Description: Often we make assumptions and draw conclusions about another person or organization based on a small data sample. Once we “know”, we also tend to select data to support our position (at the top of the ladder). It is impossible for two parties in conflict, both operating from the top of their ladders, to resolve the conflict. What’s needed is for both parties to come down off their ladders, back to the data. This workshop is grounded in systems thinking and the Mutual Learning Model (Argyris). Participants will draw on actual conflict experience and work with each other to learn and practice this approach.

Target Audience: This workshop is for anyone who works as part of a team, who coaches teams, or claims to manage teams. Further, InThinkers who practice leadership in any form will receive valuable insights from this workshop experience.

Organizational Issues: The fundamental issue is “how do we improve the way we work together in any intentional collaborative setting?” Since conflict is integral to humans working together, improvements in working together can include ways to recognize and address conflict when it arises, as well as practices that will go a long ways toward decreasing the likelihood that conflict will arise. Teams in organizations are usually ill-equipped to deal with conflict, and they often do everything they can to avoid dealing with it, including willful ignorance. Tremendous learning is possible when we face conflict and practice genuine inquiry.

Objectives: Participants will learn to initiate and engage in a courageous conversation toward the goal of solving a conflict between two parties (co-workers, boss and employee, parent and child, neighbors, nations). The skills learned must be practiced over time. These skills are essential for anyone who aspires to lead. Participants will also increase their “systems awareness” and be introduced to the Mutual Learning Model.

Cost: None

Handouts: Available for download after the Forum.

Biography: Jon Bergstrom provides a wide range of business consulting services through the Bergstrom Learning Center in Tehachapi, California. Prior to his recent retirement, he worked for Shell Oil Company and Aera Energy LLC for 35 years in a variety of engineering and management positions.During the last five years of his career, he worked as an internal consultant in Aera’s Learning Organization and developed an appreciation for the challenges and opportunities involved in organizational change. He has coached more than 30 leaders in organizational and leadership development.

Contact: Jon can be reached by e-mail at jonbergstrom@sbcglobal.net for additional information about this Pre-Conference session.

Website: www.websweare.com/bergstrom

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/pub/jon-bergstrom/5/292/13a

Biography: Based in the Pacific Northwest, Steve Byers is an interdependent consultant (Helping Human Systems) and trusted advisor who works with leadership teams, organizations and communities seeking to establish or renew their essential conversation about what matters to them. He teaches in the M.A. in Leadership program at St. Mary’s College of California, and with two colleagues regularly offers the New Habits of Mind for New Solutions workshop. He hosts the monthly First Wednesday Conversation at a café in Olympia, and blogs at “The Conversation is the Relationship.” He is President of the Board of Directors for Garden Raised Bounty, a non-profit in Olympia dedicated to achieving social justice through attention to the interrelated systems of food, education, and poverty.

Prior to developing his practice as an organization consultant, Steve worked in quality management and applied his understanding of W. Edwards Deming’s System of Profound Knowledge.

Contact: Steve can be reached by e-mail at smbyers7@comcast.net for additional information about this Pre-Conference session.

Website: www.helpinghumansystems.com

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/pub/steven-byers/3/613/267