Otto Scharmer
Foto credit: Maja Heinrich
Otto Scharmer is an author and action researcher who co-creates pathways of transformation for individuals, institutions, and larger systems. He delivers these innovations in learning and leadership infrastructures through classes at MIT, MITx u.lab, the Presencing Institute, and through innovation projects with organizations in business, government and civil society around the world.
Otto co-creates innovative approaches to learning and leadership that he and his colleagues deliver through classes and programs at MIT, through Presencing Institute programs, and through his Global Classroom online program.
Check Otto's books and published articles, papers, commentaries and given interviews.
In the face of accelerating social and environmental breakdowns, how can we build our collective capacities for transformation to bring about a just, inclusive, and regenerative society for all?
It is time to operate from a deep sense of purpose, that transcends institutions, borders, and boundaries.
Leading by letting go? Letting go of what? Letting go of the past behaviors that have outlived their usefulness.
If we truly want to build back better, if we want this moment to give rise to a future that is different from the past, what core capacities do we need to build and cultivate now?
It may be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to profoundly reimagine and reshape our civilization. We can choose to step through that opening, or not.
We live in a world of disruption, drama, and despair. All of these are real. But at the same time, we also live in a world of unparalleled opportunity — the opportunity to step into new spaces and to sense and actualize the future that many feel is wanting to emerge — even though it is unclear how.
Discover this concise guide to Theory U key concepts and applications, making Otto Scharmer's vital work and its methods and tools accessible to a wider audience.
The Essentials of Theory U enables leaders and organizations in all industries and sectors to shift awareness from ego to eco, to connect with the highest future possibilities, and to strengthen the capacity to realize those possibilities.
"This book provides a new language and teaches us new ways to integrate the insights of the psychology of mindfulness with the sociology of groups and the forces of the political and economic system. It is an incredible tour de force."
Edgar Schein
Professor Emeritus at MIT Sloan School of Management & Author
"A great and timely book. As more and more people become part of the global movement around deep systemic change — from social entrepreneurs to innovators working within large established organizations to diverse network builders — a new field of knowledge is gradually taking shape."
Peter Senge
Senior Lecturer at MIT & Co-Founder of Academy for Systems Change
"My life and work have changed in no small part since meeting Otto and Theory U through MIT over a decade ago in the founding of the United in Diversity Forum. We have seen an amazing impact of the ‘U’ based leadership work in Indonesia and China, particularly in terms of how business, government and civil society collaborate to bridge the environmental, social, and spiritual divides."
Cherie Nursalim
Co-Chair of SDSN-SEA & Chair of United In Diversity Foundation
"I’ve experienced firsthand the profound impact of Otto’s transformative work — on our company as a whole, our teams, and individual employees. Now we can all participate more readily in the possibilities for systems change in the world."
Eileen Fisher
Founder & Chairwoman of Eileen Fisher Inc.
U.Lab: Transforming Business, Society, and Self
Re-Imagining the 21st Century University
Love: Letting appear
MIT Management Executive Education | Innovating in the Face of Disruption
In his current work, Otto and his colleagues apply Theory U framework and methods and tools of presencing to three main areas: Leadership Development, Systems Innovation and Coaching.
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