How do I know when I’m self-organizing? How do we know if our group is self-organizing? This is fourth indicator of self-organization that emerged from my research and consulting work:

Indicator #4: Sharing more of myself than I expected or planned.

I am self-organizing when I share more of myself than I expected or planned. Demonstrated, for example, by:

  • Sharing personal feelings, information, and stories that demonstrate larger connections (“Just a quick aside…”)
  • Sharing half-formed thoughts and ideas
  • Sharing personal stories, prompting others to reflect and share even more than they had before
  • Momentarily stepping out of your formal work role and just being yourself

As a group, we’re self-organizing when we share more of ourself than we planned. Demonstrated, for example, by:

  • The group has boundaries that are very flexible—more flexible, even, than members planned or are aware (and that’s ok). Examples:

             o  People near the group and close to group members are considered part of the group by one or more group members whether those people or other group members know it or not
            o People near the group and close to group members can imagine and consider themselves a part of the group independent from what group members think
            o Those who help and contribute in any way are given credit and can feel close to and part of the group

  • People nearby and personally close to group members can see the group and group members demonstrating many of the things that it takes to make the group work—without group members being fully aware of it and without group members talking about it