"Missionary teams" LO387

Michael McMaster (Michael@kbddean.demon.co.uk)
Sat, 11 Mar 1995 13:35:29 GMT

Yes, I have experience in forming self managing "missionary" teams - but
what has that to do with gossip?

As distinguished earlier by others, "gossip" is used - in England at least
- to include "light chats" but the roots and main useage is of undermining
or destructive character. Maybe someone noticed that most "idle chatter"
undermines any intentional behaviour.

Anyway, the functioning of such teams did not revolve even around idle
chatter. I think that this is the only way for a "culture change
initiative" to succeed. The idea that it can succeed based solely on the
hierarchy or official organisation doesn't sit right with the way that
ideas spread or the way that people become in engaged in new ideas.

The missionary work can often be done in "resistance movement" manner.
That is they ver very small (3?) and interlocking at only one juncture.
They are not seen to be working in concert to a master plan. They also
have no authority and operate by producing results, enthusiasm, sharing
new thinking, contributing to others and allowing full free choice to
their potential converts. (At the best extreme, they create the presence
of the best game in town and suggest that it is rigorous, not for
everybody and make it difficult to join.)

-- 
Mike McMaster      <Michael@kbddean.demon.co.uk>
    "Postmodern society is the society of computers, information, scientific
knowledge, advanced technology, and rapid change due to new advances in
science and technology."          Postmodern Theory, Best & Kellner