Today, we’re going to explore an approach to leadership and change that is one of my favorites. It’s the work of Otto Scharmer, a disciple of Peter Senge and Edgar Schein at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. It’s called Theory U.

A few resources to go along with this episode:

Theory U Model
The Essentials of Theory U: Core Principles and Applications (2018)
Leading from the Emerging Future: From Ego-System to Eco-System Economies: Applying Theory U to Transforming Business, Society, and Self (2013)
Theory U: Leading from the Future as It Emerges: The Social Technology of Presencing(2nd ed., 2016)
Presence: Human Purpose and the Field of the Future (With Peter Senge, Joseph Jaworski, & Betty Sue Flowers; 2004)
Presencing Institute Website
Theory U - Learning from the future as it emerges video

Leadership Meets Life Podcast is for leaders who want to grow both professionally and personally. It’s practical and focused on helping leaders make meaning of their work, lives, and relationships while exploring the head, heart, and soul of leadership. Each podcast features a leadership tool or approach to apply immediately to your work and life, drawing from my experiences as an executive, process consultant, executive coach, business owner, and professor. Some theory, a little humor, and tons of results-oriented wisdom served up in about 20 mindful minutes.

Meet Your Host, Philip C. Bergey - An executive leadership coach who builds on 30 years of diverse leadership experience in business and non-profit roles to form trusted relationships and deliver results with humor, flexibility, and depth. He was a partner in what is now a three-generation-led family business and has led both start-ups and 300-year-old organizations. Phil has served hundreds of leaders, boards, businesses, and organizations as an executive leadership coach, process consultant, and facilitator. Phil is married to Evon, and in addition to enjoying their 8 grandchildren, he loves walking, kayaking, paddleboarding, birding, and fishing. His formal education includes an MA in human development and a Ph.D. in human and organizational systems. His coaching is focused on helping executives and other senior leaders live with greater effectiveness, more meaning, and increased health as they grow personally and professionally. He has held a Professional Coach Certification from the International Coaching Federation since 2009 and is certified to use multiple psychometric assessments.

Episode 2: Polarities & Conflict: Using Both-And Thinking to Lead

Leadership Meets LifeBy Phil BergeyMay 18, 2021