“Treating symptoms, teaching to the test, gathering statistics… all of these forms of engagement have something in common… blindness to the complexity of the issue being addressed.” – Nora Bateson, 

“If you’re not confused, you’re not paying attention.” –Tom Peters, Thriving on Chaos: Handbook for a Management Revolution

This workshop highlights one of the most important aspect to improving the long-term efficiency and health of organisations. It will also give individuals a solid understanding of the differences between linear thinking and … let’s call it circular-thinking-and-more.

Failing to consider and address the complexity of the world leads to a host of issues that undermine long term success of any endeavour. Fixes-that-fail, limits-to-success, the-tragedy-of-the-commons are but a few of the failing patterns that come from this blind spot.

What if the world was connected in too many ways for our human mind to understand? What if most of what is happening is the result of dynamics that we can only sometimes perceive? How would we organize ourselves? What guiding principles would we use to direct our lives and the organisations we are part of?

This workshop will address the following themes:

• When did our worldview change?
• The industrial age manufactured the illusion of separateness
• Cutting edge: complexity science and its history
• Indigenous people always knew
• How come we have forgotten
• Some of the consequences
• Pragmatic consequences for crafting highly effective organizations and businesses
• Implications for the reconciliation process
• Consequences for education and training

After this important workshop you will be better equipped to detect what creates reoccurring mistakes or what stands in the way of progress.

Also, First Nations might find powerful language and tools to express the traditional teachings in a way that is supported by science and effectively making them stronger arguments that governing bodies will be more inclined to understand and support.

On the other hand, for public servants working with First Nations, this workshop will help them understand the underlying principles and relevance of First Nations traditional culture.

We facilitate the workshop using a range of leading-edge tools and techniques to accommodate the various cognitive learning styles: presentations, audio and video materials, storytelling, art, games and conversation. As such, the workshop will create a fun, comfortable and empowering environment.

Who should register?

Managers, leaders, change makers and curious adults, Indigenous & non-Indigenous

The workshop can be delivered in person (preferred) or over Zoom and has the options of

• 2 two-hour sessions
• 4 one-hour lunch sessions

If you are interested in these topics, but the scope or time commitment of this workshop is too broad or detailed, we are happy to work with you to shape the content and form of the workshop to accommodate your needs.