FUNDAMENTAL CHOICE: WHICH DIRECTION FOR LEGION BASEBALL

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Open and Closed Systems by David Lee Jones

Published in the Presbyterian Outlook    September 9, 2022

Closed Systems Breed Fear, Anger, Repression, Paranoia and Suspicion

Closed systems are generally understood as those that have the following features: dominance, sameness, fusion, herd mentality and group thinking. Such systems discourage equality, change, differentiation, independence, questioning, speaking up, taking a stand, rocking the boat or expressing concern. 

They tend to promote immaturity, repression, stuckness, triangulation, gossip, parking lot meetings, factions and secrets. People do not feel safe to question or disagree in such systems for fear of disapproval or retribution. Such systems tend to be reactive and anxious (even if it is hidden beneath the surface) because information is not shared freely and secrets bind anxiety.

Leaders tend to dominate or over-function, which causes others members of the system to acquiesce or under-function.  A few at the top are disproportionately responsible for the many. Such systems often have people who function as dictators or peace-mongers at the top, and may have unduly rigid boundaries.

Closed systems breed fear, anger, repression, paranoia and suspicion. They tend to acquiesce to the least mature members or those who hold the most power (who are often the most immature). Closed systems are marked by incessant blaming of others and usually seek a quick fix to conflict rather than managing anxiety maturely. Closed systems are “deadly serious.” 

Google Search Quotes

• Closed systems breed stagnation.  Open protocols, like open minds, allow for the emergence of the unexpected. 
• Closed minds and closed systems share a core characteristic: a resistance to change, new information, and external influences. Both limit adaptability and increase vulnerability to disruption.  
•  Closed-minded people are more likely to make statements than ask questions. Closed-minded people listen to win not to understand. 

Link to Open System & Full Article

A Closed Minded Read : https://fs.blog/open-closed-minded/

Open and Closed Systems by David Lee Jones

Published in the Presbyterian Outlook    September 9, 2022

Open Systems Value Change, Transparency, Diversity, Differentiation, Questioning, Disagreeing, Discussing, Expressing Concerns, and Giving Voice to All

Appropriately open systems are generally understood as those that value change, transparency, diversity, differentiation, questioning, disagreeing, discussing, pondering, expressing concern and giving voice to all. 

• In open systems, people feel safe to express concerns, disagree and raise questions. Information is shared openly. Open systems encourage and value appropriately open and flexible boundaries and discourage undue rigidity.
• Open systems value, promote and welcome direct communication, “I statements,” responsibility for one’s own functioning in the system and non-reactivity.
• In open systems, leaders can take a stand. Leaders and members stay connected to each other by discouraging domination, triangulation, gossip and secrets. 
• Open systems promote and value playfulness, mystery, paradox, challenge and adventure.

Google Search Quotes

• Open-mindedness refers to a willingness to consider different perspectives, ideas, and experiences, even if they differ from one's own beliefs or preconceptions. It involves actively seeking out new information, being receptive to diverse viewpoints, and engaging in critical thinking to evaluate different perspectives. 
• Open-mindedness is the willingness to search actively for evidence against one's favored beliefs, plans, or goals, and to weigh such evidence fairly . 
•  An open mind is really a mark of foolishness, like an open mouth. Mouths and minds were made to shut; they were made to open only in order to shut.” 

https://pres-outlook.org/2017/07/open-closed-systems/

An Open Minded Read: Article Link