Ooching — A New Step in the Decision-Making Process

CoHoots have invested lots of time and energy in taking a fresh look at potential uses for our land (all 6.8 acres of it!) as part of LUV (Land Use Vision).

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The area around the Common House has attracted an energetic team that is in the process of developing some general concepts for review by the community.

As the group explored alternatives, the advantages of a short-term trial of one change were discussed.

A sub-subgroup took on the task of ooching* (a blend of inching and scooting) detailed in Chip and Dan Heath’s book Decisive:  How to Make Better Choices in Life and Work.

The area to be ooched was a path leading into the community between the Common House and building 9.  For two weeks, a temporary barrier was installed.  Signs (and prior emails) described the project and asked for feedback.  What was it like to enter/exit the community using alternate routes?  What was the impact on the building 9 neighbors closest to the path?

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The input will be used in proposing plans for this area.  Based on our experience, ooching may become a more frequent tool to use in team projects.

With CoHoots’ love of language, it’s possible we’ll create a variation of ooching (maybe cooching?).

*For more info on ooching, see

http://www.thehighcalling.org/culture/books-work-decisive-part-two#.UugHCHmtuu4

Posted in Decision Making, Long-Range Planning.