In this article, the author makes an attempt to reveal the meaning of the round table and the rules of the circle according to the integral method. The author shows the effectiveness of the rules in solving any problems and problems and emphasizes that the round table on the integral methodology will inevitably become a necessary tool for mutual understanding in the future.
The concept of "round table" sounds familiar to us, it has been in use for a long time. In the modern world, public discussions, many conferences, seminars, meetings of a private and public nature have come to be called "round tables". Where did such a form of negotiations as a circle come from, and why is it recognized by the entire world community?
From the history
In the legends of the English people there is a significant figure - King Arthur of the Britons, an authoritative leader. According to legend, King Arthur, surrounded by his valiant knights, held feasts at a large round table. All those present at the table from time to time moved from place to place clockwise, so that there would be no thoughts and disputes about whose place is more honorable. Thanks to this, everyone was on an equal footing.
A round table also appears in the history of nomadic peoples. For example, among the Kazakhs and other Central Asian peoples, accepting any traveler from distant countries or a neighboring village is an ancient custom that still exists. At the same time, it was not customary to ask the guest who he was, where he came from, friend or foe, until the guest quenched his thirst and hunger. It was always taken into account that the guest had come a long way, and he was tired. Leisurely conversations were held at a low, round table where one could sit or recline on cushions. Such a table united even strangers, a sufficient number of people could fit behind it and everyone could see each other perfectly. Also, the round table was convenient in design: it was easy to assemble, disassemble, roll, lean, it always mattered for nomads.
In the book “I am happy” by the famous film actor and singer of Chinese origin Jackie Chan, there are such interesting lines : “Everyone knows that a rectangular table is not at all conducive to conversation, so I believe that the greatest invention of the Chinese people is a round dining table, at which everyone can be seen, and everyone can talk to each other.”
The story of the Indians of America is widely known, when the pipe of peace was launched in a circle. Many more interesting facts about the benefits of a round table could be found in different peoples of the world, but there is no doubt that this was of particular importance. And they came to the decision to use round tables exclusively themselves, giving this a certain deep meaning.
Round tables in the modern world
Today, the expression "round table meeting" also means a meeting on equal terms; it is often used when speaking of international meetings of statesmen. But is the meaning and intention that was invested in its original purpose being observed?
Today, round tables have become purely formal. When preliminary negotiations have already taken place on the sidelines of two or three people, in correspondence, calls, when all the participating parties have made a decision in their favor, and at the official round meeting, all that remains is to voice their position. That is why all global issues, all problems and conflicts are resolved for years, postponed from meeting to meeting at the round table.
And at this time, because of decisions not taken in time, because of the problem of reaching a common opinion, riots, processions, rallies, wars, violence and even occupation are happening on the streets of countries and cities of the world. It seems that the countries have united in various coalitions, unions and organizations, they seem to be pursuing the most humane and peaceful goals. Why is there no point? Why are there no common ground? Does the format of the round table, when everyone is on an equal footing, mean fighting on an equal footing for your interests? And only the strongest participant, the owner of huge financial opportunities, will put an end to all the so-called "round tables". That is, there are really “rounder” places at the round table?
Reason for disagreement
The reason for the disagreement is known - the selfishness of the person making the decision. He does not allow to see anything beyond his own nose and his own significance. It is in his power - in the power of egoism - a person thinks that he is making the best decision for himself and his supporters. It is he who whispers that to yield is to lose. This he gives the illusion that a person made a decision on his own, and not under the power and pressure of egoism.
There is an anecdotal phrase that perfectly fits today's round tables: "As a rule, they sit at a round table with square eyes." Indeed, sometimes the opinion of another participant is so unbearably opposite that, well, it’s just out of the question! It is understandable and quite understandable: when you walked long and hard towards your goal, did everything in your power, endured and hoped as best you could, prepared for this meeting at the round table, expecting that everyone would listen with great attention and nod your heads. And suddenly you get a resounding slap in the form of a deaf misunderstanding, and even with a proposal that is directly opposite to your goals! Naturally, this leads to shock, rage, anger, anger and hatred. Then only revenge remains - that is, to hold positions and not yield in anything, and if the opportunity arises - to harm, to take revenge.
How is it possible to jointly make a single decision for all, if - how many people, the same number of opinions?
Round table in seminar format
In fact, the round table is a place for reconciliation of any differences. This is a place where there is an opportunity for everyone to rise above egoism together and, in a single energy field that unites everyone, enter into a special general rage that affects everyone equally positively and helps to make a decision that suits everyone. This means entering into harmony with the physical law of nature and receiving positive force from nature. It is difficult to achieve such an effect the first time. This method needs to be learned and practiced for a long time and persistently until an absolute habit is formed.
Such round tables as a seminar are held. Those. the task is to create a warm and friendly atmosphere. To do this, everyone must in turn cordially greet all the participants and express confidence that this association is more important than the final decision. Each of the participants, sitting down at the round table, is simply obliged to determine for himself: how can I be useful in this event. Ask yourself what my contribution should be so that a friendly, kind atmosphere does not leave all of us during the round table.
It is important to keep the sense of community in focus. And since the egoism of any person will desperately resist, then it can be shown artificially, artificially. As a result, you can see that it was very true and prudent.
The purpose of the round table
The goal of any roundtable is to make the right decisions. After all, it was for this purpose that the meeting was organized and a lot of effort was invested by the organizers and participants. The goal is also to resolve conflicts. If you accurately and seriously approach this technique, then you can very competently and painlessly resolve painful, controversial issues.
