For them, organizational learning requires a shift from "downloading" (operating with habitual ways of knowing and doing) to "presencing" (awareness of the present moment). The specifics of the shift are found in success stories--like the creation of Visa in the 1960s--and in the moving stories of the authors. For example, Senge's story about an Afrikaans businessman who wept as he rejected apartheid or Scharmer's memory of his childhood home destroyed by fire. In addition, Scharmer and Jaworski's innovative research with 150 thought leaders, such as Francisco Varela, a Chilean born Buddhist biologist, add rigor to "The U Process": a seven capacity model for deep individual and collective change.
The authors also draw on a diverse supporting cast including Martin Buber, Goethe, Lao Tzu and Carl Jung to illustrate their core concepts of intention, self-reflection, and awareness of the whole. On occasion, too many voices and examples can blur the clarity of these bold, juicy ideas about self and system. That said, readers who follow the conversations will be richly rewarded with the understanding of what it means to be an authentic agent of change. --Barbara Mackoff
“Presence” has changed my outlook on life. Prior to reading this book, I was at a crossroads of how to apply and incorporate my personal and spiritual life with my professional life.
We go through our daily routine and wear many “hats” (ie, as a parent, an employee, a friend, a mentor, etc) but we often compartmentalize them and keep them separate.
“Presence” shows us that it's that separation of the parts which is negatively affecting the whole. Whether it's viewing chemistry as separate from biology and physics, or viewing your meditation as separate from your career, this specialization is taking away from the non-linear organization that is life and living systems.
The authors show the reader that a holistic approach, of presencing the larger situation through a microcosm of the self, is a more ecological and natural way to reach a solution. This is applicable both in one's own life and in one's career.
By observing the problem from all angles, then stepping back to clear the mind, meditate and let your cooperative group use intuition to arrive at the answer, it is much more likely to arrive at a sustainable and natural solution.
The book is gauged more towards applications in the business realm, so it's a good primer for corporations who are just delving into this type of organizational thinking. That said, the content is equally useful on a personal level, so I can clearly and confidently recommend this book to all readers.