Otto Scharmer

Senior Lecturer, MIT, and Founding Chair, Presencing Institute

Otto Scharmer is a prominent figure in the fields of management and systems transformation, serving as a Senior Lecturer at the MIT Sloan School of Management and the Founding Chair of the Presencing Institute. His work focuses on innovative approaches to leadership and organizational change, particularly through the lens of his groundbreaking concept known as "presencing," which emphasizes learning from the emerging future.1 2 3

Background and Education

Scharmer was born and raised near Hamburg, Germany, where early experiences on his family's farm influenced his views on social fields and regenerative practices. He holds a diploma and a PhD in economics from Witten/Herdecke University in Germany.1 2

Key Contributions

Theory U

Scharmer is best known for developing Theory U, a framework for profound systems change that he elaborates in his bestselling books, including Theory U and Presence (co-authored with Peter Senge). This framework outlines processes for leaders to facilitate transformation by shifting their awareness from ego-centric to eco-centric perspectives.1 2 3

Presencing Institute

In 2006, he co-founded the Presencing Institute, which serves as an action research platform aimed at fostering awareness-based systems change. The institute has developed methodologies that have been applied globally to address pressing challenges like climate change, inequality, and healthcare.4 6 Scharmer also launched the MITx u.lab, an online platform that has engaged over 240,000 participants worldwide in transformational learning experiences.1 2

Awards and Recognition

Scharmer's contributions have been recognized through various awards, including the Jamieson Prize for Teaching Excellence at MIT and the Elevating Humanity Award from the Organizational Development Network. His work has significantly influenced both academic thought and practical applications in leadership and organizational development.5 6

Current Focus

Currently, Scharmer continues to lead initiatives that support cross-sector innovation and societal transformation. He emphasizes the importance of nurturing social fields to enable visible transformations within organizations and communities.1 2 His ongoing projects include collaborations with UN agencies to promote sustainable development goals across multiple countries.3 6

Through his teachings and writings, Otto Scharmer advocates for a shift in how leaders approach change, urging them to cultivate environments that foster collective learning and innovation.