Commanders hold and create a space of possibility. They help us to evolve our selves as players of SGW so that we may move into that possibility.
1. Mutual Respect
The Commander and the Officer share a deep respect for the common pursuit as well as for the underlying values driving the pursuit. It is the shared respect that connects and provides the foundation for the work the CO and the officer will do together.
2. Trust
When a deep level of trust exists between the Commander and the officer, the individual is able to take great risks risks they might not have taken without the trust. The mutual trust between CO and officer provides a safe space for the latter to step out in faith and achieve what might appear difficult, impossible, or overwhelming. The trust the CO provides as part of the framework is fundamental for the learning experience to occur.
3. Commander as a Conduit
A Commander provides access to learning and growth. It is through the CO-officer relationship that deep learning occurs. The Commander provides a framework for exploration by creating a context that provides support, encouragement, and growth.
4. Space, learning and integration
A Commander creates a space for listening and for helping the person to integrate the learning into their gameplaying styles. A Commander becomes like an "inner voice", we borrow the CO for this guiding voice while we search to find and express our own voice.
5. Safe Space
Unconditional acceptance is a key ingredient for establishing trust and a safe space. When one experiences unconditional acceptance and a sense of belonging, one is able to more clearly reveal and be themselves. Accepting others for who they are, without apology or explanation, is therefore an essential aspect of being a Commander. With total acceptance, one feels trusted and known, and is able to take great risks. In a safe space, nothing is taboo.
6. Vision
A Commander holds a vision of what's possible, and leads the way to the vision. A Commander believes in the vision as much as the officer does.
7. Shared Experience
A CO-officer relationship is rich with learning through shared experiences. The learning is not just academic and has a vibrancy and depth that goes beyond reflective discussion. The Commander has discussions in "real time" - the interaction and the learnings aren't just academic. They are deep and real.
8. Challenge
The Commander challenges and stretches the person, and provides inspiration for the person to take on even greater challenges. A Commander stretches a person from within.
9. Inspiration
A Commander "walks the talk" and provides inspiration through their very being. A Commander is someone who we aspire to become; the CO has qualities/skills we want for our selves. The CO helps us to see possibility by bringing to life the qualities we aspire for ourselves.
10. Sage Advice
A Commander will offer sage advice, will show the officer "the ropes" and will invest time and energy in the development of the individual. The more open the officer is to accessing this wisdom, the more profound the discoveries will be!
Now, keeping all these things in mind.. Who has been your best Commander ever, if you can say so?
And if you disagree with a point I have made, please, comment and criticise constructively.
Thank you!
Adaptation by Auriel, from original text by Jan Gordon, (c) 2002


























