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July 11, 2007
Overview
All of us who work within companies are smack in the middle of human systems–-with all their complexity, history and sometimes histrionics. Whether well-ordered or chaotic, every system has a unique history that brings it to its current state. As a consultant or manager, it is vital to find a way to guide the system forward towards its goals. The classic dilemma is how to get enough of the system in view in order to 1) understand what is really going on, and 2) figure out the next best steps.
We often act as if people in organizations are only minds, mouths, and maybe hands and feet. The rest of the body is not included in our ruminations on how to lead organizations. It’s a shockingly obvious secret that most of what we “know” is integrated with how we “feel.” Damasio (1994) was among the early cognitive scientists to lay out the case for the indispensable intertwining of the body and the mind. What does this have to do with human systems? Everything. It’s at the core of how to bring the “human” back into organizations while helping our companies meet the bottom line.
Damasio was onto something more useful for managers and consultants than perhaps he even realized. It turns out we humans have an exquisite sense of where people stand in relationship to each other (and to power) in our organizations. We know relationships through our embodied sense of space and distance. It’s in our language. We say things like, “My boss and I don’t see eye to eye” or “I’m close to my staff, but I don’t know where I stand with the district manager.”
This evening’s program is about a method that allows us to tap directly into this embodied knowledge and use it to unravel the complex problems facing us in our organizational lives. You will be introduced to this methodology through direct experience and through demonstration. We’ll discuss the method, what it can show you about the organizations you work with, and explore how you can use your own body to help you be more effective in your work. In this highly interactive program, you’ll learn:
• How to turn your “gut sense” of a situation into useful information
• How quickly you can access a “whole systems view” of the essential factors
in your organization
• How a series of simple principles can underpin complex behavior in teams and
organizations
About Our Speaker
Jane Peterson, international trainer and consultant, is the founder and principal of the Human Systems Institute. She has been doing constellation work since 1998 and has trained with the founder of the work, Bert Hellinger. Jane spent the first eight years of her working life as a manager and engineer with Tektronix. Since leaving high tech, she has studied numerous communications and coaching arts. She is a certified behavioral coach and is in the doctoral program in Human and Organizational Development at Fielding Graduate University.
Jane spoke to the chapter in 2003 and received rave reviews; we’re delighted to welcome her back!
Other
So whether you're a seasoned OD professional or brand new to the profession, your involvement and energy are essential to design the Oregon ODN that works for you!
Questions or comments? Please contact Rebecca Perry, Programs Co-Chair, rebecca@rebeccaperryleadership.com or 503.353.7400.
Looking forward to seeing you at our new downtown location. Arrive early so you can mingle and network; we’ll start the program promptly at 6:45 pm.
Details
University Place (Multnomah Falls Room)
310 SW Lincoln Street
Portland, Oregon 97201
Ph: 503-221-0140
http://www.pdx.edu/cegs/uplace.html
Directions
Traveling North on I-5, take the I-05 exit. Take the 4th Street Exit to Downtown. Take a right at Lincoln and the University Place will be on your right.
Traveling South on I-5, take the I-405 S exit, then take 6th St exit, and go left. Take a right on Harrison, go to 1st and then take a left on Lincoln Street. University Place will be on the left. Please be sure to go to the second entrance to stop at the kiosk and get your parking ticket.
Parking
Park in the facility parking lot. Parking available on site: Normally $3.00 after 5 PM. We have arranged a special discounted price of $1 for ODN-OR meeting attendees. How to get that special price: Tell the parking attendant you are with the Oregon ODN group to receive the $2 discount and pay only $1. Metered parking is available on Lincoln street and is free after 7 PM.
Cost
The cost for chapter members is free. The cost for others is $10. The fee can be used to offset the membership fee if paid at the program.
Time
Peer Coaching: 5:30 - 6:30 PM (Peer Coaching Document)
Networking: 6:00 – 6:45 PM
Program: 6:45 - 8:30 PM
All sessions and meetings will meet in the Multnomah Falls Room at University Place.
Pre-Meeting Session: Peer Coaching
You are part of a small peer coaching group of approximately six participants. You may participate in a group or if you choose, observe the activity. The Process: one person is searching for insight regarding a goal or challenge they are experiencing. The others in the group ask powerful questions to help that person gain new perspectives on their goal/challenge. For questions about Peer Coaching, contact Monique Breault at monique.breault@hp.com.