The next part of the goal is to expand the overall picture of the world. When you take turns adding the opinions of others to your opinion, a single picture emerges from the puzzles. And you can clearly feel that every opinion is an important and necessary puzzle.
A very important component of the goal is the change of motivation from external to internal. That is, to focus attention and strive to ensure that here, now, in this circle, the spirit of unity arises and is preserved, and to understand that this is the only problem. And the external side of the issue, the external problems that everyone came up with - this is secondary, and will certainly be resolved if everyone draws up a common picture of the world.
Important conditions for the formation of a circle
Important conditions for holding a round table must be observed. The first is to check the external conditions: turn off mobile phones, do not leave your place during the discussion (only when absolutely necessary), do not join the circle of people who are late and unprepared (who do not know the rules of the circle).
The second is to discuss one general topic, answer the questions of the presenter without deviating. That is, the appointed moderator, with great respect for all participants, leads a round table, asks a pre-planned question from the agenda of the meeting. And by all means, everyone gives his answer only to the question asked by the leader, without diverting his speech and all the participants aside.
Third, everyone has their own opinion. This means that everyone must certainly express their opinion on a particular issue. The completeness of the whole picture, the justice and correctness of the decision depend on this. Anyone who shied away and remained silent interferes with the formation of fields of unity between all and destroys the circle.
The fourth condition: if the participant does not feel the location and does not speak in a circle, it is necessary to give time for adaptation. That is, a person must understand that he is obliged to participate in this circle. This is the art of the presenter - to correctly include a person in a circle, to create a suitable atmosphere.
The circle goes according to a strictly regulated time, it does not stretch until an indefinite hour. The time of the beginning and end of the round table is determined in advance. It focuses everyone on the main idea.
About the rules of the circle
The rules of the circle are clear to any person, but are not achieved quickly and easily. One of the rules is to listen and hear others. This can be achieved by "implanting" yourself in the speaker in the circle, as if he continues my opinion, my thought. There is a motivation for this rule - I want to come to the right solution to the problem, and only this is important. At the moment, I do not remember the source of the problem, because I am already being given a solution from different mouths and it is important to put it together. So you need to be focused on others.
Everyone is equal, no matter what opinion each expresses. This helps to create an atmosphere of unity, a positive natural field. If this field is created, then there is no doubt about the correctness of the decision.
Do not get annoyed and do not push anyone away. For this, the game “Accept everyone as they are” is used. If this is not played, then a person’s negative thoughts can throw him far out of the circle. And then the gap between everyone will only increase.
In cases of misunderstanding and controversial situations, there is no place for disputes, but you can find out meticulously why the opponent feels this way - find out his point of view. It is necessary to continue to find out until the parties come to a common denominator. And if they did not come to a single solution, then all together they come to the conclusion that 2-3 solutions have appeared. The leader is always on the alert: in cases of claims against each other and mutual accusations, only he can make a remark to everyone.
A "round" meeting should not end with someone's one opinion, otherwise the very meaning of the round table is lost. It is quite possible to leave 2-3 solutions, find an explanation for this and complete the round table. And then, outside the circle, decide what to do next, but in no case lobby for someone's interests.
Speak honestly, try to avoid formulaic phrases and hackneyed opinions. Honest expression of opinion is a very important rule. everyone listens carefully to each other, absorbs information and prepares to make a decision. And in order not to lead everyone down the wrong path in the future, you need to be honest in order to make the right decision.
At the end, hold the final circle, where everyone exchanges their impressions. It is also an important rule, when there is a comprehension of the passed process, a general picture is formed and built. Everyone needs to think, understand, realize, express their feelings and thoughts.
Behind the method of the round table- future
The uniqueness of the round table methodology is so effective and sound that it will become an essential tool for mutual understanding in the future. It will be applied everywhere and at all levels. Right now, we are watching conflicts, wars and unrest and do not even understand that we can reach the extreme point of no return. At this rate, we will bring ourselves to the point of complete impossibility to communicate and understand each other.
Sooner or later, we will come to understand the need to introduce rules of discussion, where unity will be the main goal. A reverent attitude towards all parties to the negotiations will be in favor of their own benefits. Therefore, it makes sense today to start looking for common ground with each other, hold on to them, expand and appreciate them highly. It is necessary to teach new rules of discussion everywhere, to train and get a habit. Because the implementation of the rules of the round table is a gradual and lengthy process - it may take years of training.
However, if we learn how to properly build relationships at a round table, then, according to the laws of nature, we will certainly be able to come to order and harmony, both in one small family and throughout the world.
Even in childhood, parents teach the child to read poetry on a stool in front of guests ... Then at school everyone sits in front of the teacher, answers at the blackboard in front of the whole class, and then the university, work and team meetings, and everywhere someone speaks, and everyone listens or pretends that they listen. No one is asked if he wants to learn like that, to be a constantly talking head, to sign in front of everyone, often blushing and confusing words ... And, how good it would be in a circle to learn and speak and express our opinion, only then would we be ready to hear and understand someone else's point of view!
The technique is described in detail. But where is it being used? I'd like to come to practice.
Thanks for the feedback dear! You need to train in a circle of like-minded people, i.e. those who understand why they gathered at the round table.
Thanks, very helpful article.