What is different about business today? We have observed more and learned from it. Everything that now exists was once imagined, therefore, everything that is going to exist must be imagined today. What we imagine, why we imagine, and how we imagine are critical to our future. Business is always evolving. The 1800's were the Industrial Years. We were driven by our will to build simply because we could. Business became structural and mechanical, built mostly with muscle. The 20th Century was the Age of Knowledge. Business was built by the mind and will with new innovations and technologies. At the turn of century, we realized that companies behave more like living beings than mechanical beings. In fact, they are living things.
Today, in the 21st Century, we are building businss with our hearts, minds, and wills with more insight. We are discovering that business also has a spirit. This is the Age of Awareness. Today, companies are discovering how much easier business thrives with open wills, open minds, and open hearts in co-creation with the Universe. This is the most natural state. Business IS life. It expresses itself as energy and vibration, just like humans do. It doesn't have to be so esoteric. We instinctively know and feel our Higher Self when we allow it, but now we have observations, practices, measurements, and structures that we can use to understand it.
Conscious Business Awareness is evolving through new tools and practices. Below are summaries of a few of these transformational perspectives that The HorizonPath Project integrates together to maximize your business potential.
The Three Fundamental Factors of Creation
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A Business Perspective(Summary)
To comprehend how emotions, thoughts, and actions at a personal level contribute to a company, or network, and even the collective earth, and vice-versa; we first need to understand that we are all connected through our interactions in the form of energy. Energy is the power by which anything has the capacity to move. Knowledge is the intelligence by which things know how to move and become. Purpose is the reason things move with intelligence and exist. Creation is the effect or outcome. The source and influence of each of these determines whether the effect or outcome is nurturing or destructive to self and to all. We can this the Higher Self and Lower Self. Awareness is our obervation of Self.
Quantum Physics tells us scientifically how all matter is made of energy. Matter is only energy vibrating at various levels of density, with intelligent design and purpose. The interactions of energy scale up from sub-atomic particles to molecules, from the cells in our human body to employees of a company, from companies to an industry, and so on. There may very well be an infinity of energy group levels, but we are essentially all one connected field of energy. We are not separate beings, but individualized expressions of our unified Source in constant interaction with itself. The microcosm and macrocosm of business is the interaction of positive influence and negative influence.
It is commonly understood by most everyone today that energy moves from one place to another by waves, electric currents, sound waves, heat, etc. It moves through air, water, wires, and our bodies. It is in the fields of metaphysics that we now study the intelligent nature of energy flow with cause and effect. Regardless of the science, we can understand and recognize the concepts through experience and awareness. Regardless of our conscious awareness and understanding capacity, we all contribute as participants whether we are aware of it or not.
Every Outcome(what we create) is the result of Purpose(why we create), Knowledge(how we create), and Action(when we create). It is also a co-creation with the collective universe. To realize the highest potential outcome at any energy group level, it must also nurture the highest collective potential outcome. This can be challenging to comprehend until you progressively see more as your Higher Self. The illustration above attempts to show the relationships. Consider for a moment how energy is electromagnetic in nature. Universal energy flow appears to work in a similar way with human interactions and intentions. The energy that we contribute to the collective whole is the same energy that we attract back to our selves, perhaps to a degree related to expression and attention. Conscious Awareness is achieved with the open heart, open mind, and open will of our Higher Self.
The Nine Expressions of Business(Summary)
The state of health for a company is not determined by the profit & loss sheet or by turnover numbers. It is determined by the incoming and outgoing impact that is made in each of The Nine Expressions of Business. (see illustration below) Through observation, we can identify these impacts in each expression category, and we can perceive the overall health of the company when observed all together. In essence, The Nine Expressions of Business are actually the flow of life energy and are relevant to any context in business. Here, we cover in detail the relevance to business. The Nine Business Expressions can be applied to an individual or to an industry. They can be applied as a reference to a moment, or in real-time as a health monitor. They can be applied to quick decisions or projects that span years. The true value comes in the observation, reflection, and actions taken as a result.
