TILT - The Institute for Leadership and Transformation
Upcoming Workshops
The dynamics of convening small groups as Thinking Systems
A workshop focusing on providing opportunities for unconscious exploration in teams
By Prof Frans Cilliers
Dates: 6 & 7 July 2018 Place: Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS), Johannesburg
Background information
Unlike focus groups, often used in organisations to gather conscious and rational information, the Thinking System is designed to access unconscious and often irrational behaviour in systems. It also adds the component of allowing participants to participate in the data analysis towards a deep understanding of the dynamics surrounding the phenomenon being studied.
The Thinking System is based on the methodology used in the so-called Listening Post as designed and used by OPUS (an Organisation for Promoting Understanding of Society) based in London. The design is based on group relations and systems psychodynamic principles.
The Thinking System provides opportunities for all participants to study and explore the ‘below the surface’ about a specific systemic phenomenon. After the sharing of their experiences, participants are guided towards a collective analysis of their manifesting themes and the formulation of hypotheses about the matter. A Thinking System is guided by a trained convenor which implies the management of the boundaries of task, space and time. The methodology comprises the explanation of basic concepts from literature and the experiential practice of taking up the role of convenor followed by a personal reflection and feedback.
Who should attend?
The workshop is best suited for organisational consultants and researchers who are interested in studying behaviour beyond the rational and below the surface of consciousness related to their topics of interest. Participants must preferably have been involved in the participation in Listening Posts or Thinking Systems before or have exposure to group dynamics training.
How will you benefit?
The workshop will provide you with opportunities to plan and conduct Thinking Systems in the organisations you belong to. This implies providing the system with opportunities to explore and potentially understand its own conscious and unconscious behaviour.
Key focus areas
* Using yourself as instrument in providing opportunities for groups to explore the dynamics underlying its systemic matters. * Assisting organisations to understand its collective unconscious dynamics better before making decisions about mechanics such as procedures and structures.
Workshop information
Dates: 6 July 2018 (08:30-16:00) & 7 July 2018 (08:30-13:00) Presenter: Prof Frans Cilliers (TILT) Amount: R7800.00 (Scholarships available, please ask) Venue: GIBS, Johannesburg