Catalyst Lab: Looking at the same thing with new eyes — collaboratio helvetica
Original article written by Silvano Lieger
edited by Nora Wilhelm for collaboratio helvetica
curated by Rachel Hentsch
In June 2019, the Presencing Institute concluded its first annual delivery of u.lab-S: Societal Transformation, a global initiative in which 300 teams from 35 countries are simultaneously tackling social challenges using collective systems mapping and design processes. One of these teams, collaboratio helvetica, shares more with us about their ongoing journey.
Practice
Two out of three modules of the ongoing Catalyst Lab are over. And it’s been quite a ride!
Surrounded by beautiful sceneries our catalysts have dived deep: They reflected on the purpose of their work, on their personal guiding principles and the ecosystems they are navigating and part of. During this process, they’ve collected new perspectives on the issues they are working on.
But what exactly is this Catalyst Lab?
The Catalyst Lab by collaboratio helvetica is a future laboratory that enables experience-oriented training and translates cutting-edge knowledge of the prerequisites for transformation and methodological competence into actionable insights. The methodology is based on Theory U, a highly effective change management theory developed by Otto Scharmer at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The method aims at moving away from existing patterns of thinking in order to develop a deeper and more holistic view that encompasses an entire system. It is this different perspective and understanding that allows diverse stakeholders to work together to address the causes of societal challenges instead of their symptoms.
The first two modules
The first two modules focused on the initial phases in this “U-method”, starting with the ability to “see with fresh eyes”. This initial phase in the first module is fundamentally based on the premise that, as humans, we all have, and are acting out, specific, conditioned patterns that shape the way we see the world. Using different methods like medicine walks, catalyst spiderwebs, ecosystem mapping, guided journaling, body check-ins as well as practicing tools like case clinics, the catalysts were acquainted with ways to refresh their perspective on the system they are a part of. This is not an easy process as it can challenge deeply held beliefs and raise questions we are not always happy to ask, because it might be uncomfortable at first.
The second module used this newly acquired, modified understanding of the ecosystem to dive deeper. The catalysts were asked to “sense” into their respective fields to understand why and how their ecosystems function the way they do. Especially powerful was the introduction of a concept called “absencing” — the ways in which we deny other’s positions or realities, delude ourselves in the process and finally prevent collaboration from happening. In the worst case, this results in deepening cycles of trauma, and more separation. Many participants shared how deeply shaken they were when they observed this pattern in their own behaviour.
Through a tool called 3D modeling (Theory U), participants were also encouraged to physically build a model of their ecosystem using a diverse selection of objects and craft materials. Through a number of generative questions, they were encouraged to look at their model from different perspectives (literally and figuratively) and build a new understanding towards their approach as actors within the system. This, too, turned out to be an extremely valuable and transformative experience for many participants as some of them shared that they gained a fundamentally new understanding of how they see themselves acting in the future.
Personally, I took part in the Catalyst Lab as an observer, explorer and part of the Catalyst team — I filmed segments of the different lessons, noticed meaningful discussions happening around me and took notes on things I wanted to remember. But even for me, these modules have been transformative. I run a political NGO and dedicate many hours of my week towards the search of the most efficient ways to facilitate societal change and to stir up public debate. I observed a shift within myself, a shift in perspective on my own position within this complex ecosystem I am navigating in daily. Where am I “absencing”, and excluding other people’s perspective? The path forward that presented itself to me was not a surprising one and yet it turned out to be incredibly difficult in its execution: foster collaboration with the stakeholders in your system and break the habit of individually trying to steer the system as a whole into your preferred direction with your specific goal in mind. I would have wished for something easier, yet somehow I know that this is the way to go and am prepared to do the work now.
A transformation from within
The third part of this year’s Catalyst Lab has yet to take place. But many of our catalysts have already seen a transformation happening from within. As mentioned, they are asking questions they previously weren’t able to and uncovered layers and patterns of thinking they could not consciously access beforehand. Using the methods outlined in our blog , many realised their own struggles with or built a renewed understanding of their own ecosystems.
Some of the questions attendees have begun to ask themselves regularly are:
- Am I taking their point of view into consideration when I’m constructing my own vision of an ideal future for the ecosystem?
- Do I take the other players in my ecosystem seriously or am I actively negating the validity of their positions?
- And: Will the way I currently work actively hinder the progress and change I want to see?
The challenging process is far from over — we are merely taking the first steps with a long journey ahead of us. The third module will show our participants how to establish a Social Innovation Lab within their own ecosystem and offer a yet deeper understanding of the paradigms our current reality is rooted in. Social Innovation Labs offer a new approach to act in complexity, different from the dominant planning and controlling. It is an exciting opportunity, and the Catalysts will discover how it may help them unlock potential in their own context, yet simultaneously we will also learn about the most common obstacles and pitfalls when doing so.
Just the beginning
Many of the lessons learned will need to be repeated regularly, our conditioned patterns will need to be addressed and a cohesive understanding of one’s own ecosystem takes time — because unlearning takes time. But when it’s happening, action flows. All we can do at this point is create a solid foundation on which to build.
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Originally published at https://www.collaboratiohelvetica.ch on November 27, 2019.
