What is an Adaptive Action Lab?

An Adaptive Action Lab (AA Lab) brings the best of consulting and training into a single event. It is a work session, as opposed to a training session. As a participant, you define and work on your most intractable challenge. Then you learn about human systems dynamics (HSD) as you apply your new learning to frame your challenge in a way that points to your best next wise action. You leave the session with two tangible outcomes. First, you have a clear plan for moving forward in your challenge. Second, you carry with you a new perspective and effective models and methods that help you address your next challenge.

Join us in an AA Lab to learn how HSD can help you leverage the complexity of your challenges to create powerful energy for change.

Upcoming Adaptive Action Labs

Addressing the Challenges of NOW: Adaptive Action for Sustainability

Jun 11 - 14

Organization development professionals are taking a courageous stand. In place of their annual conference this year, they will gather to address three critical issues of our time. Climate change is, of course, on the agenda.

Create Your Narrative: Change Your Story, Change Your Patterns

Jun 17, 24, 2023 | 12p - 3p CDT | Online

A narrative is made up of the stories we tell. Narratives are powerful. They frame expectations and assumptions. They motivate and inform action. But narratives can also lock us into patterns of the past. In today’s world, we need a narrative that describes the emerging future we want to live into and steps we will take move toward that future.

Consult in Complex Times: Help Your Clients Navigate the Turbulence

Aug 22, 24, 2023 | 12p - 3p CST | Online

In simpler times, change came slowly, if at all. Consultants could build their careers on approaches learned in graduate school. They took successful solutions from one client to the next.

Build Networks for Complex Times: Create Bridges of Connection and Collaboration

Sep 12, 14, 2023 | 12p - 3p CDT | Online

In today’s world, everything seems to be connected to everything else. We live in a web of networks. News cycles run 24/7. We’re plugged into online platforms like email, Zoom, Whatsapp. Trade and freight lines deliver products from around the world. We engage with a broad spectrum of voices, views, and cultures.

Shape Resilient Systems: Build Adaptive Capacity to Move into Your Future

Oct 10, 12, 2023 | 12p - 3p CDT | Online

Personal and professional stress wears us down. Political and environmental disasters dash our plans, drawing our attention and resources. Obsolete infrastructures chip away at our sense of stability and safety. Sensational media threaten to overwhelm. In these challenging times, we need resilience to respond and thrive in the complexity around us.

Beyond Systems Thinking: Move from Mapping to Action

Nov 14, 16, 2023 | 12p - 3p CST | Online

Systems both constrain and enable change. The more you can see systemic patterns, the better you are able to choose success and learn from failure.

Deal with Patterns of Racism and Bias: Shift Patterns of Othering to Patterns of Inclusion

Dec 12, 14, 2023 | 12p - 3p CST | Online

Racism and the act of “othering” is an “intentional or subconscious act of separating or distinguishing oneself as superior compared to those we believe to look, live, act, or think differently than ourselves.” It often shows up as judgments, assumptions, disagreements, and defensiveness. It leaves people feeling ignored, irrelevant, and invisible. 

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