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The most challenging issues of our time can only be addressed by the combined efforts of concerned groups coming together as networks, alliances or joint ventures. Whether we are managing large-scale business initiatives, social or environmental problems, or issues of political governance, these undertakings pose unique challenges, since often the groups involved do not have a clear sense of common goals, and may even see themselves as competitors.   

In order to succeed in this, individuals, corporations and organizations must be willing to widen their perspectives beyond their specific concerns to include those of the larger systems (economic, political, and social) in which they function, and to expand their sense of responsibility beyond their individual turf.  Consultants and leaders need the knowledge and skills to be resourceful and versatile in these complex arenas.  

We will present a framework for exploring and managing “multiple realities;” recognizing the impact on the larger system of a change or intervention in a subgroup; appreciating the intricacies of establishing trust and the authenticity required to sustain collaboration.  Our case presentations will demonstrate the range of roles a consultant or leader may take on, from facilitator to politician to advocate depending on the context, and the need to accept the ambiguity and confusion that are certain to arise.

If we are to solve the critical problems of the world, a paradigm shift is needed: from a specific individual/corporate/organizational perspective to that of the complex social and environmental system we are all part of.  In this conference we will come together as practitioners and leaders who are committed to this shift, and to developing the knowledge and skills to facilitate this process.

The Conference will present actual cases from social, political, corporate, and community sectors around the world that model principles of collaborative change management. Most of the case leaders have considerable experience using the Gestalt approach.  With supporting theoretical principles, we will then work with the cases in an attempt to identify best practices, and how they can be applied in different settings.

Participants will move from case and theory presentations to smaller group discussions on the cases and application to participants’ own work, and to large group discussions to synthesize and further develop innovative approaches to managing change.

Case presentations that we will be working with include:

• Rebuilding New Orleans: Carolyn Lukensmeyer, America Speaks

• The US Farm Financing System: Jamie Stewart, CEO, Federal FarmCredit Lending Bank

• Humanitarian-Conservation Partnership Initiative: Rebecca Scheurer, American Red Cross (ARC) & Anita van Breda, World Wildlife Fund(WWF) and John Griffin, Griffin Frischmuth Consulting, LLC

• Exploring Figure and Ground in Cambodia: Leadership Development After the Khmer Rouge: Fran Johnston and Eddie Mwelwa, Teleos Leadership Institute

• Transforming UK Local Government Through Private Sector Joint Ventures: Ron Wiens & Justin Ferrabee, Totem Hill (Canada)

• Rebuilding Government and Citizen Trust in Post-Conflict Sierra Leone: Christiane Frischmuth, Griffin Frischmuth Consulting, LLC

• Empowering Creators of Grassroots Change in Northern Ireland:  Brighde Vallely, Maggie Delia, Michael Delia; Mastery Foundation

Through case presentations, theoretical instruction and group discussion, participants will:

• Share experiences and explore approaches to change and collaboration

• Increase their understanding of ways to manage change and bring people together for building common ground

• Enhance their ability to see, appreciate and understand the “whole system”

• Explore the role of the consultant or leader in these settings

• Gain new perspectives on their own cases and professional challenges

• Initiate a community of practitioners committed to increasing our understanding of large systems change

 

This conference is open to business and nonprofit leaders, consultants and coaches and anyone with experience and/or interest in this area.  We particularly invite people who are already committed to this arena of work and are looking for a supportive professional community of peers.