Engaging Emergence: Turning Upheaval into Opportunity [Paperback]

Change is everywhere these days—at times it seems like barely controlled chaos. Yet within this turmoil are the seeds of a higher order. When a new system arises from the ashes of the old, science calls the process “emergence.” By engaging it, you can help yourself and your organization or community to successfully face disruption and emerge stronger than ever.

In this profound book, Peggy Holman offers principles, practices, and real-world stories to help you work with compassion, creativity, and wisdom through the entire arc of change—from disruption to coherence. You’ll learn what to notice, what to explore, what to try, and what mindset opens new possibilities.

This work can be challenging but also tremendously rewarding. It enables new and unlikely partnerships and develops breakthrough projects. You become part of a process that transforms the culture itself.Preface
Introduction: From Chaos to Coherence

Part I. The Nature of Emergence
1. What is Emergence?
2. What’s the Catch?

Part II. Practices for Engaging Emergence
3. Step Up: Take Responsibility For What You Love
4. Prepare to Engage Emergence
5. Practices for Hosting Emergence
6. Step In: Practice Engaging
7. Iterate: Do It Again…And Again

Part III. Principles for Engaging Emergence
8. Welcome Disturbance
9. Pioneer!
10. Encourage Random Encounters
11. Seek Meaning
12. Simplify

Part IV. Three Questions for Engaging Emergence
13. How Do We Disrupt Coherence Compassionately?
14. How Do We Engage Disruptions Creatively?
15. How Do We Renew Coherence Wisely?
Concluding Reflections: What’s Possible Now?
Summary of Key Ideas
About Emergent Change Processes
Bibliography
Acknowledgments
About the Author“InEngaging EmergencePeggy Holman does the best job yet of showing us how managers and change agents can use the insights of complexitlÖ