Sociocracy Part 1: Introduction

How Can We Use Sociocracy to Organise Ourselves and Make Decisions in a Way That Grows Trust and Our Capacity to Get Things Done?

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Meadow Orchard (@meadow.orchard)

This April we welcomed our volunteer, Alex Papworth of Business Unusual to the Meadow Orchard to provide a gentle introduction into Sociocracy and to ask “How Can We Use Sociocracy to Organise Ourselves and Make Decisions in a Way That Grows Trust and Our Capacity to Get Things Done?“

Setting the Scene: An Introduction to Sociocracy

Sociocracy is a method of governance that invites collaboration, fosters mutual respect, and supports autonomy within a collective. Rooted in Quaker traditions, Sociocracy draws from values of equality and shared power, placing emphasis on listening deeply and making space for every voice.

Sociocracy helps enable open conversation, creating resilience, helping to prevent ‘loudest voices’ from dominating. Hearing objections and helping to create solutions, build trust and respect.

Unlike traditional, top-down management systems, Sociocracy operates through a consent-based model—one that may initially feel unfamiliar or even uncomfortable. Many of us are more accustomed to hierarchical or mechanistic ways of working, where decisions come from the top and efficiency is often prized over inclusion. Sociocracy offers a different path—one that prioritises trust, shared understanding, and collective intelligence.

Arriving Together: Creating Space and Checking In

Before diving into process, it’s important to arrive together as people. Taking a moment to separate from the rush of the day, we begin with a simple check-in. This is a space to share how we’re feeling, to ground ourselves in the present moment, and to acknowledge our shared humanity. This check-in isn’t just a nicety—it’s a way to build connection and presence, which strengthens our ability to work effectively as a group.

A Living System: Mycelium as a Metaphor

We might compare Sociocracy to a mycelium network. Just like mycelium, where every node has a role and is interconnected, Sociocratic groups operate through distributed intelligence. Every part of the system has value. There is no central command—yet the network thrives through communication, feedback, and mutual support. In this way, we grow stronger together, tapping into a shared intelligence that is greater than the sum of its parts.

Mycelial Life – Alex Papworth
Listen to Mycelial Life

To be the tip of a hypha –
stretching forward, no map in hand,
drawn not by will but by feeling,
by the pull of moisture, of possibility, of life itself –
is to live in a trust so deep,
it does not question its own movement.

There is no strategy here,
no committee planning the direction,
no fear of failure –
just the quiet confidence of being what one is.

Each hypha grows with exquisite sensitivity,
responding to the shape of stone,
the song of root,
the story held in decaying leaf
It feels its way,
and in doing so, it finds the way.

No part of the mycelium sees the whole.
There is no central mind,
no leader issuing instructions.
And yet –
it forms networks vast as forests,
wise enough to feed trees,
resilient enough to outlive empires.

Each tip is free.
Each tip is respected.
Because its nature – to sense, to explore, to extend –
is the very nature of life itself.

It is vulnerable.
It may break.
It will feel hunger, dryness, heat.
And still it reaches.

Not because it knows what will happen,
but because it knows what it is.

And from this faith – not in a plan, but in a pattern –
life thrives.
Not once, not occasionally,
but for 3.8 billion years.

This is the quiet faith of the mycelium.
That life creates conditions conducive to life.
That trust in one’s nature
is not a luxury
but a law of the living earth.

At the heart of Sociocracy is the concept of consent—not to be confused with unanimous agreement. Consent means that a decision is “good enough for now, and safe enough to try.” It’s about moving forward without any paramount objections, rather than holding out for perfection. This principle allows us to act and adapt, rather than getting stuck in endless debate.

The Proposal Process

When making decisions, Sociocracy invites a structured yet flexible process:

Propose: Someone offers a proposal—this should be kept light and clear.
Clarifying Questions: Everyone has a chance to ask brief questions to understand what’s being proposed.
Quick Reactions: A round where people share initial responses, thoughts, or feelings.
Consent Round: Each person is asked if they have any objections—not preferences, but real concerns.
Refine if Needed: Objections are explored and the proposal may be adapted.

Not every process leads to a radically different outcome, but it always ensures that people feel heard. It also strengthens the group’s ability to reflect and learn together.

Reflection and Resilience

An important part of this process is taking time to reflect—both on the decisions made and the experience itself. Concerns can surface, be named, and used to inform the next steps. This is like the way trees grow stronger through stress—when faced with pressure, they don’t break; they become more resilient. In the same way, healthy tension in decision-making can lead to greater strength and adaptability in the group.

What Comes Next?

There’s more to Sociocracy than what we’ve covered here—roles, circles, linking, and dynamic structures like bubbles will be explored at a later date. But for now, the emphasis is on understanding the foundations.

Our Shared Goal

Ultimately, the goal of Sociocracy is to create a system where objections are welcomed as sources of insight, where feedback loops keep us learning, and where positive energy fuels action. It’s about moving forward—not perfectly, but purposefully—with a collective commitment to grow trust and get things done.

Download notes on Sociocracy from the session

bizunusual.co.uk

Sociocracy Part 2: The Proposal Process