Presencing - by C Otto Scharmer & Katrin Kaeufer (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

A revolutionary guide to catalyzing multi-system change and planetary healing.

Experience 7 practices combined with powerful frameworks to create a more integrated and conscious future from the bestselling author of Theory U.

We are living in a time of unprecedented crisis and breakdown. But amid the chaos, small "islands of coherence" are emerging--localized pockets of pioneering thought leaders taking action to begin to catalyze multi-system transformation.

Incorporating proven frameworks like Social Fields and the Collective Evolutionary Mirror, the authors share transformative real-world stories of these islands of coherence from the frontlines of change across the globe. You'll go inside the experiences of paradigm-shifting change makers and gain powerful practices for sensing and actualizing the future that wants to emerge.

This book outlines 7 critical contributions for elevating our civilization including:

• becoming aware
• generative listening
• dialogue and co-sensing
• presencing
• ecosystem leadership
• co-creating across boundaries
• build unity

With this holistic guide, you'll discover how your local actions can cascade into a planetary movement for human and ecological flourishing. The next renaissance is emergent--be a part of birthing it into reality.

Review Quotes

"For two decades, while so many are tragically locked in meeting polarization with more polarization, Katrin and Otto have been helping thousands of people and hundreds of communities build capacity to hold the tension of 'either-or'--for me, the first key to meeting this extraordinary time on its own terms."
--Peter Senge, Senior Lecuter, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and cofounder of Center for Systems Awareness

"I've experienced firsthand the profound impact of Otto and Katrin's transformative work. This book gives us the framework, methods, and tools to co-create and further evolve regenerative businesses that are working for all."
--Eileen Fisher, fashion designer and founder of Eileen Fisher Inc.

"What we learn from Presencing is that seeding the soil of consciousness with holistic understanding elevates the highest potential of a society."
--Pedro Tarak, cofounder of Sistema B and Regional Impact Trade Alliance (RITA)

"This masterpiece provides the blueprint for the transformational systems change needed to navigate the complexities of our modern world, beautifully written to inspire and motivate us all."
--Carrie Hessler-Radelet, former Director, Peace Corps, and international NGO leader

"Presencing introduces practical tools and methods to confront disruption and discern our North Star--not only for us individually but also for the institutions we lead and work in and the societies we live in."
--Dayna L. Cunningham, Pierre and Pamela Omidyar Dean, Jonathan M. Tisch College of Civic Life, Tufts University

About the Author

C. Otto Scharmer is a senior lecturer at MIT and founding chair of the Presencing Institute. He co-founded the MITx u-lab and co-created global Action Learning Labs and SDG Leadership Labs for the UN. He is a member of the UN Learning Advisory Council for the 2030 Agenda, the Club of Rome, and the World Future Council. He previously won the Jamieson Prize for Teaching Excellence at MIT and the European Leonardo Corporate Learning Award. In 2021, he received the Elevating Humanity Award from the Organizational Development Network.

Katrin Kaufer is a lecturer and program director in MIT's Department of Urban Studies and Planning and the director of the Presencing Institute. She is also Professor of Practice at Tufts University's Jonathan Tisch College of Civic Life.