Are you faced with rapid change, unexpected consequences, and unpleasant surprises? You're not alone. In these times of massive interdependence, economic disruption, technological transformation, and globalization, traditional tools and techniques often magnify or mask problems rather than solving them. This book is a down-to-earth, practical introduction to human systems dynamics-where complexity science meets organizational practice. These simple ideas are far from simplistic! You can use insights from Coping with Chaos to: * recognize chaotic patterns * use the energy of chaos for positive change * apply lessons to stories and case studies Who should read this book? Anyone who wrestles with unpredictable and uncontrollable people challenges. OD practitioners will find it a powerful aid in seeing and influencing client systems. Supervisors and managers will see ways to understand and shape employee performance. All will see new ways to deal with old problems.
Glenda H. Eoyang, Ph.D., is a master teacher with deep insights into the art and science of self-organizing systems. As a pioneer in the field of human systems dynamics, Eoyang applies principles of self-organizing to help people thrive in unpredictable environments. Since 1988, she has provided training, consulting, coaching, and facilitation support in both the public and private sectors. As the founder of the field of human systems dynamics, she brings a strong and cogent voice to public discussions about the field.
She currently serves as founding Executive Director of the Human Systems Dynamics Institute, a network of professionals working at the intersection of complexity and social sciences. A master teacher and facilitator, Dr. Eoyang supports change for individuals, organizations, and communities around the world. Her experiences as teacher, leader, entrepreneur, author, and public speaker provide a wealth of resources.
Dr. Eoyang has certified more than 250 Associates who form a world-wide, scale-free network of scholar practitioners. She consults and trains others to improve performance in leadership and management, planning, product development, organization and personal development, customer service, and conflict transformation. The accessibility of her work can be found through her public webinar series, making HSD principles and practices accessible around the world.
Dr. Eoyang works tirelessly to expand the field and application of Human Systems Dynamics. With an incisive, analytical mind, she has a deep understanding of the scientific and mathematical theories that provide the grounding for Human Systems Dynamics, and yet she is able to relate to individuals and groups in powerful and personal ways.
Across all areas of her life, she remains in a stance of inquiry, always open to new learning and exploration. It is this major characteristic that fuels her work at HSD Institute. Her vision as a researcher and entrepreneur, her knowledge and skill, and her insights and talents are generously shared with those who come into her world, and she is unselfish in her sharing of ideas and tools. In addition, the field of research continues to evolve such that new models and applications emerge in the exchange of information. Glenda builds this body of knowledge through the Institute to enable others in specific fields to find real applications to their world.
Her published works include numerous scholarly and practical articles in academic and practitioner journals, books, chapters, presentations, blogs, and reflective essays. She has also authored three books:
Coping with Chaos: Seven Simple Tools - an accessible and useful treatment of patterns of complexity for first line managers and supervisors
Facilitating Organization Change: Lessons from Complexity Science - a ground-breaking book with Dr. Ed Olson that is currently being used as a text book in organizational development programs across the U.S.
Voices from the Field: An Introduction to Human Systems Dynamics, an edited collection of practitioner stories that demonstrates the transformative power of systems dynamics
Her generosity in sharing her work and vision is only surpassed by her commitment to supporting the work of others. She relishes the insights of others, the application of HSD in direct and indirect ways, and the emergence of new theories and approaches to the work.Â
The HSD Institute has a short list of simple rules, which is the foundation for the emerging system-wide patterns for the field of human systems dynamics and that of the Institute. This also reflects how Glenda has self organized her head and heart.
◦ Teach and learn in every interaction
◦ Search for the true and the useful
◦ Give and get value for value
◦ Share the HSD story
◦ Attend to the whole, the part, and the greater whole
◦ Engage in joyful practice
