In complex adaptive systems, a short list of simple rules can generate complex and adaptive action for individuals and collectives. (For more about simple rules, follow this link to read a recently published article.)The Human Systems Dynamics Institute has framed such a list of rules to shape the emerging patterns that bring Associates together toward a common mission: develop theory and practice of human systems dynamics. These rules govern the actions and decisions of HSD Institute staff and board members. They also communicate what Associates can expect as they participate in the HSD Institute and its activities.

Short List of Simple Rules

• Teach and learn in every interaction.
• Reinforce strengths of self and others.
• Search for the true and the useful.
• Apply emerging learning in reflective practice.
• Make expectations explicit.
• Give and get value for value.
• Attend to the whole, the part, and the greater whole.
• Engage in joyful practice.  

HSD Institute Performance Standards

Within the HSD Institute, we have agreed that this short list of simple rules will be the guide for our behaviors. We have developed a list of behavioral expectations that describe how we intend to interact with each other as well as with Individual and Organizational Associates.

• Teach and learn in every interaction.

Associates indicate that HSD Institute staff listen in every interaction and look for ways to learn from every situation.

All learning experiences provide participants multiple opportunities to share knowledge about human systems dynamics.

Published materials are informative, high quality documents that contribute to the field of knowledge about human systems dynamics.

Interactions are thoughtful and respectful of diverse points of view that are pertinent to the field of human systems dynamics.

Board meetings provide multiple opportunities for Board members and HSD Institute staff to learn together and from each other.

• Reinforce strengths of self and others.

Learning opportunities help participants identify and build on their own strengths as they learn about human systems dynamics.

Each person's expertise and contributions are acknowledged.

Sources of ideas are acknowledged through accepted rules of appropriate citations.

Evaluation processes focus on strengths and how best to amplify those.

Associates indicate that HSD Institute staff members are positive and supportive.

Diversity is sought in group interactions.

Publications represent a wide variety of perspectives in human systems dynamics.

The HSD Institute does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, age, disability, lifestyle or religious preference.

• Search for the true and the useful.

All learning opportunities incorporate theory and practical applications of human systems dynamics.

Documentation and discussion of practical applications of human systems dynamics contribute to the development of theory, and theory contributes to practice in the same way.

HSD Institute publications present quantitative and qualitative research that contributes to the development of theory and practice of human systems dynamics.

• Apply learnings in reflective practice.

Reflective practice is a key component in all learning opportunities created or sponsored by the HSD Institute.

Publications support readers in reflective practice using new learning about human systems dynamics.

The HSD Institute actively seeks ways to support Associates in gaining benefit from their emerging learnings.

Colleague feedback is solicited and reviewed regularly to provide the basis for continuing improvement of HSD Institute goods and services.

Board members and staff engage in explicit reflective practice regarding governance and decision making in the HSD Institute.

• Make expectations explicit.

The HSD Institute uses diverse venues to elicit expectations concerning topics and design format of learning opportunities and publications.

Learning opportunities are designed according to public input, meet their publicly stated objectives, and are evaluated to determine how well they did so.

Board members and staff are provided with necessary information to understand and carry out their roles in the HSD Institute.

All departments publish their requirements for contractors to assure consistently high quality work by the HSD Institute.

Services provided to and by the HSD Institute are made explicit by written agreements.

Expectations concerning on-line and written communications within the HSD Institute are clearly stated and reinforced.

• Give and get value for value.

Learning opportunities provide quality experiences designed to meet assessed needs.

The HSD Institute's commitment to high quality work is reflected in its remuneration practices.

The HSD Institute offers only high quality goods and services in accordance with the Simple Rules and this list of performance statements.

• Attend to the whole, the part and the greater whole.

Learning opportunities support participants in recognizing the whole, the part, and the greater whole in their own work.

Institute publications explicitly address issues at various levels, depending on the topic.

Decision making and governance activities consider first the HSD Institute as the greater whole and accommodate the other levels as possible.

Business is conducted according to requirements of state and federal laws, statutes, and regulations.

Fiscal activities are carried out according to generally accepted accounting principles.

• Engage in joyful practice.      

Participants in HSD Institute-sponsored activities indicate that their experiences were enjoyable and productive.

Associates express that they feel engaged, supported, and respected when they interact with Staff and/or Directors and other Associates of the HSD Institute.

Challenges and opportunities are dealt with in respectful and engaging ways, supporting the Associates and others who are involved.

Associates provide each other with feedback and support that contributes to individual learning about human systems dynamics.

 

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For Our Individual Associates

We want your experience as an Associate in the HSD Institute to be meaningful and rewarding and hope that the short list of simple rules will guide our interactions toward that end.

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