In this experiential workshop hosted by the AU MSOD Center for Alumni Development, Dr. Robert J. Marshak will facilitate an exploration of the five hidden dimensions that impact organizational change including: organizational politics, inspirations, emotions, mindsets, and psychodynamics. All of these hidden processes limit choice, block creativity, and trap individuals, groups and organizations in repetitive and often self-defeating behavior patterns. The workshop will bring together the spoken and the unspoken, the literal and the symbolic, and the conscious and the unconscious in order to help participants learn how to hear what is not said, see what is not present, and feel what is not expressed. The workshop is open to AU MSOD and AU NTL alumni, faculty, and special guests of alumni, and will include presentations, application exercises, small group experiences, and self-reflection.

 

Most organizational change efforts focus almost exclusively on “making the case for change.” The case for change is invariably a well documented, logical analysis of the compelling reasons why the organization and the people in it must change. Especially for executives, making the case for change tends to be the most central dimension of any change initiative. However, although always necessary, the case for change is rarely sufficient to actually achieve intended outcomes. Instead, there are also “non-rational” dimensions that involve hidden or covert barriers that play a critical role in all change efforts. Unless attended to they become covert traps and surprises that will block or detour intended outcomes.