to consider in a structured manner the effects of vMEMES in different contexts.
Where there is a geographical or regional element to a MeshWORK, this process can
be aided considerably by the setting up of a Vital Signs Centre -
In any kind of people interaction, from a partners in a marriage to decision-
As a basic example, the schematic below sets out some of the more obvious partners in a regeneration MeshWORK and the kinds of questions they might need to ask.
CAPI
Local Authority~Community Group~Schools & Colleges~Manufacturing Industries~Health
Care~Service Industries~Social Services~Probation Service~Leisure Industries~Police~Business
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TURQUOISE
Where are the 'Big Picture' thinkers who can see how it all links together
and who understand the deep natural spirituality of man and the planet?
YELLOW
Where are the people who can see the Spiral and – for at least for some of
the time – operate beyond their own values and challenge their own and others' limiting
beliefs? Who can provide Integral Leadership, looking after all resources – human,
natural and man-
NEW TIER OF CONSCIOUSNESS BEGINS
GREEN
What equal opportunities/anti-
Where are the wealth creators
and the innovators? How are improvement and achievement supported? What measures
of 'success' are seen as desireable? What controls are there on self interest manipulators?
How are the negative by-
Does the law & order
system work? Are the laws clear? Are there enough honest & committed Police? Do the
Churches push morals? Are our industries efficient & regulated? What mechanisms are
in place for managing polarised differences?
RED
Are there opportunities for the SAFE expression of this vMEME – eg: sports, pubs
& clubs/dancing. Do we encourage individuals to find their 'own voice' and look after
themselves? Is there enough power from higher authorities to exert control?
PURPLE
Are
our family units safe places? Are we investing positively in our young? Do our communities
have strong identities, able to take their places in the world? Are the tribal elders
and shamans in place and respected? Are our tribal rituals and taboos honoured?
BEIGE
Are people's basic physiological needs being met? Is there enough readily-
Clearly, the questions to ask around each level would be different in a business
or an education MeshWORK. In fact, the questions to ask might be quite different
in each MeshWORK of any description -
Once the questions are answered, it is then possible to start constructing strategies that will meet the needs at all the levels, bearing in mind the greater good of the entire Spiral.
If we look at the example above from a 4Q/8L perspective, then we get more detail
-
Working
in the Upper Right Quadrant
Of course Don Beck does not apply the concept of vMEMES
to the Upper Right. So there are two principal areas of investigation in that Quadrant:-
a) How are the brain and the central nervous system?
Since the development of vMEMES in an individual (Upper Left) depends on the effective
functioning of the Upper Right, we need to be aware of biochemical imbalances -
So for our regeneration MeshWORK, we would need to look at factors like diet and
other factors, such as pre-
Then there are brain signalling and processing problems which are implicated in conditions from Autism to Obessive Compulsive Disorder. A high incidence of individuals with learning difficulties and/or mental health problems will have an impact upon any MeshWORK design.
From the work of Dr Hans J Eysenck (1967, 1976), we know that the level of reactivity in the limbic system's amygdala, the level of stimulation of the cortex by the reticular activating system and the level of testosterone can all have an effect on the extremes of innate temperament as mapped in Eysenck's Dimensions of Temperament.
b) What is the current physiological state of individuals -
For example, individuals undergoing persistent serious stress will have large amounts of such hormones as noradrenaline, adrenaline and cortisol in their systems. Consequently they are likely to suffer from problems with concentration, insomnia, irritability and immune system malfunctions.
As more and more is revealed about the effects of physiology (Upper Right) upon thought and intention (Upper Left), it becomes clearer and clearer just how vital health in the Upper Right Quadrant is to any MeshWORK design.
Working in the Upper Left Quadrant
The schematic below takes our basic example of MeshWORK questions and and shows some of the more detailed questioning possible by focussing just on this Quadrant.
CAPI
Local Authority~Community Group~Schools & Colleges~Manufacturing Industries~Health
Care~Service Industries~Social Services~Probation Service~Leisure Industries~Police~Business
Support Agencies
TURQUOISE
Can I see the 'Big Picture'? Can I see how it all links together? Do I understand
the deep natural spirituality of man and the planet? Can I see what 'the system'
needs?
YELLOW
Can I Self-
NEW TIER OF CONSCIOUSNESS BEGINS
GREEN
Do I understand that all have equal value, regardless
of age, gender, colour or creed? Will I take steps to join with others to help those
who are 'less equal'? What will me and my partners-
Can I innovate? Can I visualise my future and plan for
it? Do I know how to make things better for me? What do I have to do to create wealth
for me? Can I lead others in my vision? Am I prepared to take calculated risks to
get what I want?
BLUE
Am I a responsible citizen, obeying the law, holding down a job,
making sure my kids go to school and encouraging others to do 'the right thing' too?
Do I know what my community expects of me and do I do it? Do I pay my taxes and would
I 'grass' on benefit fraud?
RED
Do I look after myself? Do I know how to have 'a good
time' -
Who do I belong to? Do I feel safe with them? Do I
mix with my family and my neighbours? Do I show respect to the old ones and look
after the young ones?
BEIGE
Do I have enough food and money for the basics? Do I have a physical home or a place to shelter in? Can I find a partner to procreate with and pass on my genes?
In the Upper Left the focus is on me, my perceptions, my motivations, my values, my beliefs, my memories and my intentions.
