Use of Self (1)

Overview

Get ready to immerse yourself in the nuanced dynamics of Use of Self in the context of leadership transition, ethical decision-making, and the cultivation of team dynamics within the context of advancing technological integration in an educational setting. Participants will be drawn into a reflective journey through the complex scenarios faced by a newly appointed Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at Cedarwood University.

During this interactive group video simulation, your esteemed facilitators, Dr. Dave Jamieson and Savannah Hobbs, will tap into your innate understanding of Use of Self in relation to leadership, ethics, and change management. In a safe and friendly atmosphere, you'll work alongside participants from around the world to confront the way your preconceived notions, emotional reactions, and ethical compasses “show up” as you take on the role of Alex.

What is Use of Self?

"Use of Self" is a foundational concept in Organization Development (OD) that emphasizes the deliberate application of one’s values, emotions, and cognitive processes in professional settings. It's about being fully aware of who you are, including your strengths, weaknesses, biases, and emotional triggers, and using this self-awareness to interact effectively with others and navigate complex situations. The practice of Use of Self helps OD practitioners, change agents, and consultants to bring their whole selves to their work, enhancing their ability to facilitate positive organizational change. This OD Immersivewill breath life into the following core concepts inherent in the Use of Self.

1. Self-Awareness and Leadership Identity: Central to the simulation is the exploration of how self-awareness underpins effective leadership. Participants are invited to consider how understanding one's values, emotional responses, and personal biases can inform and refine their leadership style, especially in times of transition and ethical dilemmas.
2. Emotional Intelligence and Relationship Management: The unfolding scenarios underscore the pivotal role of emotional intelligence in navigating leadership challenges. This includes recognizing and managing one's emotions, understanding the emotional landscape of the team, and employing empathy and active listening to build trust, resolve conflicts, and foster a cohesive team dynamic.
3. Ethical Integrity and Decision-Making: Through the lens of a controversial AI integration project, the simulation challenges participants to weigh the allure of innovation against ethical responsibilities. This component emphasizes the importance of aligning decisions with core values and principles, showcasing the delicate balance between pioneering change and adhering to ethical standards.
4. Navigating Group Dynamics and Organizational Culture: The simulation reflects on the complexities of influencing group consensus and cultural norms, especially when confronted with groupthink or resistance to change. Participants are encouraged to reflect on how their Use of Self can act as a catalyst for promoting ethical consideration, diversity of thought, and adaptability within their teams and the broader organization.
5. Mindfulness and Presence: Integral to the experiential learning process is the cultivation of mindfulness and presence. By acknowledging physical sensations and emotions that arise in challenging situations, participants learn to remain present and engaged, enabling them to make more considered and authentic decisions.

Through these immersive scenarios and reflective inquiries, the Use of Self OD Immersive seeks to provide participants with a profound, firsthand understanding of the complexities and rewards of leadership. It aims to equip them with the insights and tools necessary to begin mastering Use of Self with confidence, ethical clarity, and a deep sense of purpose.

Setting the Stage

Set against the backdrop of Cedarwood University's ambitious initiative to integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) more rigorously in its curriculum, this simulation plunges participants into the intricate world of leadership, ethics, and organizational change. Cedarwood, a respected institution at the forefront of educational innovation, finds itself at a crossroads as it seeks to balance the promise of AI with the ethical considerations such advancements entail. The university's decision to embark on this path has stirred a mixture of excitement, apprehension, and debate among its faculty and leadership, setting the stage for a profound exploration of leadership dynamics in the face of transformative change.

In the center of this unfolding narrative stands Alexandra (Alex), recently elevated to the prestigious but daunting role of Chief Technology Officer at Cedarwood University. Participants will step into Alex's shoes, embodying her perspective as they navigate through the multifaceted challenges of leadership within an academic institution on the brink of technological transformation. Alex's journey from being one of the team to leading it encapsulates the essence of the simulation, focusing on the nuances of leadership transition, the weight of decision-making, and the cultivation of a vision that aligns with both ethical standards and institutional ambitions.

As participants immerse themselves in Alex's world, they will encounter the intricate group dynamics rooted in long-standing friendships, now tinged with cognitive dissonance as professional boundaries need redefining. Jordan, a key team member who also vied for the CTO position, embodies the simmering resentment that can emerge from such competitive scenarios. His complex feelings towards Alex—mingling professional respect with personal disappointment—add a layer of interpersonal tension to the simulation. This backdrop sets the stage for participants to explore the delicate balance between maintaining collegial relationships and asserting the authority necessary to lead boldly into new technological frontiers. Through Alex's interactions and the evolving team dynamics, the simulation delves into the heart of leadership amidst innovation. It ultimately seeks to highlight the importance of a leader’s awareness, perceptions, emotions, values, and choices in steering through challenges and opportunities.

Meet Dave & Savannah!

Dave

Savannah is an HR Director and Organization Development Consultant. She has spent much of her career working in small- to medium-sized start-ups and professional services organizations, which has led her to do a lot of work with high performance teams, new process development and change management. Savannah entered the field of OD after a 10-year career in communications, marketing and business development. She combines her skills as a communicator and strategist with her passion for collaborative organizational change work to be an effective partner in helping organizations prepare for and achieve their desired next phase. Savannah received her Master's in Change Leadership and Organization Development from Gonzaga University. She is on the Board of Trustees for the Organization Development Network and received the 2024 OD Network Award for Emerging Practitioner.