Policy and operations in sociocracy – a presentation by Ted Rau (ted@sociocracyforall.org) Understanding the difference between operations and policy is key to making fast and good decisions. The idea in sociocracy is to empower operational decisions (so they can be made by anyone who is authorized) and to make policy decisions to guide and improve those operational decisions. However, the line between operations and policy can blur which makes it harder to make pragmatic decisions. Policy decisions are made by consent while operational decisions are often made alone – and with feedback if appropriate. Looking at the whole topic helps us get clear so we can be fast, or slow and considerate, depending on what the situation calls for!
Clarity and empowerment: What is a domain?
Domains combine clarity with flexibility, small groups with big picture thinking and alignment, empowerment of groups and individuals with responsibility. It’s a design pattern that we can use indefinitely – with a place for everything and everything in its place.