To understand the nurturing or destructive nature of business expressions, we need to understand:
Nurturing and destructive influences on business come from our source, from our Higher Selves or from our Lower Selves, and our connections to each other. It is both what we give and how we receive through our source that influences all business functions. (see The Three Factors of Creation above)
How we change our influences on business is done using the principles of Theory-U and Presencing. (see Theory U and Presencing below)
The reason we nurture our influences on business expression is best described in The Seven Levels of Conscious Business Awareness. (illustrations coming)
The Nine Expressions of Business is also a very useful tool for identiying constraints and problem areas. Often we look within specific business functions like manufacturing, strategy, HR, marketing, etc. for the cause of conflicts to progress. Here is where we may discover the effects, but the cause often comes from a source that is non-specific to function. By addressing the cause of effects, we can cure the source rather than just the symptoms.
Business Expressions may be viewed in the context of individuals, teams, departments, the whole company, the industry, and so on. For the purpose of general discussion here, the contexts described below are in the perspective of the individual and whole company.
1) Purpose, Inspiration, Vision (Internal)
Collective company expressions of purpose are the majority of similar thoughts or feelings within the company, that create a path towards its fulfillment. Expression as Purpose exists at all energy group levels, and scales up from individual to company to network to global. An expression of purpose is an internal expression to the energy group.
From the Higher Self, this expression is a co-creation with universal harmony and purpose. As positive energy and higher vibration, this expression nurtures as it interacts in the collective energy field. A positive expression in purpose attracts to other like-positive expressions to create the synchronicities as opportunities required to fulfill the purpose.
From the Lower Self, thoughts and expressions conflict with universal harmony and purpose. As a negative force of expression, this energy is destructive by nature as it attracts other negative expressions moving toward its fulfillment.
2) Collaboration, Internal Human Relations, Teams, Co-Workers (Internal)
Collaborative expression is when individuals or groups, that are closely related within an organization as a team or department, act together on the synchronicities and opportunities that bring them together. The group collaborates on common intentions and purpose. Collaboration is an internal expression to the energy group, in contrast to Networking, which is an external expression of similar energy.
A healthy expression of collaboration greatly amplifies positive energy flow as like-intentions merge. Collaborative expression that is in alignment with Universal purpose also amplifies inspiration and synchronicities. A healthy collective expressing is like fine tuning purpose and intention, which facilitates a rapid rate of co-creation. These interactions create satisfaction, hope, joyful expectation, excitement, happiness, passion, gratitude, and love.
An unhealthy expression of collaboration is weak. The vibration is low. Energy turbulence is created as ego's clash and power struggles thrive. Energy flow is very unproductive and destructive. Negative energy is amplified and released which attract similar crisis situations. Products of unhealthy team environments include arrogance, worry, criticism, blame, anger, revenge, hate, and fear.
3) Company History, Heritage, Management (Internal)
The expressions of company heritage and history are like the human memories and experience of family. That which has brought a company into the present is a significant factor to how we exist in the present. Corporate Management is a connection point to heritage. The expressions of history and heritage are internal expressions as they are intentions from within the company that created the history of the company.
From the Higher Self, the expression of Heritage is simultaneously both of love and gratitude for learning through our past experiences, and an awareness of love and gratitude for creating heritage from the present which will shape our future.
From the Lower Self, we resent and blame our heritage from our troubles. In the present, we can resent and blame our peers, the company, the industry, or many things. From here we fail to recognize the lessons we need to learn, the things we need to release to heal, and the synchronicities and opportunities that lead to prosperity. We repeat the same destructive patterns that we create for ourselves.
4) Asset Management, Prosperity (Internal and External)
The expressions of Assets are what attract them to us, our intention and use of them, and how we release them. An asset has a life-cycle that begins when it is desired, or when a purpose is created for it, and ends when it is released by the company. The thoughts and actions of a company generate assets that either create value or de-value the company. Asset Management is both internal and external in expression, as it is an interaction with the world to call in what we desire in assets.
Assets manifested from the Higher Self have purposes that nurture the collective energy, as well as the company, in some capacity related to the company's intentions. They carry within them the energy of nurturing as they progress through their life-cycle from the point of thought to the point of release or elimination. These assets are enablers for higher purpose.
