Perspective -- Higher Levels Leverage Conversation?

[ArcCaster]

Heard a few people talk about higher levels today -- one had a 40000 ft conversation with his wife -- another with her coach -- another with longterm perspectives in his company -- another thought that way in terms of past and future generations. So I wonder -- what role does conversation play in defining and working at higher levels?

 

[Barb]

Interesting

Heard a few people talk about higher levels today -- one had a 40000 ft conversation with his wife -- another with her coach -- another with longterm perspectives in his company -- another thought that way in terms of past and future generations. So I wonder -- what role does conversation play in defining and working at higher levels?

You know, that is a very interesting question. I think maybe we have to think "outside of ourselves" a bit in the higher levels. Also, many of us have relationships important enough that they shape and mold our futures, even if subtly. I know David and Kathryn do a yearly retreat to talk higher level stuff. Certainly it wouldn't be as much fun to make the journey completely alone.

I sense true comfort with the higher levels is probably a product of both self-reflection and conversations. I'll subscribe to this thread...it should be good.

 

[kewms]

The higher levels inevitably involve your various life roles: spouse, parent, family member, colleague, employee, etc. Setting priorities at these levels will inevitably involve conversations with the people affected. ("Honey, I'd like to go back to school." "Boss, I'd like to be considered for that higher level opening." "Dad, we need to talk about your health.") I don't see anything particularly surprising about that observation. How could it be otherwise?

Also, remember that "40,000 foot view" is a pretty common idiom. People using the phrase don't necessarily see it in GTD terms.

Katherine

 

[ArcCaster]

I don't see anything particularly surprising about that observation. How could it be otherwise?

Katherine

Then, it sounds like the system for the levels that get most of the focus (runway and project level) is insufficient for working through the higher level perspectives. That is, the weekly review, where projects and next actions are examined, and the daily and 'as needed' consulting of the next action list, are typically done alone. At least, if people are doing these collaboratively, I haven't noticed.

Move up the perspective ladder, and dialog becomes a needed additional input. Left to 'just happen', such dialog may not happen as often as you might like; it may not happen at all. Perhaps these dialogs (with significant persons) should be part of one's GTD system, and should be explicitly planned for, just as we plan for a weekly review and a daily scan of the next action list. Or are such dialogs purely 'event-driven' and spontaneous, and should be left to occur as the occasion warrants?

Rob

 

[Brent]

David Allen writes about involving his wife in Weekly Reviews. Not necessarily as part of the Weekly Review process, but just sitting down with her once per week to review their systems, how they interact, what they need/want from each other, etc.

Good feedback is a critical component of higher-level productivity.

 

[dschaffner]

what role does conversation play in defining and working at higher levels?

I suspect that in many cases, a significant role, since humans are social animals, and many higher level activities involve interaction with others.

Even for those that might not involve conversations with others (determine purpose in planet is likely a solo activity), its a serious conversation with oneself.

- Don