U.Lab is based on Theory U developed by Otto Scharmern. Theory U is a change process. Of course, there are many different and interesting change methodologies but only a few propose a real process that leads to inner transformation. Theory U combined with U.Lab proposes a process that is efficient and repeatable for profound transformation. It is the combination of tools, process and teaching method that makes it so powerful.
U.Lab is an online-offline course: How does it work?
The course is offered in 8 modules (8 weeks) on the edX platform, as a MOOC (Massive Open Online Course). Going through each module will help an individual, team, organization, or stakeholder network to become aware of the deeper sources of current challenges, and create solutions from that place of awareness. It is a highly experiential course, with a mix of theory, practices, and assignments.
The content is offered online, and is made available week by week. There is also the opportunity to connect with people from all over the world in an online community on the u.school site.
There are three different ways that will make this ‘course’ more than just a MOOC:
- Live sessions
- Participating in or hosting a hub
- Joining a coaching circle
1. Live sessions
Next to the weekly course content, there will also be 4 live sessions (find the Planning in the menu). Those are moments when the global community comes together in the same moment, it gives you the opportunity to interact with the course faculty and to engage in a dialogue with other participants in small group conversations. The last live session is in December, a couple of weeks after the course ended. That’s how it becomes a 3 month journey….
2. Participating in or hosting a hub
Another way to make the course more active and impactful is to participate to a hub: connect with other u.lab participants in your area/sector to go through this journey together. This is a unique opportunity to go on a learning journey together or even tackle a challenge you are collectively dealing with.
3. Joining a coaching circle
Coaching circles are probably the single most effective method in u.lab for moving from concept to practice. The backbone of coaching circles is a process we call case clinics. A coaching circle is a group of +/- five u.lab participants who will meet virtually or physically for 75 minutes each week to practice deep listening and support each other in developing new ways of approaching their current leadership challenges. Some people prefer to form a virtual coaching circle, with other u.lab participants from different parts of the world. The u.school site has the technology to support them in forming a coaching circle. Others prefer to create a coaching circle with people from their hub, in order to meet physically. We do encourage to form a circle with people you don’t know (well). Everything will be explained in the first weeks of the course.
Visit the following site for more information about the next U.Lab.
