How do we know when the work should no longer need us?

A question about power, usefulness and knowing when to let go.

Asked by: An ACT working question
Responding here: A Curious Tractor
Where it came from: Carried through ACT's work on community ownership and beautiful obsolescence.

A response, for now

A tool can be useful and still hold too tightly. We notice it when the timetable, money and decisions continue to gather around the people who began the work.

Our test is deliberately ordinary. Who holds the key? Who can change the plan? Where does the value come to rest? Could the work continue if our engine went quiet?

We do not have a final answer. We are learning to make succession part of the design, not a conversation left until the end.

The tractor should transfer power without mistaking itself for the field.

when should the work no longer need us

This response can change as the work changes. If you carry another answer, we would like to hear it.

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Listen · All the storiesThe writing so far.Curiosity · The next questionWho holds the story after it has been told?Action · Go to the workJusticeHub ↗Art · See what was madeCONTAINED

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