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Order and Disorder...We use the word orderly to describe the flow of energy through a well-managed social process. To those involved in the effort, it can masquerade as stasis. They become conduits for the transfer of power, and may never see the practical change in the lives of the people they support. But order is also comfortable. It allows us to generate value without great effort, providing us time to consider ways to improve the effect of our efforts, or to expand our involvement in other endeavors. Disorder implies turbulence in the flow of power. It reflects an attempt by an individual or group to divert an established flow, and is amplified by the efforts of stakeholders to conserve existing benefits. To the immature, this kind of conflict may seem exciting and interesting. However, in fact only a mature adult can manage redirection with any assurance. A balanced view of the participants' concerns must be evolved, and pressure applied to ensure that objective outcomes take precedence over subjective reward. When entering into such a process, clear understanding is impeded by the very existence of disorder. Simple observation is a good place to start. Where is disorder visible, and how is it generated? Once that is known, the critical question is, "What were you trying to accomplish with your disorderly conduct?" We then investigate the patterns of accomplishment. "What is our purpose? How does your conduct relate to accomplishing that purpose? What do you require to be more effective in delivering value to the people you serve?" Disorder is an important signal. It implies that something is amiss, and that authorities should focus attention to correct the problem. One of the social skills that we must learn is how disorder is interpreted by our culture. To establish that standard, adults should discourage disorder, but never dismiss it out of hand. A mature and respectful inquiry cultivates the capacity of the disorderly party to signal responsibly. Then again, we shouldn't shrink from applying sanctions when it seems clear that disorder is being created simply to attract attention, or reallocate power from social to private purposes. |
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