[Return to ODN Oregon Home Page]
[Return to ODN Oregon Meeting Calendar]
October 10, 2007
Overview
Theory U suggests that all human and social entities have a variety of sources and attention fields they can operate from and that the crisis of our time relate to not being aware and not fully actualizing this variety of sources and qualities of attention. For the source of our attention and action remain invisible to our normal mode of observation; that is, the source of our attention resides in our collective blind spot.
Our quest on this U-Process or journey is to illuminate the blind spot. What emerges is a sketch of an evolutionary process viewed from a new perspective: the perspective of the evolving self.
Why do attempts to “restructure”, “redesign;” or “re-engineer more often than not serve only to deepen organizational frustration and cynicism?
Otto Scharmer, author of “Theory U” says it is because we lack a new social leadership technology and without it leaders don’t really shift fields and they end up with more of the same.
His investigation has led him to conclude that this deep structure consists of seven different elements of attention and action, each with a different source. And each act or gesture yields a very different outcome and result in the world.
In this program, you will learn:
1. An introduction to Theory U.
2. The seven different elements of attention and action U-Process of Presencing. Each act or gesture yields a very different outcome and result in the world. • Paying attention: beginning to open up • Seeing: the view from outside • Sensing: the view from within • Presencing: the view from a surrounding presence • Crystallizing vision and intent • Prototyping living microcosms • Performing and embodying the new
3. The three instruments of social technology used in the U-Process. Theory U teaches us how to develop a new type of social technology based on three instruments that each of us already has—an open mind, and open heart, and an open will—and to cultivate these capacities not only on an individual level but also on a collective level. • opening the mind: through appreciative inquiry rather than judgmental reaction; • opening the heart: by providing a gateway to sensing rather than reacting emotionally; • opening the will: by opening up to one’s higher self and letting go of old intentions and identities.
4. A brief experiential exposure to U-Process principles. How can we apply the principles and instruments of Theory U in our OD practices.
One of the main threads of this investigation focuses on how this evolutionary grammar—Theory U—can become a practical tool when applied to the pressing challenges of individual and collective leadership today. The U-process that emerges from this investigation involves three different movements of awareness:
The U-process is commonly used to address complex challenges in which deep inner knowing and awareness is required to step way beyond current levels of thinking in a highly collaborative and exploratory manner. This social technology of collective presensing is currently deployed in large institutions to create profound systems for innovation, create sustainable systemic change and move individuals from chaos and misinterpretation to awareness and understanding.
Speakers
Feroshia Knight is an internationally known coach, consultant, facilitator, trainer and the founder of Baraka Institute and Agent 47 Marketing and Communications. Since 1989, Feroshia has been assisting businesses to grow their human potential and business savvy. With a focus in marketing/customer relations, communications, business development and leadership development Feroshia uses her coaching skills to help her clients realize their own potential. She has worked with organizations to develop learning communities in which leaders and their teams can excel at effective communication, decision-making, conflict management, productivity, accountability and team effectiveness. Feroshia and her stellar team serve industries ranging from government, education, non-profit, medical, real estate, sustainable development, to high-tech. Outside of her leadership/team work Feroshia enjoys being in nature and helping others to experience and express themselves in the great outdoors through retreats, hiking, biking, swimming and sitting still.
Paul Potter, MSW, is currently vice president of organizational development for Cascadia, a behavioral healthcare company providing mental health and addictions services. Mr. Potter brings 27 years of experience in behavioral healthcare as a counselor, supervisor, manager, director, CEO, educator, and mentor. He has successfully lead addictions and mental health teams and organizations, including 15 years as a national leader in NAADAC, the Association for Addiction Professionals. Mr. Potter has a passionate and humorous style, creating an engaging atmosphere for accelerated learning.
Location
University Place (Multnomah Falls Room)
310 SW Lincoln Street
Portland, Oregon 97201
Ph: 503-221-0140
http://www.pdx.edu/cegs/uplace.html
Directions:
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.
Times (PLEASE NOTE NEW TIMES)
Peer Coaching: 5:30 - 6:30 PM (Peer Coaching Document)
KickOff: 6:00 – 6:30 PM
Program: 6:30 - 8:15 PM
Closing and Announcements: 8:15 - 8:30 pm
All sessions and meetings will meet in the Multnomah Falls Room at University Place.
Cost
Meeting attendance is free for chapter members. The cost for non-members is $10. The fee can be used to offset the membership fee if paid at the program.
Pre-Meeting Session: Peer Coaching
Every month, one hour prior to the general program, Oregon ODN members who are interested in Peer Coaching gather to participate in a coaching activity. We form small peer coaching groups of approximately six participants, each with a facilitator. We ask for volunteers interested in receiving coaching to describe a goal or challenge they are facing; the others in their group ask powerful questions to help that person gain new perspectives on their goal/challenge. This is a wonderful opportunity to get coached, provide peer coaching, and learn more about a powerful coaching process that can be applied in various settings. If you have any questions about Peer Coaching, contact Monique Breault at monique.breault@hp.com.