Are you interested in an introduction to consultancy in organisations? Join a group of practitioners to learn more about what happens between consultant/s and client organisations and expand your understanding of the philosophy, methods and techniques of consultancy.

The recently published 3 volumes on Systems Psychodynamics by Mannie Sher and David Lawlor form the basis for these Reading Seminars: on Organisational Consultancy & Change.

This series of six 3.5-hour seminars is a unique opportunity to study the fundamental concepts of Tavistock systems psychodynamics through discussions in a group setting facilitated by the two authors and Rachel Kelly.

Reasons for joining the Reading Seminars: on Organisational Consultancy & Change

The reflective Reading Seminars introduce both the newcomer and experienced consultant to the field of systems psychodynamics, organisational development and change.  The seminars offer deep and holistic learning that focuses on principles, links and meaning, and tolerance of uncertainty. Together with the two directors, participants are active explorers, in whole and small groups. The series provides opportunities to:

• discuss the theory and real consultation dilemmas
• examine the roles consultants are sometimes unwittingly ‘invited into’ by the client system and how to remain task-orientated (and avoid anti-task pressures)
• problem-solve, plan and collaborate on consultation issues and dilemmas
• present your consultative practice in your search for new ideas
• expand your ability to work with issues of dynamics at micro, mesa and macro levels in organisational systems
• to learn and share from our collective understandings of what happens between consultant and client system, ie the organisational transferences
• increase your capacity for reflection 
• be open to the emotional experience of work
• discover the unconscious dynamics of debate, communications and behaviour in organisations that may help or hinder its work.

Who is this for?

These seminars are specifically designed for:

• Organisational consultants who wish to deepen their understanding of the unconscious dynamics influencing their clients’ systems.
• Change agents tasked with leading transformation in complex environments.
• Human resource professionals interested in gaining new perspectives on organisational behaviour and team dynamics.
• Leaders and managers seeking to improve their capacity to diagnose and address challenges within their teams and organisations.
• Academics and researchers exploring the intersection of psychoanalysis, systems theory, complexity theory and organisational studies.

The Reading Seminars are open to all. We welcome those who are already well versed in this way of working and looking to enjoy reading the books alongside others through to those who have never encountered systems thinking before. 

Programme directors

Design: how we will work

Each series comprises 6 seminars and all seminars are held online (via Zoom), 14.00 – 17:30 UK time.

Seminars build on each other and broadly follow the same pattern:

14.00 - 14.30 Social Dreaming Matrix (whole group)

14.30 - 16.00 Introductions and present chapter/theory (in small groups)

16.00 – 16.20 Break

16.20 - 17.20 Work presentation (in small groups)

17.20 - 17.30 Review (whole group)

The Reading Seminars are run on traditional Tavistock lines of self-regulation and semi-autonomous work groups as participants engage reflexively with their dreams, the theories and with examples of their practice. The Reading Seminars establish both a supportive and a challenging culture.

Our next set of seminars will focus on Vol I, An Introduction to Systems Psychodynamics starting in April 2025 and finishing in October 2025.

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Certificate

A Tavistock Institute Certificate of Attendance can be awarded for CPD purposes.

During the programme and afterwards

Basecamp is our virtual hub where the participants of each series of seminars have their own private space for keeping in touch and continuing the learning between seminars. Basecamp also hosts the Tavistock Community, a place for alumni to meet colleagues, continue their learning, exchange ideas, develop practice, expand learning or work together, under the umbrella of Tavistock ‘thinking’.

Next steps

To apply for the seminars please click on the ‘Apply Now’ button on this page. Payment details will be sent after application and payment must be made before the seminar series begins to secure your place. 

Each cohort will be limited to 18 places. We look forward to welcoming you on this exciting learning journey. 

If you have any questions and/or would like a conversation about the Reading Seminars with one of the directors, please contact Meg Davies, Professional Development Manager at: m.davies@tavinstitute.org

We are currently taking expressions of interest from participants who may be interested in a reading seminar on Book 2 in the series - Vol II: Systems Psychodynamics: Innovative Approaches to Change, Whole Systems and Complexity. If you would be interested in joining us please contact Meg Davies, Professional Development Manager at: m.davies@tavinstitute.org