Sunday, March 14, 2010

Theory U: Illustrated through a silly game with kids

My last post, included a diagram and some examples of how I have been using "Theory U," a model for "leading from the future as it emerges." In this post, I'd like to show you a silly 2 minute video that I made with my kids, showing some aspects of the Theory U process, as illustrated in a game the kids and I made up.

9 comments:

Jim Klaas said...

Loved the video. Isn't it great that kids are so willing to try anything? Good work there Dad!
Jim K

Michael Bischoff said...

Thanks, Jim. My kids are great sports. I did pay them 50 cents each for making the video, so that helped increase their motivation for this one. They've made many videos with me, but this was their first paid acting job.

John Cowan said...

Marvelous. Is there some thought after the opening process or do you as in the game leap to action?

Michael Bischoff said...

Good question, John. Yes, normally, after the opening process there is a stage of "crystallizing vision and intention," but the idea is to quickly get into prototyping, finding ways to embody in small ways the change you are envisioning, quickly try out prototypes, fail often, reflect, and adapt.

The next stage is building an infrastructure to support the new projects, and building an "ecosystem of innovation."

And the idea is to keep cycling back to the opening process.

Unknown said...

Mike,

Is the rapid prototyping you speak of a part of the Theory U concept for organizational change?
-Keith

Michael Bischoff said...

Keith,
Yes, the rapid prototyping is an important part of Theory U. Here's a good half page summary of the process: http://www.presencing.com/presencing-theoryu/summaries.shtml. The web page also has a link to a more in-depth summary.

Anonymous said...

dear michael,
thanks for the video.....
we sisters are beginning the process of developing our next strategic (5 year) plan.....it is going to be a facilitated process and i believe theory u will be a part of it....i love the fact that you used incentives for your children to work on the video with you.....fair wages, etc. it was sonderful!
peace,
suzanne

Nun in the Hood said...

Hi, Michael and Kida and photographer Jenny! I am familiar with the U theory and it's fun to see it done with kids....WOW! We have a few contemplatives among us!
Love, Sr.Mary Frances

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It is nice that you encourage your kids with your activities. If they are motivated they can do a better job. Also they can learn about jobs and works.