Assets manifested from the Lower Self carry with them energy that is destructive to our collective energy and the company. Although, they may take the form of company addictions, as in assets that serve the personal desire of the company at the expense of others outside the company. They may appear valuable to the company, but only serve the company's ego.
5) Conscious Business Center (Internal and External)
The expressions of Conscious Business come from the conscious awareness of higher purpose, knowledge, and action. Being is becoming a Conscious Business that is fully aware of itself in the context of its connections through energy to everything. The expressions of Conscious Business are both internal and external to the company (or energy group) as it is how we manage a conscious business as one with the world.
From the Higher Self, Conscious Business expressions are the thoughts, feelings, and actions that are co-creating harmony with the universe. As conscious awareness increases in business, as a company whole and within each individual, the negative energies that create problems are replaced by the positive energies that create solutions. Increases in energy and vibration include inspiration, productivity, emotional and physical wellness, collaboration, and cooperation.
From the Lower Self, the lack of conscious awareness promotes separation from the enablers that synchronize business to harmony. The lack of conscious business awareness results in a turbulent flow of positive and negative energies interacting. Common symptoms of turbulence include sluggishness, unclear opportunities, emotional stresses, confrontations, and a generally unhealthy work-force.
6) Networking, External Human Relations (Internal and External)
The expressions of networking happen when individuals or groups reach outside their common relationships to interact with the larger world and explore opportunities. Networking may also be within a company as departments cross-communicate with common intentions. As a company whole, the networking expression includes reaching outside the industry and business environment to engage in the flow of the world as a whole in order to create new opportunities. Networking is internal and external to the company as it relates to inter-departmental networking and networking outside the company.
From the Higher Self, networking expressions aim at building relationships that nurture each other and the world. Higher Self expressions ask the world, "What can we achieve together?" Emphasis on positive affects outside the company are seen as purpose. The Higher Self is aware that networking expressions are in the best interest of the company and not sacrifices.
From the Lower Self, networking expressions are manipulative and self-serving. Lower Self expressions ask the world, "What will you do for me?" Concerns about affects outside the company are seen as distractions. Lower Self networking may, or may not, be intentional.
The creation expressions of business are the manifestations created by a company. They may also be external creation expressions that are used as an integral part of a business environment. They are in the products are produced and consumed. They are in the manifested contributions that are shared with the world. While Asset Management is more related to energy in how things are created, Products and Contributions are more specifically about the energy in what is created. Products and Services are external expressions as they are what we create for the world in purpose that reaches outside the company.
The expression of Knowledge is that which comes in and out of the company. What are the inputs, outputs, and frequency of learning. How open is the channel for knowledge in a company? Where does the knowledge come from? Is knowledge gained from within the organization shared outwardly to help others? When does the company collaborate with others in the industry on mutually collected knowledge? Knowledge is primarily external in expression as it is an interaction with outside sources. It is giving and receiving knowledge with those external to the company.
9) Recognition, Acknowledgement (External)
Recognition and Acknowledgement are expressions of how your company is seen and felt by the world, and how the company sees and feels the world around it. This is the company's perspective of being in the world, and the world's perspective of being with the company. The expressions here are not about how the company wants to be perceived, but how the company actually is in being a company. It is the truth that permeates into the world, and back into the company. The expressions of recognition and acknowledgement are external expressions in that they are related to how a company sees the world and how the world sees the company.
A traditional perspective is to look at business systems as related to functions like: operations, sales, human resources, management, marketing, public relations, etc. The function view is necessary for business. The health view is a different perspective. It is a holistic view of influential expressions that are present in all business functions. Each area is a separate representation of expression. By observing all nine areas of health, it becomes easier to identify areas of neglect where healing is necessary.
It is also important to distinguish between cause and effect when considering the health of business. To promote health and heal conflicts, it is more beneficial to focus on cause rather than effect. Traditional indicators, like profit and loss balance sheets, are important when observing the results of a company. But the focus of health in business is more about cause than effect. Creation follows expression.
