Sowing the seeds of doubt: leadership in an age of meganets

?? Facilitating Better Social Discourse: Embracing Doubt & the Subjunctive Mood ?????

David Auerbach's recently published Meganets book is a real eye opener into the implications for a networked society when those mega-networks go rogue. As David B. Auerbach argues, meganets - from Facebook to Amazon to Cryptocurrencies to Fortnite have become semi-autonomous systems working beyond the direct and even indirect control of humans... that have consequences well beyond anything intended by their creators. Amongst the many highlights of the book is the final chapter which offers up some powerful ideas for potentially disrupting the meganets.

Over the next few days I will explore 3 of the themes based on this final chapter with a few reflections on their implications for public discourse but also for the culture of our organizations and their relationships with stakeholders and society at large.

• Shaking Up the Data - promoting doubt and the subjunctive
• Turn Taking - the power of equal air time
• Chaos Injections - bursting the bubble and blind spot avoidance

Shaking up the Data: promoting doubt, the subjunctive and facilitative leadership

Auerbach emphasizes the importance of greater heterogeneity in the information we consume and cultivating a higher level of doubt across the board. It's not about reducing the number of people who hold misguided beliefs, but rather decreasing the number of individuals who are overly certain about the correctness of their beliefs. The forces of the digital age often fuel unwavering certainty, hindering the open-mindedness necessary for progress. Embracing doubt allows us to approach conversations with humility and curiosity, opening the door to new perspectives and growth.

This resonates with sociologist Richard Sennett's Together in which he introduces us to the power of the subjunctive mood in countering the fetish of assertiveness, a phenomenon discussed by the philosopher Bernard Williams in an age long before the rise of meganets. In "Truth and Truthfulness," Williams delves into the social and cultural forces that shape our understanding and expression of truth. He examines the ways in which assertiveness and the desire for certainty can impact the pursuit of truth and the quality of discourse in various domains of life. The concept of the Fetish of Assertiveness emerges as a critique of the overemphasis on assertiveness and the neglect of doubt and intellectual humility in our interactions.

The subjunctive mood creates an indeterminate mutual space where strangers can coexist and engage in dialogue. It thrives in the world of conversation, fostering an open social space where discussions can take unforeseen directions. By embracing the subjunctive mood, we tap into the cooler sentiment of empathy, replacing instant identifications with genuine curiosity about others. This approach allows us to appreciate the sociable pleasure of being with diverse individuals, focusing on learning from them without the pressure to conform.

In an age in which not having a Point of View is almost a criminal act, as Auerbach writes, the meganet's forces encourage too much certainty, when what we want is less certainty. In light of the discussion on the potential for doubt, the subjunctive mood, and the challenges posed by the Fetish of Assertiveness in addressing toxic social networks, it becomes evident that leaders play a crucial role in fostering better social discourse. To navigate the complexities of the digital age and promote meaningful interactions, leaders must transition from being mere experts to becoming facilitators.

Rather than imposing their knowledge and asserting authority, leaders need to create environments that encourage open dialogue, active listening, and the exploration of diverse perspectives. By embracing humility, empathy, and the willingness to learn from others, leaders can facilitate discussions that foster collaboration, critical thinking, and collective problem-solving. This shift from expert to facilitator empowers individuals to contribute their unique insights, bridging divides, and nurturing a culture of constructive engagement. Through their facilitative leadership, they can inspire others to embrace doubt, challenge assumptions, and actively seek a deeper understanding of complex issues.

Doubt encourages critical thinking and a willingness to question our own beliefs, promoting intellectual growth and resilience against misinformation. The subjunctive mood enables us to engage in dialogues that are open, empathetic, and fruitful. It encourages us to listen, learn, and understand, rather than overpowering conversations with emphatic assertions. In an age in which not having a Point of View is almost a criminal act, as Auerbach writes, the meganet's forces encourage too much certainty, when what we want is less certainty.

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