Embodying Eldership, Power and Vulnerability

Deep Democracy in Organizations. What can this mean?

Foto credits to don fontijn on unsplash

Preparing our next seminar in Vilnius on ‘Embodying Eldership, Power and Vulnerability’, our Lithuanian colleague Ausra Kukelke was hosting a zoom conversation with us - Gabryscia Basiuk and myself - and some curious in processwork, deep democracy and eldership interested minds.

This conversation explored the establishment and significance of the Process Work Institute in Lithuania, the practical applications of Process Work in various fields, and the concepts of eldership and leadership. We discussed the importance of community building, the connections between Deep Democracy and Process Work, and how these methodologies can be applied in organizational settings. We also deepened the nature of eldership, emphasizing its fluidity and the importance of personal power in facilitating effective leadership.

Thanks to everybody who joined us live and found interest in what we are sharing. We look forward to continuing conversations around this topic, as we consider it highly relevant for us and our times.

Takeaways

• Process Work is a practical approach applicable in various fields.

• Eldership is a state of mind, not limited by age.

• Deep Democracy facilitates inclusion of all voices in a process.

• Personal power is essential for effective eldership.

• Fluidity between roles enhances leadership effectiveness.

• Process Work emphasizes the importance of community building.

• Understanding the structure of processes aids organizational development.

• Eldership supports a holistic view of leadership.

• Trust in the process is crucial for group dynamics.

• Collective wisdom emerges from diverse voices in a community.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Process Work and Community Building

05:33 Establishment of the Process Work Institute in Lithuania

13:39 Understanding Process Work: Definitions and Applications

18:40 Deep Democracy and Process Work: Connections and Differences

25:48 Exploring Eldership: Concepts and Applications

34:38 Leadership vs. Eldership: Understanding the Dynamics

36:24 Fluid Leadership Roles

38:59 Navigating Role Transitions

42:10 Understanding Personal Power

44:21 Exercises in Personal Power

48:35 Connecting with Inner Strength

Who are we?

Gabrysia Basiuk is a processwork diplomat, systemic mediator, organizational development consultant, B.onfire partner, and faculty member of the Deep Democracy Institute and the Polish Processwork Institute. She supports leaders and teams to grow beyond their limitations to embrace new, emerging opportunities and consciously use their power to achieve their personal and organizational goals.

Stephanie Bachmair (B.ONFIRE/DD Alliance) is a communication enthusiast, facilitator, leadership coach, and process work diplomat. She supports individuals, teams, and organizations in exploring and crafting their stories, telling them with impact, relating to their audience, and increasing their transformative power through dialogue. 

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If you want more

• Embodying Eldership, Power and Vulnerability. 21st to 23rd of Feb 2025 in Vilnius. And a tutorial for Group (Deep Democracy) facilitation on Thursday, the 20th of Feb. For more info, check out here or write to steph@b-onfire.com.

• If you want to get inspired around leadership, deep democracy and/or transformational storytelling, and be informed about further happenings, you can also subscribe to our monthly B.ONFIRE newsletter

• For professional updates on leadership, communication, and facilitation check our website www.b-onfire.com, and other social media channels: https://linktr.ee/b_onfire