We The People: Consenting to a Deeper Democracy by John Buck and Sharon Villines - Book review

We the People

Consenting to a Deeper Democracy

By: John Buck, Sharon Villines

Published: May 23, 2007
Format: Perfect Paperback: 278 pages
ISBN-10: 0979282705
ISBN-13: 978-0979282706
Publisher: Sociocracy.info Press












"Sociocratic governance builds on the values and experience of democracy and the scientific discoveries of the twentieth century to create an even more participatory and inclusive system", write CEO of the Sociocracy Consulting Group, and associate at Creative Learning Solutions, Inc., John Buck:, and writer and artist, Sharon Villines, in their revolutionary and thought provoking book We the People: Consenting to a Deeper Democracy. The authors describe the concept of sociocracy, and the principles of dynamic self government, and how they can be applied to workplaces, communities, governments, and other organizations.



John Buck (photo left) and Sharon Villines present a new methodology for governance, in any organization, that transforms their structure into one that is more inclusive and efficient. Instead of a top down system, where decisions are centralized, the sociocratic model emphasizes consent and collaboration as the basis for the decision making process.

The process enhances communication within the organization, as the governance structure includes input and voices at all levels of the company, and form interested parties and clients from the outside as well. The authors offer the principles of establishing a sociocratic approach to any type of organization, and share the methods for putting it into practice.



Sharon Villines (photo left) and John Buck recognize that the current governance model in organizations of all types, including workplaces, governments, and communities are not utilizing the most effective decision making model. The authors present evidence that companies are not achieving their optimum level of profitability due to inadequate use of available ideas. The current model is a static one, and lacks the dynamics available under a more inclusive and collaborative system.

The authors share the following steps for implementing a socicratic model of self governance into an organization:

* Inclusive decision making
* Developing quality
* Steering and structure
* New leadership strategies
* Fair compensation and free organizations
* Circles and implementation
* Consent and rounds
* Electing people
* Organizing work
* Money as measurement

For me, the power of the book is how John Buck and Sharon Villines combine a strong theoretical framework for understanding the principles of dynamic self governance with a practical blueprint for putting this new system into action. The authors provide a comprehensive overview of the foundations of sociocratic principles that are both revolutionary, and yet very conservative in nature. This seeming paradox provides for the addition of new ideas, but in a familiar and understandable approach.

The book contains many graphs and diagrams to illustrate the principles being described in each chapter. A real benefit to the book is the extensive Appendices that add further depth and additional viewpoints to the subject matter. Indeed, these extra chapters are in keeping with the principles of the dynamic self governance by proving a platform to include other voices. The authors also provide a glossary of the terms used in the book to enhance the overall understanding of the concepts and ideas presented throughout the text.

I highly recommend the idea filled and governance transforming book We the People: Consenting to a Deeper Democracy by John Buck and Sharon Villines, to any leaders and groups seeking a guide to establishing a more collaborative and inclusive decision making and leadership process into any organization. This book will change the way you look at all organizations and their current decision making methods forever.