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 objective of the reflective reading seminars is to introduce both the newcomer and experienced consultant to the field of systems psychodynamics organisational development and change.  The reading seminars will offer deep and holistic learning that focuses on principles, links and meaning, and tolerance of uncertainty. Together with the participants as active explorers, in whole and small groups, the programme will provide 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?

The Reading Seminars are open to all. You may be working in a training and development context, you may work in human resources from which you provide change processes internally, or you may be self-employed as consultant, coach or mentor. You may be interested in learning more about system psychodynamics.

Programme directors

Dr. Mannie Sher

Principal Researcher and Consultant

Dr. David Lawlor

Rachel Kelly

Engagement & PR Liaison Manager

Design: how we will work

Each series will comprise 6 seminars and all seminars will be held online (via Zoom), 17.00 – 20:30 UK time.

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

17.00 - 17.30 Social Dreaming Matrix (whole group)

17.30 - 19.00 Introductions and present chapter/theory (in small groups)

19.00 – 19.20 Break

19.20 - 20.20 Work presentation (in small groups)

20.20 - 20.30 Review (whole group)

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

We will run two series of six seminars. The first series starts in November 2023 and ends in April 2024. The second series starts in May 2024 and ends in November 2024. Please indicate in your application statement which series you wish to apply for.

Certificate

A Tavistock Institute Certificate of Attendance will 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 join the Reading Seminars, complete the online application form. Payment details will be sent after registering. 

Applicants can apply for different series of reading seminars: the first series starts in November 2023 and ends in April 2024. The second series starts in May 2024 and ends in November 2024. Please indicate in your application statement which series you wish to apply for.

Each cohort will be limited to 14 places.

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