MENTAL MODEL · M0080

Theory U

BusinessHigh supportManagement

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Version 1.0.0 · Updated 2026-07-30

CORE DEFINITION

Theory U is Otto Scharmer’s framework for leadership and systems-change practice. It organizes outward observation and listening, examination of habitual assumptions and intentions, and prototyping of new directions into a U-shaped process, with presencing as a key term. It does not establish that introspection alone predicts the future or solves every complex problem.

SCAFFOLDING EFFECT

psychology

Reduce cognitive load

Provide a shared process for change discussions across stakeholders, encouraging investigation before reflection and experimentation. Descriptions of applications by its proponents do not establish effectiveness in every organization.

anchor

Anchor fast decisions

The framework proposes changing attention, observing context, and reflecting collectively before developing action through prototypes and feedback. This describes practice design and proponents’ explanations, not a verified single psychological mechanism. Sensing the future is framework language, not evidence that a forecast is established.

MINIMUM ACTION

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Practice this model in one real situation:

Choose a concrete collaboration problem. Interview different roles and record conflicting observations, then jointly identify old assumptions and open questions. Design a small prototype testable within two weeks, specify indicators, ownership, and a feedback date, and adapt using the results.

Check to track your progress (stored locally)

Learning progress0%

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Source support: Explicit

link
baike.baidu.comhttps://baike.baidu.com/item/U型理论ZH · Explicit
verified
link
presencing.orghttps://www.presencing.org/theoryuEN
verified

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