Leading from the Emerging Future by Otto Scharmer and Katrin Kaufer

Last updated: Jul 16, 2023

Summary of Leading from the Emerging Future by Otto Scharmer and Katrin Kaufer

Leading from the Emerging Future, written by Otto Scharmer and Katrin Kaufer, explores the concept of "presencing" as a transformative leadership approach for addressing the complex challenges of our time. The book presents a framework for understanding and practicing this approach, which involves sensing and actualizing emerging future possibilities.

The authors argue that our current societal and organizational systems are not equipped to deal with the unprecedented challenges we face, such as climate change, inequality, and social unrest. They propose that a shift in consciousness and leadership is necessary to create a more sustainable and equitable future.

The book introduces the concept of "the blind spot" as the root cause of our collective inability to address these challenges. The blind spot refers to the gap between our current reality and the emerging future possibilities that are not yet visible or understood. The authors suggest that by cultivating a deeper level of awareness and presence, leaders can access this emerging future and bring it into reality.

The authors present a four-stage process called Theory U as a roadmap for leading from the emerging future. The first stage, "co-initiating," involves suspending our habitual ways of thinking and opening ourselves to new possibilities. The second stage, "co-sensing," requires deep listening and empathy to understand the needs and aspirations of all stakeholders. The third stage, "presencing," involves connecting to our highest future potential and allowing it to inform our actions in the present. The final stage, "co-creating," focuses on collaborating with others to bring the emerging future into reality.

The book also explores various case studies and examples of organizations and individuals who have successfully applied the Theory U framework. These examples demonstrate how presencing can lead to breakthrough innovations, transformative change, and increased well-being for individuals and communities.

Furthermore, the authors emphasize the importance of cultivating a "field of presence" within organizations and communities. This field refers to a collective space of deep listening, trust, and collaboration that enables the emergence of new possibilities. They argue that by creating this field, leaders can foster the conditions for systemic change and collective transformation.

In conclusion, Leading from the Emerging Future offers a comprehensive framework and practical guidance for leaders who are committed to creating a more sustainable and equitable world. By embracing presencing and cultivating a deeper level of awareness, leaders can tap into the emerging future and co-create a better reality for all.

1. Theory U: A Framework for Transformation

The book introduces the concept of Theory U, which is a framework for transformational change. It suggests that in order to create meaningful and sustainable change, we need to go through a process of deep listening, reflection, and action. The U-shaped process involves suspending our habitual ways of thinking and opening ourselves up to new possibilities and perspectives. By doing so, we can tap into our collective intelligence and creativity to address complex challenges.

The key insight from Theory U is that change starts from within. It requires individuals and organizations to cultivate a deeper level of self-awareness and empathy. By connecting with our own inner wisdom and the wisdom of others, we can co-create a future that is more inclusive, sustainable, and compassionate.

2. Presencing: Accessing the Future That Wants to Emerge

Presencing is a term coined in the book to describe the process of accessing the future that wants to emerge. It involves shifting our attention from the past and present to the future possibilities that are seeking to manifest. Through deep listening and observation, we can tap into the collective intelligence and wisdom of the system.

Presencing requires us to let go of our preconceived notions and assumptions, and instead, be open to new insights and possibilities. It involves suspending our judgment and creating a space for new ideas and perspectives to emerge. By accessing the future that wants to emerge, we can align our actions with the highest future potential and create transformative change.

3. Leading from the Emerging Future: Co-creating the Future

The book emphasizes the importance of leading from the emerging future. It suggests that traditional leadership models based on command and control are no longer effective in a rapidly changing world. Instead, leaders need to embrace a more participatory and collaborative approach.

Leading from the emerging future involves creating a space for collective creativity and innovation. It requires leaders to listen deeply to the needs and aspirations of all stakeholders and to engage them in the co-creation of solutions. By involving diverse perspectives and fostering collaboration, leaders can tap into the collective intelligence of the system and create transformative change.

4. The Power of Presence: Being Fully Present

The book highlights the importance of presence in creating transformative change. Presence refers to being fully present in the moment, with an open mind and an open heart. It involves cultivating a deep level of awareness and empathy.

When we are fully present, we can listen deeply to others and to the system. We can suspend our judgment and create a space for new possibilities to emerge. By being fully present, we can tap into our intuition and connect with our own inner wisdom. This allows us to make decisions and take actions that are aligned with the highest future potential.

5. Shifting the Inner Place of Operating

The book suggests that in order to create transformative change, we need to shift our inner place of operating. This involves letting go of old patterns and beliefs that no longer serve us and embracing new ways of thinking and being.

Shifting the inner place of operating requires us to cultivate a deeper level of self-awareness and self-reflection. It involves exploring our own blind spots and biases and being open to new perspectives and possibilities. By shifting our inner place of operating, we can tap into our full potential and create transformative change in ourselves and in the world.

6. Co-creating with Others: Embracing Collaboration

The book emphasizes the importance of collaboration in creating transformative change. It suggests that in order to address complex challenges, we need to engage diverse perspectives and work together towards a common goal.

Co-creating with others involves creating a space for dialogue and collaboration. It requires us to listen deeply to the needs and aspirations of all stakeholders and to find common ground. By embracing collaboration, we can tap into the collective intelligence and creativity of the system and create transformative change.

7. Systems Thinking: Understanding the Interconnectedness

The book introduces the concept of systems thinking, which is a way of understanding the interconnectedness of the world. It suggests that in order to create transformative change, we need to shift from a narrow focus on individual parts to a holistic understanding of the whole system.

Systems thinking involves recognizing that everything is interconnected and that our actions have ripple effects throughout the system. It requires us to consider the long-term consequences of our decisions and to find solutions that address the root causes of problems. By embracing systems thinking, we can create transformative change that is sustainable and beneficial for all.

8. Embracing Emergence: Navigating Uncertainty

The book highlights the importance of embracing emergence in creating transformative change. Emergence refers to the unpredictable and unexpected patterns that arise from complex systems.

Embracing emergence requires us to let go of our need for control and certainty and to be open to new possibilities and insights. It involves navigating uncertainty and being willing to adapt and change course as new information emerges. By embracing emergence, we can tap into the creative potential of the system and create transformative change that is responsive to the needs of the present moment.