Conocer's Model
Articulate Common Principles
Principles are the foundation of relationships andactions. They are the agreed upon standards that
direct decisions and behaviors. Articulating
common principles can be difficult, especially for
large and diverse groups and communities. Doing
so requires time for individual as well as group
reflection. Yet it is increasingly difficult to see the
value in setting aside time for reflection in our fast-
paced world where we tend to focus on short-term
action.
History suggests, and our experience tells us, that
groups that explicitly uncover and define common
principles are most effective at creating change.
One historically famous example is the common principle of non-violent social change promoted by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his contemporaries. This clear statement of principles allowed people across the nation to work independently for civil rights in their own communities and to be a part of the larger national movement for change.
Public leaders play a critical role in helping groups and communities articulate their common principles. They can create opportunities for people to come together to reflect and they can offer an occasional reminder about the behaviors the group aspires to practice.
At Conocer, we believe the way groups interact and take action is as important as their purpose. We assist groups to articulate their common principles by providing them the tools with which to:
- Uncover touchstones to guide their work
- Ground strategic plans in principles on which everyone agrees
- Develop leadership and communication strategies to reinforce common principles over time
- Re-ground themselves in their common principles when they have gotten off track