In the biology of the human body by comparison, health can be observed at the cellular level or body systems level. One can also reflect on the overall health of a person. In the book, Anatomy of The Spirit, author Caroline Myss, PH.D, states that our biography creates our biology. The concept is that the health of our human body is a reflection of our emotional, spiritual, and environmental state of being. The energy expression of our emotions and thoughts create the health of our body. At an energy level, a company is exactly the same way. The health of a company is determined by its ability to express itself in such a way as to be purposeful, nurturing, and sustainable with balance and harmony. A truly healthy company is one who's energy flows effortlessly in each of the nine areas as a balanced total system of expression. The total system of health creates the presence of a company.
There is a also a tremendous value with focusing attention on the intended-state of business health. Once a system is in harmonious health, it is important to let unfold the highest potential outcome as a co-creation with the universe. However, it is very powerful to express future potential outcomes given the law of attraction. When we think, feel, and express, we attract the same energy back to us. When we create a balanced and expressive health system on paper as a guide, and focus on achieving rather than failing, we send a powerful message out into the universe.
In The HorizonPath Project, we explore the ways in which to identify the energy flow in all nine areas of health. We go deeply into the root of the expression and how a company actually expresses in business terms. We look at the interactions and relationships between the nine areas of expression. We also examine the methods of evaluation and processes to integrate health awareness throughout an organization.
Theory U and The Presencing Institute are very respected within the vision of The HorizonPath Project. The intentions between The Presencing Institute and HorizonPath Corporation are with common purpose. Theory U illustrates perfectly the process of HOW we apply conscious business within the framework of The HorizonPath Project. There is no reason to re-invent what is done so effectively here. Thank you to Otto Scharmer and The Presencing Institute! We recommend the educational materials, tools, and workshops as an integral accompaniment to The HorizonPath Project.
As presented by The Presencing Institute:
"Presencing," a blend of the words "presence" and "sensing," refers to the ability to sense and bring into the present one's highest future potential—as an individual and as a group. Theory U offers both a new theoretical perspective and a practical social technology. As a theoretical perspective, Theory U suggests that the way in which we attend to a situation determines how a situation unfolds: I attend this way, therefore it emerges that way. As a practical social technology, Theory U offers a set of principles and practices for collectively creating the future that wants to emerge (following the movements of co-initiating, co-sensing, co-inspiring, co-creating, and co-evolving).
The Twelve Management Functions - Product to Process to Source(Summary)
In every business function, the function output is the Product (or service) that we create in action (or expression). The Process is the method by which we produce the output, or how we produce the outcome with knowledge. The Source is the purpose or reason that influences the process that creates the outcome. This circulatory breathing process takes
place with every thought, feeling, and action from all connections to that function. The dominant expression influences the health of the business function. And of course, there are always cross-functional influences as well. So why we feel, how we think, and what we do in every moment is very important to each function of business. Consequently, we can evaluate each function from this perspective to identify the source of constraints and solutions.
Based on Twelve Management Functions: Organizational Complexity (f:4.3), Theory U, C. Otto Scharmer, 2007
WHY we create influences HOW we create, which influences WHEN we create, and produces WHAT we create.
WHAT we create is influenced by our actions, our knowledge, and our sources of reason and purpose.
The reason and purpose from which we process knowledge to output is either productive or detrimental to a HIGHER purpose.
Business leaders today face new levels of complexity and challenges with an awareness of the source from which all functions originate.
A Whole-System approach meets the challenges of delay between cause and effect (Dynamic Complexity) in the Product-only focus.
A Multi-Stakeholder approach meets the challenges of diverse interests and views (Social Complexity) in the Product-Process focus.
A Sensing and Presencing approach meets the challenge of an Emerging Complexity, where the future cannot be predicted by past trends, by dealing with situations at the Source as they evolve; and removes the boundaries between management functions.
C.Otto Scharmer comments, "The wheel of management depicts an organic breathing process. The completeness of that breathing determines the health and wholeness of an organizational field. Breathing in moves attention from execution toward the sources of attention and intention, while whatever emerges from the center is breathed out and enacted in the downstream areas of manageing and organizing. In this view the whole of an organization or field is dependent on and emerges only from the relationship of all its parts." - Theory U, 2007
