Theory U – Is this possible?

When I first heard about Theory U from Otto Scharmer I burst into tears!

“Excuse me….but is he really talking about Open Heart, Open Mind, Open Will and Source in the business world and with governmental people!!!  Oh my God. How did he do that? I am so excited. There is hope for the world!”

Otto Scharmer, a delightfully humble, learned and wise man, visiting professor and sought after teacher of ‘guru’ status at MIT in Boston, found a way to articulate what so many of us in the human potential movement know. To be a magnificent leader we must be courageous enough to engage in self exploration to clear old programming and to allow our hearts and minds to open so new possibilities can arise from a future calling us forward rather than from looking to problem-solve from a pathological viewpoint of “fix what is broken”. I use the hero’s journey or the culture shock curve as models of transformation. I recognize the similarities and expanded dimensions of the U which is why I think it is so universal and easy to understand across all disciplines.

That first exposure to Theory U was in 2007. Since then I have literally moved around the world to immerse myself in communities in Europe and the United States that use Theory U and other complimentary social technologies such as Art of Hosting, to shift conversations about every important social, economic, political or personal issue you can think of.

And that is only the beginning. The book, Theory U is very readable. I especially love the ….   where Otto lays out his vision. I get so excited every time I read it!  Here is Chapter 21: Principles and Practices of Presencing for Leading Profound Innovation and Change that Ottos generously offers on his site.

Check it out and let’s talk.

Join the conversation: How has your own journey to authentic leadership been influenced by Theory U or personal experiences that align with this way of approaching life and leadership?