An Organization Development practitioner's options are not always ideal, as they often face obstacles that are out of their control. It's up to the consultant to remain mindful, navigate ambiguity, and embody caring and collaborative change. Learning how to make level-headed, values-based judgment calls - particularly when things just don't seem right - is key to the practice.
So, imagine dropping into a simulation, recorded with a cast of professional actors and scripted from a real life consulting case. Imagine that in the spirit of choose your own adventure books, every choice you make is met with larger-than-life consequences that require additional decisions! Imagine that your available choices are based off theories and competencies being taught in your course (e.g. use-of-self, process consultation, appreciative inquiry, ethical decision making, conflict mediation, diversity and inclusion, group dynamics, or situational leadership).
Practice Navigating Consulting Challenges with new Friends!
Transforming ourselves into effective change agents who are capable of adapting to complex situations is dependent upon how much we engage with real-life challenges without jeopardizing our confidence. This immersive learning system serves to develop change leadership skills that are difficult to accomplish through traditional learning, including the ability to practice use-of -self, mindfulness, and reflection in the midst of action.
The ultimate goal is to improve our ability to remain flexible in ambiguous situations, regulate emotion, pick up on non-verbal cues, gain comfort with making and learning from mistakes, and act with greater confidence. Whether you are an emerging OD practitioner, in adjacent field to OD, or are a master at this craft, ILCs will open your eyes to a whole new level of professional development!
It's not the simulation that matters, it's the circle! Though our script writers and actors do their very best to bring each case study to life. No simulation could ever capture the quality, complexity, and nuance of real experience. For this reason, participants are also invited to share their observations regarding the limitations of simulations, and collectively develop a deeper understanding and appreciation for relationships, value systems, and change leadership philosophies.
Transformative Learning
Case studies turned into virtual simulations are still not enough for learning to be transformative in nature. To make this possible, ILCs integrate a complementary learning process that stretches a learner’s ability to reflect on how well their existing habits of mind serve decision making in the heat of the moment.
We draw from Transformative Learning Theory, which suggests that learning is transformative participants are:
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Faced with a real-life disorienting dilemma that shakes the foundation of our assumptions and creates pause for deep introspection.
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Guided in mindful, real-time reflection upon the validity of our taken-for-granted assumptions.
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Included in dialogue with others who have experienced the same dilemma, so that in solidarity we may share divergent perspectives, integrate new frameworks, and develop an appreciation for the overall complexity and beauty of OD practice!
Meet the ILC Team!