Theory U - Social Innovation Technology

Theory U, is a social technology based on the work of Otto Scharmer. It is a framework and method for seeing ourselves and our environment in a new way that shows us the blindspots that hold us back from reaching the future "as it wants to emerge." What does this mean?

Deep and holistic understanding is often constrained by the way we "attend" a given situation in our minds. The quality of our thinking will determine the quality of the future we create. Theory U refers to the shape of staged individual and collective understanding and action. Stakeholders in a U journey deepen their appreciation and understanding of a system through the practice of presencing (presence + sensing), and then emerge from the U with solutions and possibilities for breakthrough. 

Ensemble is committed to the use of Theory U in guiding organisations towards creating a future as it wants to emerge. We believe this is one which is sustainable economically, socially and environmentally. In 2009 Ensemble will launch a U journey for under the name of Leaders' Quest.

To learn more about the social technology of Theory U, visit the Presencing Institute