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OD Immersives Permanent Whitewater

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Overview

Video Run Time: 4:08
Facilitation Time: 1hr 25m

In this immersive simulation, participants step into the complex and turbulent world of Community Forward, a non-profit organization dedicated to community development and social impact. Set against the backdrop of an unpredictable funding landscape and shifting community needs, the simulation explores how a a team learns to navigate organizational challenges and tensions while collaborating with community members who hold mixed feelings about their project.

This simulation highlights the complexities of change management, collaborative leadership, and resilience in non-profit organizations operating in uncertain environments. Participants are invited to engage deeply with the characters' dilemmas, reflect on their own assumptions, and experience firsthand what it means to lead in "whitewater" conditions—where uncertainty, ambiguity, and unpredictability are constant.

Permanent Whitewater as described by Peter Vaill in his work on organizational leadership and change, refers to the constant state of turbulence and unpredictability that organizations and individuals face in modern life. Unlike temporary crises or occasional disruptions, Permanent Whitewater signifies a world where uncertainty, complexity, and change are the norm, not the exception. Vaill emphasizes that this isn’t a temporary condition that will stabilize with time, but rather a persistent and ongoing reality that requires a fundamental shift in how we approach work, leadership, and learning.

Facilitation

Part 1

The simulation begins with a team meeting led by Martin, the Executive Director, where the team discusses the ambitious goals of a new sustainable housing project. Sara, the Director of Community Programs, shares her apprehension about the project’s uncertainty, and Candace expresses her concerns about the scope of work ahead. The team’s conversation reveals the mix of optimism and anxiety they feel as they prepare to move forward, despite not knowing how everything will unfold.

Part 1

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Starter Question:

"What do you observe, and how do you feel as a member of this ambitious project? How do you relate to the sense of uncertainty and anticipation described?"

Follow-up Questions:

"How does the team’s uncertainty about the project reflect the complexities you’ve experienced in your work? How do you typically navigate the unknown?"
"What learning opportunities arise when you step into a project without a clear end in sight? How does this experience contribute to personal and organizational growth?"
"How can you, as a leader or consultant, leverage the energy of both excitement and apprehension to drive innovation and positive change?"

Part 2

The team meets with a community member who expresses skepticism about the project’s impact and questions whether the team is truly listening to the voices of the community. Sara attempts to assure the community that their feedback is valued, while Candace acknowledges the complexity of the situation, and Martin highlights the team's commitment to learning from the community.