wisdom of crowds

I've been cognizant of Surowiecki's work, and his four principles for assuring the ability to bring out the "wisdom of crowds" in addressing complex, highly charged topics, while avoiding the "dumbness" and group think so commonly seen. (The Bay of Pigs analogy is a useful one).

In my work, I've considered and used the four principles as we attempt to pull together the types of collaboratives whcih will allow for the truly creative thinking necessary in changing health care. While aware of the controversy around Surowiecki's work (likely suggesting he's hit on some sensitive nerves), I concur with many of the comments, specifically those of Mohammed, and have found this a useful construct.

Of course it is only one aspect of moving collaborative efforts forward. I've also considered the adaptive/technical leadership model of Ron Heifetz, Otto Scharmer's Theory U, and have used aspects of Group Genius as written by Keith Sawyer. An additional useful construct in the work has been incorporating the elements of Fair Process outlined by Kim in the Harvard Business Review in 1997.

Just my take on looking at the convergences and synergies of different concepts and philosophies, and drawing from them. Of course, attention to the appropriate and attentive use of the concepts is essential to prevent the unintended consequences of misapplication of these concepts.....much more to learn.

Gary Oftedahl http://www.icsi.org

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