Introduction

My key learning around 3’rd Entity can be captured in—

Placing the problem out in front…

That is, if you and I are struggling with something we often face each other and—

  • Hold onto our positions;

  • Debate, argue, try to convince;

  • Focus on Win-Lose.

But if we can identify the challenge we’re trying to resolve and put it out in front of US, then we both can better focus on IT rather than on US.

3’rd Entity - Sequence of Events

The notion of 3’rd Entity in ORSC is that of disconnecting from the problem, then placing it out in front of us. In this way, we can separate a bit and view it from a different angle or thru a different lens.

Here’s a recommend series of steps to do that—

  1. Establish the topic that the system (pair, group, team, organization) wants to explore.

  2. Have everyone (depend on the # of folks) talk about their position on the topic.

    1. This can be a form of ventilation, getting it “off folks’ chests”.

  3. In the center of the system, put a chair. Explain that this is for the voice of the system (the team, group). Remind everyone that this represents no individual perspective or position, BUT it represents the ENTIRE system.

  4. Invite individuals to come forward an occupy the chair to either—

    1. Listen to the individuals from the perspective of the system, or

    2. Share something from the perspective of the system.

  5. When someone occupies the chair you can ask them—

    1. What does the team need?

    2. What does the team know that you all individually do not?

    3. If the team could say something to you, what would it say?

  6. Invite individuals to come forward and speak/listen with the Voice of the System.

    1. You’ll want a representative number to participate.

    2. You don’t want it to go on too long; so that the group loses interest.

As a coach, you are listening for similarities and differences in what is said. Picking out themes.

Then, ask the system—

  • What have they learned about/from each other?

  • What have you discovered about the topic?

  • And what might be next?

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Voice of the System

I found that putting the 3’rd Entity, the Voice of the System, out in front has some interesting effects on the system. For example—

  • It builds awareness of each other.

  • It builds awareness of the system.

  • It separates individual positions from the problem.

  • It builds empathy.

  • It opens everyone’s perspective.

  • It reduces the “heat” surrounding the issue.

  • And it fosters collaborative problem-solving or partnership.