Reiteration

Introduction

One major feature of Emergence is the reiteration of the same question. When questions are repetitive in this way, it is predictable what the next question will be so the client isn’t involved in trying to outguess the facilitator or influence the next question.

Types of Iteration

There are considered to the 3 basic types of iteration:

  1. Iterative – simply asking the question again, “And what else …?”
  2. Ordinal – Numbering the iterations, “What is the 1st thing …?” …2nd …6th thing?”
  3. Cardinal – Create a class or set, “What are 6 things …?”

The Purpose of Iteration

The purpose of iteration is to develop a schedule within the problem. The iterations also bring the client to new understanding as per ‘The Power of Six’. They bring time into the space adding another dimension, therefore providing a basis for developing process within the system. As time is developed, the ‘Me’ begins to split apart from the ‘Not-Me’, and the path to true integration of our being begins.

These three types of iteration each have their own purpose and use.

  1. Iterative: Provides the client with an acknowledgement of what has just occurred and nudges them into a new ‘psycho-active’ space to find out what else is there. This style is used most of the time when eliciting information on a one to one basis.
  2. Ordinal: Provides the client with an implied series, if there is a 1st thing there is going to be more. This is used intermittently with the client, however the clients language may point to the use of this style of question, i.e. they may state “The first thing I noticed was …”. This is mostly used on a one to one basis.
  3. Cardinal: When running through a process, a person or set of information will emerge, this question, allows for a rapid download of that node. This is also an extremely useful way to work with groups and still manage a one-to-one connection.
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