ALIA Institute

Adaptive Capacity

Tools and Strategies for Public Sector Innovation

With Glenda Eoyang

Governments everywhere are grappling with complex challenges and opportunities. Whether the goal is to engage internal and external stakeholders in generating new solutions or to respond to rapidly changing conditions caused by globalization, climate change, or decentralized communications, the public service is being challenged to collaborate, stretch, and innovate. Often the formulas of the past no longer apply. Instead what is needed is adaptive capacity—the ability to navigate successfully through complex, unpredictable environments.

In this track you will develop your capacity to anticipate change, understand its emerging patterns, and take wise action. Using simple models and methods, powerful stories, and hands-on activities you will

  • see the simplicity beyond the complexities of everyday government
  • use powerful tools to recognize and influence the underlying patterns that make change a challenge
  • develop action plans to address your most difficult sticky issues
  • build relationships with others who share your challenges today and who can share your solutions tomorrow
  • develop adaptive capacity to succeed, even in the midst of constant change

Glenda Eoyang

Glenda2

Glenda Eoyang, PhD, is a pioneering scholar and gifted practitioner in the field of complexity science and human systems dynamics. Since 1986, she has helped local, county, and federal agencies respond more effectively to their unique challenges. Her experience, flexibility, good humour, and profound insights not only lead to workable solutions; they also instill a sense of hope and possibility in the midst of uncontrollable change.

Glenda consults and teaches internationally on topics that include systems thinking, performance management, conflict resolution, racialization, violence prevention, and emergent evaluation. She has authored three ground-breaking books that bring her insights to life for first-line managers, organization development professionals, and anyone who wants to take responsible action, even when they cannot predict or control the systems that surround them.

Glenda is an associate of the Center for Evaluation, Planning, and Assessment at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario, Canada; Director of Center for the Human Systems Dynamics at the University of St. Thomas in Minneapolis, MN; Scientific Advisor to the Plexus Institute; member of the Circle of Scholars of The Union Institute and University; recipient of the 2010 Organization Develop Network Sharing the Wealth Award; and founding Executive Director of the Human Systems Dynamics Institute. She leads a network of 300 certified professionals who apply HSD theory, models, methods, and tools in a wide variety of contexts.

“The depth and breadth of Glenda’s knowledge and expertise are astounding. Her energy and enthusiasm for her work are evident in every conversation. She has a unique gift: the ability to connect with others in an open, intuitive way that allows for mutual learning and growth.” – Dr. Mallary Tytel, President and Founder, Healthy Workplaces, LLC.