Presence : An Exploration of Profound Change in People, Organizations, and Society

Peter Senge & C Otto Scharmer

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In Circulation

Presence is an intimate look at the development of a new theory about change and learning. In wide-ranging conversations held over a year and a half, organizational learning pioneers Peter Senge, C. Otto Scharmer, Joseph Jaworski, and Betty Sue Flowers explored the nature of transformational change—how it arises, and the fresh possibilities it offers a world dangerously out of balance. The book introduces the idea of “presence”—a concept borrowed from the natural world that the whole is entirely present in any of its parts—to the worlds of business, education, government, and leadership. Too often, the authors found, we remain stuck in old patterns of seeing and acting. By encouraging deeper levels of learning, we create an awareness of the larger whole, leading to actions that can help to shape its evolution and our future.
 
Drawing on the wisdom and experience of 150 scientists, social leaders, and entrepreneurs, including Brian Arthur, Rupert Sheldrake, Buckminster Fuller, Lao Tzu, and Carl Jung, Presence is both revolutionary in its exploration and hopeful in its message. This astonishing and completely original work goes on to define the capabilities that underlie our ability to see, sense, and realize new possibilities—in ourselves, in our institutions and organizations, and in society itself.

What will you learn from this book

  1. Deep Listening: The importance of deep, active listening to truly understand the perspectives and needs of individuals and organizations.

  2. Systems Thinking: Emphasizes understanding complex systems and how various elements interact within an organization or society.

  3. Presencing: The concept of "presencing" involves being fully present, connecting with the current reality, and tapping into one's deeper sources of knowledge and wisdom.

  4. Collective Wisdom: Acknowledges the power of collective intelligence and the need for collaborative efforts to address complex challenges.

  5. Theory U: Introduces the Theory U framework, which involves a journey from downloading past knowledge to sensing, presencing, and realizing emergent solutions.

  6. Leadership as a Service: Shifts the focus from leadership as a position to leadership as a service, emphasizing the role of leaders in facilitating change and innovation.

  7. Emergent Solutions: Encourages embracing uncertainty and complexity to allow for the emergence of innovative solutions.

  8. Cultivating Presence: The cultivation of presence is crucial for effective leadership and personal transformation.

  9. Building Sustainable Organizations: Advocates for a holistic approach to organizational development that takes into account social, environmental, and economic sustainability.

  10. Transformative Learning: Emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and adaptation for both individuals and organizations.

Language English
ISBN-10 0385516304
ISBN-13 9780385516303
No of pages 289
Font Size Medium
Book Publisher currency
Published Date 15 Jan 2008

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