To flourish, even to participate in a meaningful way, in our world today requires the cultivation of a new kind of pluralism. This pluralism is a mindset that goes far beyond tolerating diversity, to actively engaging with others to articulate shared goals and commit to working together to achieve these. This new kind of pluralism requires a new skill set, a skill set that we call The Orchestration of Commitments in Pluralistic Networks.
The WEST programme has changed my life. The coaches, the platform and the managerial philosophy combine in a unique way to create a learning experience that stands proud of conventional leadership/followership courses.
I feel indebted to the coaches who provided timely wisdom and advice. I feel privileged to have had access to the simulated learning environment where I could test in real time the coaches' (and fellow programme participants') recommendations. My confidence built quickly in areas of weakness - to which I was previously blind.
As an inpatient doctor, I work in multidisciplinary teams to care for patients, and I work within that complex network of outpatient care providers, hospitals, private and public payers, regulatory agencies, and more, that comprise our American health care system. The ability to collaborate effectively within teams and across departmental and institutional boundaries is fundamental to my work; my participation in this course has significantly advanced my ability to do this well. I recommend this course to any doctor - or to anyone that has to work in teams.
This workshop focused on what limits the ability of our small groups and on how we can go past those limitations. Ironically it used a computer game based on fantasy to ground team interactions in reality. The real parts were the interactions of the team members: ineffective behavior was exposed, constructive and even inspired interactions were highlighted, captured, and discussed. The workshop brought about a transformation in the way my classmates and I approached small teams. You should give it a try — seriously (and playfully).