September 24, 1998

ORGANIZATIONS AND ILLUSIONS OF CONTROL
Roger Breisch - The Webber Group

The September 1998 program meeting was presented by Roger Breisch of the Midwest Organizational Learning Network and The Webber Group. Roger is also a member of ODN/C. The program format was lecture with both large and small group discussion.

Roger contends that control is an illusion and that change is rapid, chaotic and unpredictable. Moreover, creativity and true learning and thus innovation occur at the precipice of the void. He claims that complete makeovers and radical paradigm shifts (Thomas Kuhn) result from great risk taking or serendipity or near fatal error. Breisch finds meaning in the application of the new sciences (e.g., chaos, complexity) to complex human systems and organizational learning. He employs provocative truisms labeled "thought bombs" to springboard from his motivational lectures to create interactive discussion. A typical "thought bomb" is "maximum creativity exists at the edge between order and chaos--yet, organizations strive for control and stability."

Roger asked us to break into small groups to discuss another thought bomb: "Every action has intended and unintended consequences. The intended consequences sometimes happen. The unintended ones always happen--control is an illusion." Roger criticized industrial programs such as ISO 9000 as maintaining the status quo and actually impeding creativity and innovation. A member of the audience deeply involved in an ISO certified organization challenged him and explained how order and precision also promote creativity and innovation. Breisch, in his responses to this and other challenging questions focused on personal integrity and responsibility, demonstrated his own ability to adapt in the midst of unpredictability. For those in the audience attuned to Breisch's perspective and value orientation the program was informative and highly meaningful. For those unfamiliar with the Breisch perspective on the new sciences and organizational learning a very good bibliography was provided. For more information please contact Roger Breisch at The Webber Group, a consulting firm based in Wheaton, Illinois that specializes in organizational, personal, and interpersonal effectiveness (phone: 630.653.0583) or via email at REBreisch@aol.com.

Robert J. Niemi, Ph.D.