ABSTRACT
Otto Scharmer is well known for Theory U, a social technology for systems change using collaborative inquiry, holistic perception, and action learning. Drawing on recorded conversations with Otto, this chapter brings Theory U into focus by tracing the pivotal points and influences in Otto’s lifelong learning journey. I bring out the relevance of Theory U for community engagement practice with vignettes from my own stories of practice as a facilitator of change processes. The insights from his work have influenced not only the practice of community engagement, but the awareness of self and system. Otto’s ultimate purpose goes well beyond systems change in teams and organizations. To address the major economic, ecological, and cultural divides threatening the future of our planet today, Otto launched a global action research project to build the foundation for societal transformation—a multi-local platform for on-the-ground awareness-based systemic change across the globe.
