As we continue to transition towards new modes of operation in business and towards a new society in general, I have pondered what it will take to make this “shift” proceed smoothly and with optimism. While the structures that we thought to be infallible slowly crumble around us and we acknowledge that we are operating within a fundamentally broken system, it is easy to become reactionary and allow fear to prevent us from embracing change. But how can we use the tools we have to our advantage? In one of humanity’s greatest displays of ingenuity, we have created the Web. How can we now use this communication platform to our advantage, to rebuild trust in each other, to redefine our values and visions, and to create a world in which we can pursue our personal objectives in a way that is mutually beneficial for all?
It’s a tall order, and not one that technology alone can solve. As I’ve stated before -
Technology is the tool, not the builder. We are the builders.
It is our responsibility to design environments in which the behavior and actions we wish to see can emerge. Before we can take action, I believe a common ground needs to be established where we can come to a place of shared understanding and shared meaning. To that end, I proposed a concept for a conversation and collaboration platform I’ve called “Junto”. The term comes from a club by the same name originally initiated by Benjamin Franklin. The intention behind the meetup was to bring together colleagues and intellectuals to discuss the issues of the day – of business, politics, ethics, and how to better serve the community and evolve as compassionate, consciously aware humans. They identified a core value system which they could all agree upon, one that placed highest regard on mutual improvement and the spirit of inquiry itself. Though friction was inevitable, progress could be made because of a commitment to engage in generative dialogue in service of a larger vision.
While our version of this platform is still being built, ‘The Conversation’ is already underway. I look forward to watching this environment being built for free access on open standards, where live, public video-based dialogue can occur on a global scale. The technology that is needed already exists; what is lacking is the focused intention for the conversation. I’ve been showing what this conversation looks like for months already – I model it in the way I interact on my blog, on Twitter, and on Skype. I’ve even begun recording and posting clips of it. “Junto” is simply a word to represent the essence of the way we can choose to approach problem solving, collaboration, and each other. I believe it is up to us now to decide whether we are ready to be the change we hope to inspire in the world around us.
Venessa Miemis is a futurist, digital ethnographer, and modern day philosopher. She is currently pursuing a Masters in Media Studies at the New School in NYC. The focus of her graduate work is on facilitating trust-building, generative dialogue, and open collaboration in networked environments. Her blog, Emergent by Design, probes the potential impacts of social technologies on human behavior, thought processes, and the evolution of consciousness. Connect with her on Twitter @venessamiemis.
