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Transforming Systems addresses the Outer/Collective or Lower Right Quadrant in Ken Wilber’s AQAL Integral Model. This training is designed to provide participants with the knowledge and tools to enter the often daunting world of systems change with vision, confidence and the ability to create and sustain significant positive change.
Understanding systems. What do we think of when we here the word “systems?” For many of us this word may conjure up notions of cold, inhuman forces that often appear to control our lives. Can we begin to see systems as complex fields of relationship and akin to living organisms? We will explore the components of systems, complex interactions, feedback loops, and the dynamics of stasis and chaos that are both always present. Systems sometimes appear impenetrable and unchangeable, and yet we have seen systems like those in East Germany and the Soviet Union collapse and change almost overnight, once certain precipitating causes reached a tipping point. We will explore how the very same forces that promote stability in systems can also lead to dramatic change.
There are many helpful theories and models both for understanding the development and evolution of organizations and systems and for developing strategies for system change and capacities for change management. We will explore Systems Theory, Chaos Theory, Integral Theory, Spiral Dynamics, the Five Energies system, Tuckman’s Forming, Norming, Storming, Performing Model, Theory U, Mindel’s Worldwork and Big U, Deep Democracy, Sociocracy and other theories and models through readings and available online discussions prior to the training and through experiential exercises during the training.
During the training will employ and gain experience in using a variety of creative tools for initiating and sustaining systems change and transformation. These include Appreciative Inquiry, Open Space Technology, World Café, and the Leonardo Process.
4. Identifying the key interactions and leverage points for initiating change.
During the training, participants will have the opportunity to perform a systems analysis to determine the pivotal interactions, fulcrum points, power spots, and stasis/chaos dynamics leading to a strategy for initiating change in a particular living system.
– the reality of systems work.
Participants will spend an entire day of this three-day training engaged in a live action scenario game, engaging a multiple constituency system with a goal of bringing positive change and transformation to that system. Past participants have found this deep plunge experiential learning to be a powerful accelerator for developing the knowledge, skills, vision and confidence needed to effectively engage living systems with wisdom and compassion in service pro-social transformation.
This cost does not include housing, travel or meal expenses.
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