In this engaging discussion, Otto Scharmer, an action researcher and thought leader in systems change, emphasizes the importance of awareness and relationships for societal transformation. He dives into the concept of 'social farming' and the need for collective action in addressing crises. The conversation also explores the tension between ego and regeneration, the role of leadership in uncertainty, and the significance of deep listening. Scharmer highlights the transformative potential of acknowledging 'not knowing' and the importance of creating trustworthy spaces for collaboration.
Collective action requires a shift from individual goodwill to shared intentionality, crucial for addressing global challenges effectively.
The 'social soil' concept highlights the need for nurturing relationships within communities to foster successful social change efforts.
Leadership in times of transformation hinges on awareness-based approaches, emphasizing listening and reflection to facilitate meaningful change.
Deep dives
The Importance of Shared Intentionality
Addressing the need for a collective approach, the conversation highlights that while good intentions exist globally, they often do not manifest as shared intentionality. This gap between individual goodwill and collective action prevents potential movements from realizing their full impact. The speaker emphasizes that a movement lacking self-awareness cannot be a historical force, especially in the face of unprecedented global challenges. Realizing this potential requires harnessing shared intentionality to transform individual goodwill into meaningful, collective action.
Cultivating the Social Soil
The concept of 'social soil' is introduced as a framework for understanding the quality of relationships and interactions within communities. Drawing from his background in regenerative farming, the speaker likens social change efforts to the cultivation of soil, suggesting that attention must be given to the invisible aspects of our social ecosystems. This notion feeds into the broader theme of Theory U, advocating for practices that improve collective awareness and foster deeper connections. By nurturing this 'social soil,' communities can foster an environment conducive to flourishing.
Awareness-Based Leadership
The dialogue emphasizes that effective leadership during times of transformation relies on awareness-based approaches. Notably, the focus is on accessing different levels of awareness to facilitate change, such as through listening and reflection. The process of 'let-go and let-come’ is highlighted as essential for leaders to transition from existing paradigms to new possibilities. Through cultivating awareness, leaders can better navigate complex challenges, creating spaces for generative dialogue and collective growth.
Encountering the Polar Crisis
The podcast underscores the dual narratives shaping our current reality: one of destruction and one of regeneration. 69% of the population expresses a willingness to contribute financially to combat climate change, but paradoxically, 68% feel disconnected from decision-making processes. This disparity indicates a widespread good intention that is not translating into action, emphasizing the need for structural changes that empower individuals. Emphasizing the importance of collective action, the speaker advocates for bridging this gap through intentional collaboration and transformative practices.
Fourth-Person Perspective
The discussion introduces the concept of 'fourth-person awareness,' expanding upon traditional notions of individual and collective understanding within social systems. This awareness acknowledges that groups can possess their own consciousness and intentionality, creating a shared sense of being. By tapping into this collective awareness, groups can unlock new possibilities for change that transcend individual perspectives. Recognizing this interiority can enable communities to navigate challenges with greater coherence and purpose.
In this episode, Wendy speaks with action researcher, changemaker, and thought leader Otto Scharmer. Otto is a world leader in systems change, and his work across disciplines highlights how awareness and the quality of our relationships are critical for the change we need today. This conversation covers many topics, including:
regenerative farming, social change movements, and the "social soil";
inspiration from Francisco Varela;
presencing and the role of awareness in systems change;
three divides that contribute to our current crises;
the untold story of regeneration and renewal;
action learning and action research;
trends towards goodwill and lack of agency;
institutions vs. individuals;
the blind spot of the mindfulness movement;
speaking and listening across ideologies;
non-doing, action vs. reaction;
the need for holding spaces and building trust;
leading by letting go and letting come;
releasing old ways of thinking (ego) and shifting to more integrated mindsets (eco);
sensing and engaging with future possibilities;
fourth-person awareness;
the influence of Mind & Life on his career trajectory;
and resources for learning consciousness-based transformation.