Many people see ambiguity, cognitive overload, and helplessness at the intersection of complexity science and human systems. They worry about unpredictable surprises, and they fear the loss of control that mark VUCA (volatile, unpredictable, complex, and ambiguous) environments. But there is an alternative approach. It is possible to do good work in complex adaptive systems without denying or fighting their inherent uncertainty.
In this session you will learn three keys to thriving in complexity. You will practice using those keys to unlock a complex issue you face today, and you will tap into an approach that will sustain your learning and practice across many different challenges and far into the future.
The source of this theory and practice is Human Systems Dynamics (HSD). This field draws from two distinct sources. First, lessons from chaos, complexity, and systems sciences help you see fundamental simplicity on the other side of chaos. Second, decades of successful practice with real-world challenges ensure that the HSD tools are powerful, easy to use, and simple to teach to others. You will develop your own theory and practice of HSD as you:
- Explore the dynamics of complex adaptive systems
- Understand why your teams, organizations, and communities become more VUCA every day
- Distinguish three kinds of change, and engage with the dynamics of each
- Practice the disciplines of Inquiry, Pattern Logic, and Adaptive Action
- Give and receive peer coaching to apply what you learn to your own complex challenges
- Prepare to share the essentials of HSD with others to enhance their ability to thrive in complexity
- Access resources, and a network of interested others, to support your continuing learning and practice
- See your most complex challenges in a new light, understand them in provocative and useful ways, and find wise action to transform challenge into opportunity
You should attend this session if you want to understand and work more effectively in your complex environment. You will also find this program useful if you have studied systems or complexity sciences, and you want to apply your learning to practical challenges.
Faculty & Coaches
Dr. Glenda Eoyang works with public and private organizations to help them thrive in the face of overwhelming complexity and uncertainty. She is a pioneer in the field of human systems dynamics (HSD), which she founded. Through Human Systems Dynamic Institute, Glenda uses her Models and Methods to help others see patterns in the chaos that surrounds them, understand the patterns in simple and powerful ways, and take practical steps to shift chaos into order. Her clients include Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Oxfam International, Canada School of Public Service, Cargill, Fraser Health Authority (BC), and Roche/Genentech.
Glenda’s latest book, with co-author Royce Holladay, is Adaptive Action: Leveraging Uncertainty in Your Organization (Stanford University Press, April 2013).
Anne is an international, trilingual coach and faciltator, born in Belgium. She specializes in developing leaders, accelerating teams, creating healthy workplaces in european institutions, commercial companies and public organisations, working across all levels. She’s thrived in multinational corporations in roles as Learning & Development manager, HR Business Partner and Head of HR Business Partner group, operating in 15 countries. She started meditating over 20 years ago and weaves together mindfulness and complexity sciences to bring more consciousness and joyful practice in teams. Anne's motto is: Leading with heart and mind.
Jesse Segers is Professor Leadership and Organizational Behavior at the Antwerp Management School, Belgium, where he teaches leadership(development), careers and training & development, strategic HRM and e-HRM, for masters after masters and executive levels. At the Antwerp Management School he is the Associate Dean of Education, Academic director of The Future Leadership Initiative and the co-creator and academic director of the Masterclass Leadership for Middle Management. He is also a professor at the University of Antwerp and a former visiting professor of the Northern Illinois University, USA, and the University of Calgary, Canada. Finally, he also teaches at S.I.O.O, and the AOG School of Management in the Netherlands.
In the last seven years he published 3 books, and more than 100 papers in both top academic journals such as Academy of Management Learning & Education, Journal of Vocational Behavior, Human Resource Management, Journal of Occupational and Organizational Psychology, as well as practitioners journals.
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