Alignment

Even though spatial analogies often make things easier, they may well cause us to be thrown too far: In another essay, we referred to the discourse of war, conflict and occupation in the assumption that someone has exceeded their authority or intruded our realm. Let's emphasize once again that the main aspect of cooperation is not the individual defense of the line we draw on our own, but the determination of a line that everyone who works together will take sides by consensus.

We often use the expression “lining up” with negative and hierarchical connotations: When we say that someone has to be lined up, we mean that they have deviated from the predetermined course for any reason, and it is our duty to discipline them. When self-proclaimed power holders draw the line according to their own ideas without the consent of the people with whom they live and work together, they see everyone who does not stand there as elements that need to be lined up. What a waste of energy, both in politics and business!

However, the word “alignment” offers a much more democratic possibility than the imperative “line up”. In the exercise of "deep democracy", which is one of the methods that facilitates teamwork, the following question allows everyone to express their opinions and makes the discussion productive: “Is there anyone among us who thinks a bit different?"

This question is asked not to identify the black sheep in the team, but to realistically draw the line behind which all members will stand together in the future. When it is drawn with the contribution of everyone, alignment ceases to be the line through which people are brought by force, punishment or violence. It turns into an exciting route of a common journey.

Let’s take the marker from the ones who think they own it alone, and make it the common tool that belongs to everyone in the team: Isn't it worth a try?