Presencing Agility - A Transformation Approach using Theory U

Type of Meeting: Presentation with Exercises

Abstract: Agile Transformations are complex efforts involving the human systems in organizations. Working with human systems in transition requires skill, experience, and a solid framework. In this session, I will introduce such a framework based on Otto Scharmer’s Theory-U, and show how it can be used to effectively presence agility in any human system. We’ll engage with each other and talk about some of the more complex problems in the Agile Transformation space. We’ll then run a quick overview of the key ideas underpinning the approach. We’ll then apply one or two approaches to addressing some of the key challenges we identified in the first exercise. Desired Outcomes: An understanding of the basics of presencing agility. Some exposure to a few things to try in your environment.

Presenter: Ewan O'Leary.

Ewan began his Agile journey in 2009, using scrum and lean thinking to generate breakthrough results for CTC/MyCFO, a wealth management firm based in Portland, OR. He has experience in applying Agile in building cloud and mobile products, as well as in mainframe application environments. In his role as an Enterprise Agile Coach, he has led and supported transformation efforts in organizations ranging from State Street to Stubhub, and from PayPal to Nike in cultures as diverse as Singapore, Shanghai, Boston, St Louis and San Francisco.

Ewan’s current focus is pushing the edge of what is possible in organizational change using Theory-U, Integral philosophy, sociocracy and zen practice. Ewan is a digital nomad, calling AirBnB and various hotels home.