Theory U
is a creative method by Otto Scharmer that intends to stimulate holistic changes in people, teams or organizations. The core of the method is a U-shaped process to uncover creative new solutions. The left branch of the U is about observing and opening up. Specifically in three phases on the branch: Downloading ---> Seeing --> Sensing (letting go)
The opening of thinking, feeling and will ideally leads to a state of presence, a felt presence of the future that wants to unfold and emerge. This state ultimately opens up a potential for something new like an idea or a feeling, which is the basis for the right branch of the U-process with the steps: Crystallizing (let it come) --> Prototyping (producing) --> Performing
These steps serve to initially understand the new better and to make it tangible and test it in practice.
What happens when ‚design thinking‘, ‚U-theory: leading from emerging futures‘ and ‚sustainable value creation‘ meet? --> Embracing change and shaping the future
Transformation
The difference between transformation and change is the depth of the change. While change is more evolutionary and aims at adapting to new circumstances, transformation goes beyond change and requires a revolutionary approach to redesigning our professional and private life.
U
Unicorn
Unicorn is a new company with a market valuation of at least one billion US dollars.
It is usually created through the exponential growth of a startup. The growth does not arise organically or through the value of its service, but primarily through the use of larger amounts of venture capital, i.e. risk and growth capital.
The founders increasingly lose control over their companies, according to the logic of financial market capitalism, the investors take over, and at the end of the journey there is often an IPO or sale of the company.
The aim is to achieve a dominant position in the market close to monopoly as it is the case with companies like Google, Amazon and Facebook. Then returns are made that make the investment so attractive for venture capitalists.
A more sustainable, social and future-proof alternative to unicorn is pursuit by the Zebra movement.
V
Value --> Value-based leadership
Values are fundamental beliefs, principles or standards of behavior that are important to individuals, groups and/or organizations and guide their thinking and actions in life. A value based approach ensures that these values are actively considered and applied in daily life and at work.
E.g. Value-based leadership means that a company or leader makes decisions that align with the ethical core values of the organization such as integrity, respect or regeneration.
V
Venture capital
is investment to finance start ups or new companies.
Investors or corporations invest with the aim of making a profit from selling the shares after the company has grown. They often also provide technical and managerial expertise.
Venture capital investment is risky. If the business venture goes worse than expected, the money invested does not increase or is completely lost.
Since monetary gain is the priority, venture capitalists mostly invest in companies that are likely to grow quickly and significantly.
W
Well-being
is the state of feeling healthy and happy. More and more individuals seek a healthy balance between digital engagement and personal well-being.
Well being and purpose are increasingly intersecting with mental health and fulfillment.
I
mpulses and supporting methods for regeneration and inspiration positively contribute to your daily working routine --> Interested? --> Link will soon be available here
X
XaaS
Everything as a service
a collective term for various services available over the Internet, such as Software as a Service (SaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)
Y
Yoga
Why Yoga?: Yoga has a stress-reducing effect: The exercises specifically activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which plays the role of the “resting nerve” in the autonomic nervous system. This means that it dampens certain body processes such as breathing, heartbeat and muscle tension and ensures relaxation and recovery
Z
Zebra Movement
the so-called zebra movement (by Astrid Scholz, Mara Zepada, Jennifer Brandel and Aniyia Williams) offers an alternative to unicorns. Supporters reject the competition and criticize the funding system behind it: "The current technology and venture capital structure is broken. It rewards quantity over quality, consumption over creation, quick exits over sustainable growth, and shareholder profit over shared prosperity."
Zebra companies differ from unicorn in these key characteristics:
- They do not rely on exponential growth, but on sustainable profitability.
- They are profitable, but do not forget their social mission.
- They do not strive for a monopoly position, but rather for the highest possible collective output. If necessary, they can join forces for this purpose.