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 - and,
indeed, the very structures to deliver those interventions - will be dependent on
the needs of the client peoples and/or organisations.
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 - Coalesced Authority, Power and Influence
(Integration). This is a concept Spiral Dynamics co-developer Don Beck has borrowed
from management guru, Ichak Adizes (1988). (The Adizes Organisation LifeCycle is
often a powerful tool to link with Spiral Dynamics for MeshWORK development - particularly
when using the Lower Quadrants of 4Q/8L to look at needs and conflict in organisations.
Adizes provides not only the most highly-advanced model of development but also a
means of mapping which vMEMES are driving (or hindering!) that development.)
'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 - and what needs to be done.
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 - using GIS (Geographical
Information System) technology) to map data to specific areas - which can then be
interpreted in Spiral Dynamics terms (vMEMETICALLY).
In any kind of people interaction, from a partners in a marriage to decision-makers
in a major plc, meta-programmes can help identify and sometimes refine vMEMETIC information
about just what memes people are attempting to infect each other with.
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
Support Agencies
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-made? How easy is it for 2nd Tier thinkers to operate?
NEW TIER OF CONSCIOUSNESS BEGINS
GREEN
What equal opportunities/anti-discriminatory
policies are there – and do they work? What is the concept of a 'decent society'?
How are people facilitated in working together? What mechanisms are in place to ensure
this vMEME remains practical and cost-effective?
ORANGE
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-products of Capitalism contained?
BLUE
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-available/affordable
food? Is there enough adequate housing? Does the health care system work? Are the
healthcare/midwifery units enabling us to procreate the species OK?
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 - because Spiral Dynamics recognises the unique
mix of vMEMES and the Values & Beliefs that go with them in any given context.
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
- and the realisation that different strategies may be necessary in each of the Quadrants
- especially if the Quadrants are not aligned vMEMETICALLY.
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 - eg:
over-high or over-low neurotransmitter or hormone levels - and how these can be affected
by diet. For example, It has long been known that the essential amino acid, trytophan,needs
to be extracted by the body from foodstuffs, to make the neurotransmitter, serotonin
- low levels of which have been associated with Major Depression. Since Bernard Gesch
et al's groundbreaking 2003 study into the effects of a daily multi-vitamin supplement
in reducing violence amongst hardened prisoners, more and more researchers are looking
into the effects of ingestents, including pollutants and contaminates.
So for our regeneration MeshWORK, we would need to look at factors like diet and
other factors, such as pre- and post-natal care, which impact upon the brain's development.
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 - and how does that affect
behaviour?
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-Actualise beyond my own Identity, Values & Beliefs and appreciate
what others want and need? Can I live with paradox and uncertainty? Can I recognise
and challenge my own preconceptions. Can I 'flexi-flow' around problems and sticking
points? Do I look after others simply because they are there and I never know when
I might need them? Is the natural world a resource to be valued because I know I
need it?
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-in-conscience do to make our community
a better place for all?
ORANGE
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' - and where? Do I look the best I can? Do I take pride in myself? Can I take
the 'knocks' - even when they're really bad? Do I know who to avoid and who'd better
watch themselves with me?
PURPLE
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?
