Are you faced with rapid change, unexpected consequences, and unpleasant surprises? You're not alone. In these times of massive interdependence, economic disruption, technological transformation, and globalization, traditional tools and techniques often magnify or mask problems rather than solving them. This book is a down-to-earth, practical introduction to human systems dynamics-where complexity science meets organizational practice. These simple ideas are far from simplistic! You can use insights from Coping with Chaos to: * recognize chaotic patterns * use the energy of chaos for positive change * apply lessons to stories and case studies Who should read this book? Anyone who wrestles with unpredictable and uncontrollable people challenges. OD practitioners will find it a powerful aid in seeing and influencing client systems. Supervisors and managers will see ways to understand and shape employee performance. All will see new ways to deal with old problems.
About the Author: Glenda H. Eoyang, Ph.D., is a master teacher with deep insights into the art and science of self-organizing systems. As a pioneer in the field of human systems dynamics, Eoyang applies principles of self-organizing to help people thrive in unpredictable environments. She is the founder of the field of human systems dynamics, and currently serves as founding Executive Director of the Human Systems Dynamics Institute, a network of professionals working at the intersection of complexity and social sciences.Since 1988, she has provided training, consulting, coaching, and facilitation support in both the public and private sectors. A master teacher and facilitator, Dr. Eoyang supports change for individuals, organizations, and communities around the world. Her experiences as teacher, leader, entrepreneur, author, and public speaker provide a wealth of resources. Dr. Eoyang has trained more than 100 associates who form a worldwide, scale-free network of scholar practitioners. She consults and trains others to improve performance in leadership and management, planning, product development, organization and personal development, customer service, and conflict transformation. Dr. Eoyang works tirelessly to expand the field and application of human systems dynamics. With an incisive, analytical mind, she has a deep understanding of the scientific and mathematical theories that provide the grounding for HSD, and yet she is able to relate to individuals and groups in powerful and personal ways. Her published works include books, scholarly and practical articles in academic and practitioner journals, chapters, presentations, blogs, and reflective essays. She has authored two other books: Facilitating Organization Change: Lessons from Complexity Science - a ground-breaking book with Dr. Ed Olson that is currently being used as a text book in organizational development programs across the U.S. Voices from the Field: An Introduction to Human Systems Dynamics, an edited collection of practitioner stories that demonstrates the transformative power of systems dynamics