A warm hello to all,
I have recently subscribed to the list and have enjoyed the thoughtful
discussion so far. By way of introduction, my name is Michael DiIanni and I
am a psychologist/consultant practicing in Boston, MA. Here is a little
description of a project I am working on to offer for information and possible
discussion.
One of my current activities is facilitating a leadership training program
which aims to introduce leaders to the theory of chaos/complexity and other
approaches based on natural systems. Our program offers more than
intellectual exercises in that we provide guided opportunities for locating
and enacting the theory in the body and lived experience of the individual.
This is done with meditation instruction, Breathwork (prolonged deep breathing
practice which facilitates extra-ordinary consciousness), and guided group and
solo time in a natural environment (beautiful conservation land in Southern
New Hampshire), among other techniques. Our aim is to facilitate a
fundamental shift in awareness of what is possible when you expand on the
command/control, rational, linear model of leadership.
One analogy I like to use to describe our philosophy is the following:
Rational Mind is to Expanded Worldview as
Plain Text is to Web Page
The web page is dynamic, non-linear, intrinsically interconnected, and can
utilize color, sound and motion to communicate. While it includes textual
information, it incorporates text in a larger, more flexible framework. In a
similar way, the expanded worldview allows for the development of more
flexible approaches and can respond creatively to finding and meeting worthy
challenges.
More information about this training program, called the Institute for
Transforming Leadership can be found at
http://www.cpschange.org/itl.html
Looking forward to participating with you all,
Michael DiIanni, Psy.D.
Boston, MA