Insights from a Workshop on Organizational Change: Applying Ken Wilber's AQAL Framework

Just wanted to share some insights from a workshop I facilitated the other day on preparing an organization for change.

?

Deep Diving into Challenges

We began by deep-diving into the challenges the organization was facing to create a clear, collective understanding of the issues that we were trying to approach. Initially, we assessed the surface-level behaviours, structures, and systems. However, as we delved deeper into the discussion, it became evident that the core issues were rooted in beliefs, mindsets, and culture. This is where Ken Wilber’s AQAL (All Quadrants, All Levels) "Change" framework proved invaluable.

?

Ken Wilber’s AQAL Framework

The AQAL model emphasizes that for any change to be sustainable, it must address four dimensions:

1.??????? Mindset (Individual Interior): Personal beliefs, values, and psychological development.

2.??????? Behaviors (Individual Exterior): Actions, skills, and competencies.

3.??????? Culture (Collective Interior): Shared values, norms, and collective consciousness.

4.??????? Systems (Collective Exterior): Structures, processes, and organizational systems.

?

Key Learnings and Realizations

This framework made us realise that our challenges were not just about implementing a new organizational design or structure. The change process needed to encompass a shift in mindsets, and culture and these efforts should be aligned with new behaviours, and systems to lead to more sustainable solutions.

?

Addressing Mindsets and Culture:

·????? Mindset Shift: Encouraging a growth mindset across the organization to embrace change and innovation.

·????? Cultural Alignment: Fostering a culture that supports the new organizational values and goals.

?

Enhancing Behaviors and Systems:

·????? Behavioral Changes: Training and development programs to build new competencies and encourage desired behaviours.

·????? Systematic Reforms: Redesigning processes and structures to align with the new organizational direction.

?

Looking Forward

I'm excited to apply these learnings and continue our journey toward a more effective and cohesive organization. By addressing all dimensions of change, we are better equipped to create a sustainable and transformative impact.

?

?

?