Invoking this pattern means keeping an awareness of both the whole and its parts, and the oscillating rhythm between them. Go too long giving attention to one or more individuals in a group, and the sense of the whole starts to wither as mission is replaced by self-interest.  Go too far in the other direction, and individuals cry out for autonomy, and if their call is neglected, begin to drop away.

This pattern is closely related to two subpatterns:

Subgroup and Whole Group, which addresses meeting in the whole vs. meeting in subgroups; and

Divergence and Convergence Rhythm, which is about how unity and diversity move through the beat of time.

Practically speaking, a key program decision is when to stay in one big group and when to split off.  This may be likened to the distinction between serial and parallel processing in computing and in human cognition.  There are advantages to either.  See more at Subgroup and Whole Group.

As differences and similarities between people are always both present, part of the art of skilled facilitation is knowing when to bring attention to which.  In particular, because many groups struggle to find unity, it is often the role of the facilitator to "tune their ears to the frequency of common ground," to notice what's held in common and to focus the group's attention on it.  Amidst deep polarization, acknowledging experiences, values, or goals held in common can help reduce tension and get things flowing again.  Ironically, it is sometimes through listening more deeply to one person's story that people are able to rediscover their interconnectedness--such a story may express universal human themes, such as the grief of loss, desire for stability, or concern for children.  As you guide a group through the weaving of unity and diversity, you can help build their own awareness of the dynamic.