Aikido is a Japanese martial art in which practitioners apply established principles of balance, leverage, position, and movement to achieve power without effort. In recent years, Aikido has become a model for leadership and management development at organizations, universities, and governments throughout the world. It as an approach that promotes harmony and collaboration rather than competition--and it provides a highly effective strategy for managing change.

For many organizational leaders, the experience of managing large-scale change is akin to rebuilding a crowded boat on a stormy sea. Conflicting agendas, complex issues, and high emotions can swamp even the most promising initiative. Under these circumstances, traditional management skills are seldom enough to keep even the most dedicated change managers on course. Aikido can help them find and keep their organizational "sea legs," even in turbulent waters.

Click here to find out more about The Aikido of Leadership program.

In this face-to-face FutureU workshop, participants learn to move through conflict both figuratively and literally with more grace. They engage in safe, non-strenuous movements that encourage collaboration and dialogue. In the process, they learn to approach conflict without resisting it, escalating it, or giving in to it.

Workshop Leaders' Profile. Developed and taught jointly by Barry Tuchfeld, Ph.D., this workshop is the result of Barry's interest in empowering individuals and organizations, and his expertise in management education, change management, and the martial arts. Dr. Tuchfeld holds the rank of Nidon (2nd degree Black Belt) in Aikido. Barry's unique combination of skills and interests makes for a truly transformational experience for participants. Please click on his name above for a more complete biographie.

Topics:

• Basic Aikido principles of intentional embodiment and physical interconnectedness
• The practical application of Aikido principles to change management
• Participatory techniques for:
  • directing awareness within the body
  • recognizing balance and imbalance
  • detecting the biochemical signals of emotional change
  • merging with conflict
  • employing productive inquiry in the face of stress and uncertainty

Program Design: One day, face-to-face program with an agenda that alternates among periods of facilitated conversation, team case work, and directed movement. Participants provide much of the content themselves by drawing from their own experiences of change.

Participant Profile: Any member of a change team, including senior executives, as well as anyone affected by change in an organization. The physical movements that are part of the program are designed for safety and comfort regardless of physical mobility, stamina, strength, or gender. Pairings for the exercises are decided by individual, consensual preference. No previous martial arts training necessary.

Delivery Options: Available pre-structured or customized, and as either an independent workshop or as part of a FutureU learning expedition. Some conversation may take place in preparation for the module, and some readings may be made available online.

Customization: Each organization has its own particular culture, needs, and unique approach to change. The FutureU team will work with you to customize this program, or any other learning opportunity available through FutureU , to specify learning objectives and promised results in terms of participants' real workplace concerns, issues, dilemmas, and opportunities.

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Copyright © 1997-2004 by Gail Terry Grimes and Claude Whitmyer. All rights reserved. Published by FutureU.