Activity – Your Preferred Operating System
We each have a basic set of rules that we implicitly follow in our interactions with others in everyday, low stakes situations. These unwritten rules also determine the organisations or groups in which we feel most comfortable.
There are three distinct Operating Systems – Closed, Open and Random.
Operating System | Characteristics |
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Emphasises structure and planning Values tradition and hierarchy Provides others with clarity about individual roles and responsibilities Expects everyone to follow the rules
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Emphasises process, participation and teamwork Looks for ways to include others and seek consensus Believes everyone has a contribution to make |
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Operates with no rules and few boundaries Emphasises creative expression, autonomy and individuality Wants the freedom to operate in their own way
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Exercise
Opportunity for Personal Reflection
- What did you find? Did you have a strong preference for one Operating System or do you feel comfortable in more than one? How strong is your preference?
- What do you think is the predominant Operating System of your Board or Committee? What evidence leads you to that conclusion?
- What might be the consequences of your preferred Operating System and that of your Board/Organisation being the same, or different?
Survey
We thought it might be interesting to get a feel for the profile of learners undertaking this course, by conducting a series of polls across the classes. All votes are anonymous, the aim is to build an understanding of the behaviours, preferences and characteristics of those in governance positions across Scotland’s public services.
SUGGESTION: If you are progressing through the course with colleagues, you can download this activity as a PDF document enabling you to share your thoughts and findings with others offline and assess your overall profile as a group. To download the activity as a PDF, simply click on the button at the top of the page.