Review of Leading from the Emerging Future: From Ego-System to Eco-System Economies
by Otto Scharmer & Katrin Kaufer Berrett-Koehler.

Reviewed by Keith Beasley

Any book that quotes Thich Nhat Hanh and Master Nan’s reinterpretation of Confucius’s Great Learning in a discourse on the evolution of Economics and Business has to be worth at least a second look. In fact I read it (very nearly) cover to cover. As someone who fine-tuned the art of rapid reading and scanning of books during my PhD, this is huge compliment to Otto Scharmer, a senior lecturer at MIT, and Katrin Kaufer, co-founder with Scharmer, of the Presencing Institute (www.presencing.com). Charting the formation of the ecological, social and spiritual-cultural divides, the authors identify the underlying disconnects in the various systems that have, until recently, kept the world’s governments and businesses running.

This message is not new, but this presentation of it is both succinct, readable and, most importantly, offers a solution that not just satisfies logic but also heart and soul. Even more usefully, they include many real-world examples of how their ‘presencing’ and ‘Theory U’ approaches have led to major shifts in how old-paradigm organisations have becomes shining examples of what can happen when all parties co-sense and work with the new future which they are convinced is emerging.

In many ways this book reflects many of the themes of my own thesis: how courage and compassion, feeling a situation from another’s perspective and connecting to our common humanity is essential in changing behaviours. The trouble with many books, no matter how insightful or full of worthwhile ideas they might be, is that they’re taken in as facts and theories and remain in our minds as just that and no more. This book practices what it preaches: describing a way of co-creating a more aware, connected, future; enabling and encouraging the application of the theory in the real world and daily lives. It does this in a number of ways.

Firstly it is linked to a free on-line course which itself is linked to U-Lab (see www. presencing.com/ulab/overview ) which encourages students of the course to meet with fellow students in their locality and apply the theory to their own communities or organisations. Secondly, each chapter includes a ‘Conclusion and Practices’ section which prompts you, the reader and student, to reflect on key issues and personalise the ideas presented in a journal. Then you are asked to share your perspective with your group and suggest ways of ‘prototyping’ what you’ve learnt, in your own office, home, organisation or community. Thus, the gist of the text, which emphasis experiential, inner engagement over objective analysis, is immediately grounded in practical application.

There are, of course, many alternative approaches to the specific processes and techniques offered by Scharmer & Kaufer, but they do admit that the intent in such activities is usually far more important than the detailed procedures. That being said, the exercises given and support provided by U-Lab and its local hubs, when added to the theories and insights in this book, together offer a rare, workable, approach to turning an ego-based organisation to one in tune with the needs of society and the planet as a whole. If the idea of an ‘emerging future’, to replace our current dying reality, appeals to you, then don’t just read this book: open your heart and mind and you’ll find others you can work with to co-create it!

Keith Beasley is course director at the Body Mind Institute (www.bodymindinstitute.com) and has just become Living Spirituality Connections Regional Contact for North West Wales.

 

Thank you to the Scientific and Medical Network (www.scimednet.org) who have given permission for us to reproduce this review, which first appeared in the Network Review Winter 2015-16.

LEADING FROM THE EMERGING FUTURE: From Ego-System to Eco-System Economies
by Otto Scharmer & Katrin Kaufer Berrett-Koehler. 2013, 287 pp., £16.10, p/b – ISBN 978-16050-99262.

Celtic scholar, poet and peacemaker, J Philip Newell held the London launch of his new book The Rebirthing of God on Monday 6th October at St Columba’s Church, near Knightsbridge.

A small number of us gathered on a wet Monday to hear JP talk about what he means by the rebirthing of God. Many of us were already admirers of JP’s previous works. With this one he has brought together very powerfully all the ways in which we can participate in the major religious and spiritual transition taking place in our times. We will review the book in the next LS newsletter. It promises to offer the hope of a fresh stirring of the Spirit among us and the invitation to be part of labouring in a new holy birth of sacred living.

For me it was a special pleasure to meet two LivingSpirituality subscribers there, in addition to Jenny from our Steering Group, since meeting in person has so much more impact than email communication!

Petra Griffiths

Philip Newell is launching his new book The Rebirthing of God on Monday 6th October at 12.30pm at St Columba’s Church, Pont Street, London SW1X 0BD. Everyone is welcome to attend.

The talk and book signing will occur in the Upper Hall of St Columba’s. For more information, please contact office@stcolumbas.org.uk.

For many years now, Celtic poet, peacemaker and scholar Philip Newell has been writing about the sacredness of being and the of-Godness that is at the heart of our lives and all life. In this new work he asks what the world in general—and Christianity in particular—would look like if the true depths of our sacredness were to come forth in radically new ways.

Drawing on modern prophets from East and West, and using the holy island of Iona as an icon of new beginnings, this book speaks directly to the heart of Christians — those within the well-defined bounds of Christian practice and those on the disenchanted edges — as well as to the faithful and seekers of other traditions. It offers the hope of a fresh stirring of the Spirit among us and the invitation to be part of labouring in a new holy birth of sacred living.

“…. fresh insight into the rebirth of everything. What a writer, what a book!”
Rob Bell, pastor, founder, Mars Hill Bible Church