The U-process, that informs Otto Scharmer’s Theory U, developed by Glasl and Lemson of the Netherlands Pedagogical Institute, has been used in organizational and social development work to improve unproductive patterns of behaviour since the late 1960s.
Premise
Theory U offers a five step process that enables an experience of and cultivates a capacity called “presencing” – sensing and actualizing the emerging future.
Scharmer’s approach to transformation recognizes eco-system consciousness as fundamental and engages both receptive and active states of consciousness in his 5 step process. He proposes that we feel alone, separate and isolated when we are ego identified. It is more true to say that we are all one – we are one interconnected and interdependent web of life (eco-system consciousness). It is this sense of oneness that we become aware of when we are grounded and centered in the present moment with an open mind, open heart and open will.
Application to Kaizen Leadership Institute Practices
It is the eco-system consciousness that forms the basis for Kaizen Leadership Institute’s mindfulness coaching, training and healing approach. Students and clients learn foundational core practices that enable the intentional shifting of consciousness from receptive mode (eco-system consciousness) to active mode (application of insight for action in the world) to neutral.
Centering the consciousness – what Scharmer refers to as “Presencing” is a core foundational practice that helps free the consciousness from its everyday entanglements. It is a fundamental and iterative step in the Kaizen Coaching Model. It cultivates active deep listening, insight awareness and intentionality leading to embodied leadership presence, increased personal empowerment, accountability and quality results.
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About Julia von Flotow
