The Holon Shift: The Impact of Raising our Gaze to a Systemic Level

From the Western and Modernist traditions that permeate our society, we are strongly conditioned to see individuals rather than systems, to see parts rather than wholes. In the Integral model, we talk about “holons” — things that are both wholes and parts. We can zoom in to the individual level, or zoom out to the level at which individuals are parts of greater wholes — teams, departments, organizations. When we make what I call a Holon Shift, we are able to see a broader picture, the belonging and inclusion/exclusion dynamics, and the patterns that keep the system, and the individuals in it, stuck. In this talk, Michael explores both the impact of this shift, and ways to begin seeing more systemically and holistically.

ABOUT MICHAEL K. SPAYD

Michael Spayd’s life’s work is about transformation and systems. Drawn to cutting edge ‘technologies’ for coaching organizations, leaders and teams, many have seen him as an influential force in the professional development of Agile coaching. In 2013, he introduced the Integral Model into the Agile discussion. In 2010, he cofounded the Agile Coaching Institute with Lyssa Adkins; he subsequently cofounded Trans4mation. In 2020, he founded The Collective Edge to work at the leading edge of change, including co-creating the Integral Sensemaking & Action approach to developing enterprise transformation leaders.

Website: https://www.the-collective-edge.com/