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October 12, 2005
Overview
At this point in the history of organizational research and practice, there is now an abundance of theories and perspectives about seeing organizations as living systems. Living Systems Theory is both elusive to many and at the same time, profound in its implications. Having working with organizations for over 20 years from a living systems perspective, Dr. Merron has developed a highly concrete and practical way of translating living systems theory into practice. In this presentation and exploration, Dr. Merron explains living systems theory and teaches a set of simple and practical perspectives and techniques for helping organizations grow and develop. In particular, he shows how organizations naturally evolve, and the implications of this evolution on leadership and organizational change. In addition, by looking at the organizations human architecture, Dr. Merron shows how to ensure that the organization and its key human dynamics are aligned and working well together.
This presentation and exploration will be particularly meaningful to OD and other change consultants who seek to have a more profound and enduring impact on their client systems. It is based on his book: Riding the Wave: Architecting Your Organization for Enduring Results and over 20 years of applying these principles successfully within his own client systems.
Speaker
Dr. Keith Merron is the founder and Managing Partner of Avista Consulting Group, an organizational consulting and leadership development firm dedicated to helping organizations with bold visions achieve sustainable high performance and industry leadership. As an organization effectiveness and executive development consultant, he has more than 23 years of experience assisting executives and managers in business, government, and education. In partnership with his clients, he has successfully conducted over twenty-five large-system cultural, technical, and systems change efforts resulting in a measurable increase in organizational productivity, employee performance, and employee satisfaction. His work has positively impacted Hewlett-Packard, Freddie Mac, AmeriGroup Corporation, MedCath, Wang Laboratories, General Public Utilities, WorldCorp, California State Automobile Association, Endocare, The Healthcare Financial Management Association, as well as over 200 other companies and organizations.
Keith Merron received his Doctorate from Harvard University in 1985, where his studies spanned the fields of human and organization development. He has conducted research on the relationships between human development, managerial effectiveness and high performance, and has published numerous professional journal articles. He is the author of two books on organizational change. The first is a critically acclaimed book on the subject of Whole Systems Change entitled, Riding the Wave: Designing Your Organization for Enduring Success, published by Van Nostrand Reinhold in 1995. His second book, entitled Consulting Mastery: How the Best Make the Biggest Difference, is about the qualities that differentiate great consultants from the rest of the pack, published by Berrett-Koehler, Inc. in 2005. He is currently doing research for his next book on the subject of frame breaking leadership. It is tentatively titled: In Search of Remarkable Leaders. Keith has taught several university courses in the field of organization behavior and development. Keith lives in San Geronimo, California with his wife, son, and daughter and enjoys tennis, golf, and pottery in his spare time.
Details
The
Fairfield Inn & Suites
6100 SW Meadows Rd
Lake Oswego, OR 97035
Program is from 6:45 - 8:15 pm.
There is no restaurant on site. Food is allowed in the meeting room. There is also a good selection of restaurants and take out shops in the area.
Networking is encouraged, so come early -- say 6 PM -- for some delightful conversation with colleagues!
Prior to the meeting, everyone is invited to meet at Stanfords (just off Kruse Way, Lake Oswego) from 5:15 - 6:30 pm to join others for conversation and a no-host dinner.