Reboot Business Otto Scharmer - Systems Thinking: Addressing Global Divides and Collective Action
Apr 10, 2025
Otto Scharmer, a Senior Lecturer at MIT and creator of Theory U, explores the urgent need for transformation in the business landscape. He discusses how systems thinking can address interconnected crises like environmental degradation and inequality. Scharmer introduces Theory U as a pathway to elevate consciousness and co-create solutions. He emphasizes the importance of mindfulness and deep listening as tools for leaders to shape the future. Ultimately, he advocates for personal awareness and collective engagement to drive meaningful change.
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Systems Thinking Reveals Deep Disconnects
- Systems thinking highlights that many crises stem from deeper disconnects in how we relate to ourselves, others, and nature.
- Depression today reflects a painful awareness of reality but a denial of our capacity to change the system.
Social Systems Have Interior Life
- Traditional systems thinking often views systems externally but social systems have an inner dimension with feelings and purpose.
- Otto calls this "social fields," emphasizing the need to see systems both inside and out for real transformation.
Theory U Transforms Consciousness
- Theory U states real system change requires transforming the consciousness of the people in the system.
- It works by making systems see, sense, and invert themselves, activating empathy and new co-creative behavior.
