The Power of Presence and the Theory U Framework

In our recent preconference co-facilitated with Jackie Chang, at IAF Asia in Taiwan September 2016, we introduced five facilitation frameworks which use the concept of presencing implicitly or explicitly as part of their value system. In this blog, we share the one that most explicitly incorporates it. It is called Theory U. But first let’s remind ourselves what is a facilitation framework.

We would call a facilitation framework a comprehensive system of how to facilitate. Frameworks include underlying values or beliefs which make them unique. They have typically been developed over a long period of time and include theory, a set of tools, guiding principles and methods that hang together on a similar framework and set of values. In brief, we think the following five things are attributes of a framework (in other words, if you learn about a particular system of facilitation and it has these 5 attributes, we would call it a unique facilitation framework):

1) It usually (but not always) includes many tools and methods under same “banner”.

2) It has a unique bias or style.

3) The underlying values or philosophy become apparent as you work with the approach – sometimes the values are explicitly spelled out as principles, assumptions or guidelines.

4) The tools, process or structure can be combined in many ways to create unique agendas.

5) They typically work well for many varied situations, cultural contexts, group sizes and topics. They are universal in their respect for the human condition.

• Appreciative Inquiry (AI)
• Open Space Technology (OST)
• Technology of Participation (ToP)
• Non Violent Communication (NVC)
• OneSmartWorld – refers explicitly to personal spirit as one of the four dimensions needed in working with groups
• Dynamic Facilitation – keeps people very focused and thinking about what is on their minds now and allows and encourages the group to change as they hear each other
• Group Works Cards – refers explicating to many qualities of presence as an essential quality of process facilitation
• Graphic Facilitation – captures the focus and attention with graphics and calls for a deep listening by the facilitator to listen beyond words

Theory U –
Leading From the Future as it Emerges

Description:
The U references the letter U as a symbol for the process of moving through a U shaped social change process developed by The Presencing Institute at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in the USA. Since the early 2000s it has been elaborated as Theory U (also called “U” methodology) by C. Otto Scharmer. This work itself draws on collaboration between Scharmer and his colleagues Peter Senge (Center of Organizational Learning), Joseph Jaworski and Betty Sue Flowers. Theory U is called “One Process, Five Movements.”

1. CO-INITIATING: Build common intent, stop, listen to others & what life calls you to do
2. CO-SENSING: Observe, Observe, Observe. Go to the places of most potential and listen with your mind and heart wide open
3. PRESENCING: Connect to the Source of Inspiration and Will to go to the place of silence and allow the inner knowing to emerge
4. CO-CREATING: Prototype the New in living examples to explore the future by doing
5. CO-EVOLVING: Embody the New in Ecosystems that facilitate seeing/acting from the whole

Theory U Assumptions:

• These times call for a new consciousness and a new collective leadership capacity to meet the massive challenges that threaten the foundations of our social, economic, ecological, and spiritual well-being in a more conscious way.
• Development of this capacity allows us to create a future of greater possibilities.
• When leaders develop the capacity to come near to that source, they experience the future as if it were “wanting to be born” — an experience called “presencing.”
  That experience carries with it ideas for meeting challenges and bringing in an otherwise impossible future. The capacity for presencing can be developed.

Theory U Uniqueness:

• It was specifically developed to deal with this time of massive institutional failure, collectively creating results that nobody wants: e.g., Climate change. AIDS. The work continues to constantly evolve. They now speak of the 4.0 framework and the concept of the U School as a global platform for helping a new generation of 4.0 eco-system entrepreneurs to act more creatively, collectively, intentionally.

The organization called the Presencing Institute is dedicated to developing new social technologies by integrating science, consciousness, and profound social change methodologies. They have a fantastic website with many tools and background for free.

• The foundational capacity of the U is listening. Listening to others. Listening to oneself. And listening to what emerges from the collective. Effective listening requires the creation of open space in which others can contribute to the whole.
• Suspend the “voice of judgment” is key to moving from projection to observation.
• The preparation for the experience at the bottom of the U – presencing – requires the tuning of three instruments: the open mind, the open heart, and the open will. This is an active “sensing” together as a group.

Be sure to use the following suggested tools:

• Journaling – https://www.presencing.org/#/resource/tools/guided-journaling-start
• Listening, awareness and embodiment practices
• Case clinics – case giver presents a case, and a group of 3-4 peers or team members help as consultants based on the principles of the U-Process https://www.presencing.org/#/resource/tools/case-clinic-desc
• Dialogue Interviews engage the interviewee in a reflective and generative conversation. https://www.presencing.org/#/resource/tools/dialogue-interview-desc
• Prototyping moves an idea or innovation into a concrete next step and creates a microcosm that allows you to explore the future by doing. Prototypes work on the principle of “failing early to learn quickly.” Prototypes can be concrete products, meetings, processes, services or experiments. Whatever it is, the underlying process is systems sensing, then systems thinking, then stopping to embrace a moment of shared/individual stillness before selecting possible prototyping ideas. https://www.presencing.org/#/resource/tools/prototyping-desc
• Sensing Journeys pulls you out the daily routine and allows you to experience the organization/challenge/ system through different stakeholders’ eyes.
• Stakeholder Interviews allow you to step into the shoes of your interviewees and see your role through the eyes of these stakeholders.
• Shadowing means accompanying someone for a defined period of time to observe him/her during work and learn from this observation.

Helpful Resources:

https://www.presencing.org/#/aboutus/theory-u