Hello %First Name%

Welcome to the fifth issue of Newfield Institute’s newsletter Observing Differently Who hasn't got an opinion? In this edition we take a look at something we all do all of the time, express opinions. This article explores the impact of our opinions on others, with some useful strategies about how to use negative opinions more constructively. In addition, we are delighted to report on another great application of the ontological approach in an organisation, with the work of Phillip Crockford and Gold Coast Water. This case study is a great example of how having high quality conversations and taking a strategic approach to managing requests can transform organisations.

We hope you find these articles useful, and encourage you to forward them on if you think they would be helpful for others. Please contact us if you’d like to discuss any of the ideas we offer here, or if you have any suggestions about what you would like us to cover in future newsletters.

With best wishes
Mark Raymond

How Constructive Are Your Negative Opinions?
What is the difference between being critical and opinionated and providing considered and respectful critique?
By Alan Sieler

We’ve all got them, in fact plenty of them and they are coming out of every pore of our skin – opinions. You name it and we are likely to have an opinion about it. Our opinions are an integral part of our everyday language in our speaking, and thinking, in our relationships and dealings with each other. This article is an opinion piece about opinions...

Do our opinions matter – aren’t they harmless utterances? Sometimes, but they can be potentially very damaging, especially our negative opinions. This is because we can be lulled into believing that our opinions are factual - really how things are – and that can have unfortunate consequences. We are responsible for what comes out of our mouths and what we put in writing and therefore cannot escape the consequences of our opinions. How responsible and constructive do you want to be in expressing your opinions, especially your negative opinions?

 Read full article

Organisational Case Study

Improving the Coordination of Action at Gold Coast Water
By Mark Raymond

This case study explores a valuable application of the ontological methodology in organisations - improving the way people coordinate action. This involves understanding how work gets coordinated between people and identifying how to redesign processes and improve the quality of conversations. It stems from the idea that organisations exist at a macro level to make and meet commitments to customers, and at a micro level, everyone in an organisation is making requests or offers or responding to them in order to fulfill the commitments of the organisation as a whole. What we know from our work is that often these conversations and processes don't produce the results that people want, both professionally and personally.

Gold Coast Water is one of Australia’s largest water and wastewater service providers and is located in Queensland. This case study highlights the work of business transformation consultant Philip Crockford in helping the Gold Coast Water team to improve the coordination of action within their organisation – with spectacular results.

 Read full article

Coaching to the Human Soul – Ontological Coaching and Deep Change

Volumes I and II Alan Sieler’s Coaching to the Human Soul publications break new ground in the literature on coaching, for they provide a comprehensive coverage of what is probably the world’s most advanced approach to Executive Coaching and Life Coaching. Ontological Coaching is based on a new understanding of human beings and human interaction. Grounded in a substantive and robust theoretical framework, the method and practice of Ontological Coaching enables people being coached to connect with their souls and experience deep positive change. Volume I – The Linguistic Basis of Ontological Coaching Volume II – Emotional Learning and Ontological Coaching Volume III of Coaching to the Human Soul is on track for publication in 2012

 Learn more