Pre- and Post-Conference Workshops

PRE01 — Facilitation Tools for Organizational Learning

Rebecca Niles, Systems Thinking Collaborative

Saturday/Sunday, November 10–11, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Fee - $1195

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In this entry-level workshop, explore ways to take some of the ideas of systems thinking back to your organization. You will learn several user-friendly techniques for facilitating systems thinking interventions and leading groups in thinking systemically. Participants will gain hands-on experience with a variety of facilitation tools, including hexagon mapping, system archetypes, and causal loop diagrams. Options mapping and scenario testing will also be introduced. Using these tools, participants can improve decision-making and enhance their ability to think strategically and innovate.

 

Registration fee includes a facilitation kit.

 

In this workshop, you will:

  • Practice several user-friendly tools for facilitating systems thinking interventions
  • Participate in hands-on exercises in facilitation
  • Build skills for leading groups in systemic thinking

Rebecca Niles is a senior partner with the Systems Thinking Collaborative. Since 1995, Rebecca has been coaching teams in the use of systems thinking to understand complex issues ranging from teacher absenteeism to employee retention to new drug discovery to economic growth in Nigeria. Rebecca has a master’s degree from MIT’s Sloan School of Management.


PRE02 — Six Conversations That Matter: Leadership Language in Action

Bill Brewer, Designed Learning

Sunday, November 11, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Fee - $795

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Organizational transformation requires leaders to understand that every gathering is an opportunity to deepen people’s accountability and commitment. To build companies where real change is possible, leaders need to engage people in particular conversations that have the capacity to shape an alternative future. At the most concrete and practical level, this is about a shift from thinking about cause and effect and problem solving to thinking about ways to cocreate. We call this ability “leadership language in action.” Note: This workshop explores the ideas and tools in Peter Block’s best-selling books, The Answer to How Is Yes and Community: The Structure of Belonging.

 

In this workshop, you will:

 

  • Understand the conditions under which transformation occurs
  • Develop skills to change conversations from complaining and waiting for others to change to choosing accountability and creating new possibilities 
  • Focus on strengths and capabilities rather than on trying to problem-solve deficiencies
  • Learn to lead so that others commit to the success of the organization without playing “let’s make a deal”

Bill Brewer, Designed Learning's director of client relations, has worked with Peter Block for the past 20 years. He has held staff positions in marketing, public relations, sales, training, and instructional design and delivery for companies including Scripps Howard, Cincom Systems, and the Cincinnati Chamber of Commerce. Bill teaches consulting skills and strategic communication in the School of Business at Miami University. He has spoken at numerous conferences, including OD Net’s Annual Conference and SHRM’s Southeast Annual Conference.


POST02 - Tapping the Generative Power of Systems with Polarity Thinking

Russ Gaskin and Cliff Kayser

Thursday, November 15, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Fee - $795

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Do you wish you had a way to transform stuckness and polarization into innovation and engagement? How can you help people "see together" so they can combine their diverse perspectives to create better solutions? From Fortune 50 companies to local school systems, leaders around the world are discovering a fresh new approach called Polarity Thinking. In this highly experiential session, you’ll learn to see, map, and transform polarities—a powerful approach to transforming frustration and conflict into innovation and engagement. Gain the insight and tools you need to be a more powerful intervener in your organization, community, and life.

 

Attendees will receive a Polarity Thinking toolkit with methods, materials, and practical instructions to help you identify, map, and manage polarities effectively.

 

In this workshop, you will:

  • Discover how powerful and pervasive polarities are in our lives, why they always produce deep conflict when poorly managed, and how they are driven by our deepest fears and most cherished values
  • Learn to identify and map the active polarities in any given situation and create systemic and sustainable solutions based on this insight
  • Acquire a systematic method for turning conflict into collaboration using a polarities-based intervention model

Russ Gaskin is an advisor and consultant who helps companies and their stakeholders create shared value. He employs a unique background in social entrepreneurship, systems thinking, polarity thinking and organization development to transform conflict and complexity into breakthrough solutions. His diverse advisory and consulting clients include eBay, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Hearst/Good Housekeeping, the STAR municipal sustainability standard, and the National Education Association.

Cliff Kayser is vice president of Polarity Partnerships. He has 20 years of experience in organization development, leadership coaching, and training, including serving on the faculty for Polarity Coaching and Advanced Coaching Programs at the Gestalt Institute of Cleveland and the George Mason Center for Consciousness and Transformation. Several years ago, he built his own retreat and learning center. Cliff focuses on developing and mentoring leaders in polarity thinking.