Leading Self, Leading Systems

About this event

We are living amidst profound disruption in almost every sphere of our lives – economic, political, organisational, technological and ecological. We are at a critical crossroads. In the face of these intense pressures, our human systems – organisations, communities, governments and societies – will either fracture and fragment or regenerate and transform. Each of us, in whatever position or context we are in, face a choice in how we respond and how we choose to be. Our response matters.

In our view, leadership is not primarily related to role, job title or position. Leadership is a practice that is available to everyone. Leadership emerges when we choose to take responsibility and mobilise ourselves and others to create something new in the world. Leadership arises when we engage with others in the challenging task of evolving and transforming human systems. Everyone who seeks to make a positive difference in their situation needs to strengthen two essential leadership capacities:

• Leading Self – deepening our self-awareness and personal insight, drawing on our natural compassion, courage and steadfastness.
• Leading Systems – learning to see beyond surface events, to recognise the patterns of relationships and the underlying structures and conditions that drive behaviours. Acting with an awareness of the interconnected whole, we embody the future we want to create.

The workshop integrates these two lenses – self and systems – to shed light on how people, teams and organisations get stuck, and how we can liberate potential, strengthen working relationships and mobilise systems change.

We draw on the profound and practical thinking of systems theorist Barry Oshry, and his four decades of research into power and powerlessness in human systems. One of the revelations in Oshry’s work is that many of the problems we believe are primarily personal or interpersonal – are not just personal: “I’m not effective in my role”, “If only I had better manager (partner/Prime Minister/President) then things would be fine”, “We are not a good team”. Context matters. The workshop illuminates the power of context and how it shapes perceptions, emotions and behaviour. By recognising our blind spots regarding context, we can reduce blame and misunderstandings, foster trust, and cultivate productive relationships.

This foundational workshop comprises two highly engaging, enjoyable and thought-provoking sessions spaced one week apart. This structure allows you to immediately apply the framework and practices in your everyday work and life.

When?

Where?

Online on Zoom

What does it cost?

For those participants whose places are paid for by their organisation we offer two rates: standard rates for private sector companies and a reduced organisation rate for public sector, charities and not-for profit organisations.

Organisation Sponsored – Standard Fee: £399 including VAT (UK sales tax) for commercial companies and private sector firms

Organisation Sponsored – Reduced Fee: £299 including VAT for charities, NG0s, non-profits, public sector organisations, small consultancies

Group discounts of 20% on fees are available where 3 or more people participate from the same organisation. Add the word GROUP to the promo box when booking.

The workshop fee covers both sessions on 10 and 17 October.

We are passionate about widening the reach of this work; we make available bursaries for those working in grassroots change in their local communities and wider society who cannot afford the organisational rates. Please contact john.watters@livingleadership.org.uk to request bursary places.

What do clients say about our online workshops?

Our workshops attract a diverse group of participants with varying work and life experiences from different geographies, sectors and communities. This creates an experience which is both stimulating and revelatory.