What is systems change?
‘Systems change’ is a term that is used a lot, but often used in ways that mean lots of different things. What do we mean when we say we are going to help you change or transform the system? In an effort to answer this seemingly simple question, allow me to offer some definitions first, so ...
5 Change Myths That Need Busting
Sam and I have been writing a chapter for a book with a systems thinking perspective on organisational change, and we are tackling the notion and practice of emergent change. So, I’m thinking a lot about change and thought I would share a few ideas with you that may provoke your thinking as you endeavour ...
How can we nurture visions?
I often talk about leadership as the art of facilitating energy: and I mean your energy and that of others. A short time ago, I facilitated a conversation amongst some of the Arts community. I am not at liberty to say what the project is, but as I prepared for this high-level conversation, I was mindful ...
How are you harnessing the power of bringing people together?
We have had the pleasure of working with a group of team leaders and supervisors within a high-tech business for the last year. As the program draws to a close, I have been reflecting on what changes we have helped to initiate, and what delivered the most significant change for the participants and the organisation. ...
SuperSapiens: consciousness hacking
Last night I introduced SuperSapiens as a part of the Transitions Film Festival. Below is a copy of my talk that identifies some key concerns about the future trajectory of Artificial Intelligence and how I believe we all need to be involved in deciding what type of future world we want. I also make links ...
What is reality?
Over the last few months, I have been exploring how I perceive reality. And I came across this TED talk by Anil Seth, which is fascinating. If you are interested in leading change, then how we perceive what is ‘real’ is so important. If we all see something different ‘out there’ then how can we ...
Where to focus your attention?
What’s the root cause? The problem we should really be addressing? Everyone exercising their leadership faces the challenge of needing to decide where to focus their attention. The story below by one of my favourite authors captures our current dilemma beautifully. SINKING SHIP by Daniel Quinn (2018) The ship was sinking—and sinking fast. The captain told ...
Sexual harassment, power and hierarchy
Sexual harassment has again been in the news in that last week – this time focused on the Australian film industry. Whether it is sexual harassment or bullying or intimidation – all these behaviours result in people being diminished and their potential being unrealised. There are two issues within this that are relevant to all ...
Embedding Sustainability into Organisational DNA: A story of complexity
My doctoral thesis research into “Embedding Sustainability into Organisational DNA: A story of complexity” is complete! I’m so delighted that after eight years, it has been signed off and my qualification will be conferred in January 2018. Much of our work at The Partnership is a reflection of this research. So what’s in it? Below ...
Your Organisational Identity: More Than Your Logo
Organisational identity is important because it’s your corporate DNA. Being able to influence your DNA and connect everyone to it, gives you the ability to evolve a more adaptable organisation – one that is more likely to survive in the longer term. All living systems (and your organisation can be viewed as such) organise and ...