Are your team meetings stuck on repeat? Here’s how to break the cycle

Does this sound familiar? Your team faces a challenge. You gather in a room, brainstorm on a whiteboard, and agree on a set of action points. But a few weeks later, you find yourselves having the exact same conversation. The core issue remains untouched, hidden beneath the surface. It’s a common frustration, stemming from a tendency to apply old solutions to new, complex problems.

We often try to solve problems by only looking at the "what" and the "how," while ignoring the most crucial element: the "who." The source of our attention and intention as a team determines the quality of our results.

This is where Theory U, a powerful change management framework from MIT, offers a new path forward. At Nelson, we’ve found that its principles are at the heart of what makes our "Therapy for Teams" so effective.

What is Theory U? A journey, not a shortcut

Developed by Otto Scharmer, Theory U is a model for leading profound change. It’s not just another business framework; it's a journey that guides teams to access their deepest creativity and highest potential. The "U" shape represents the process of going down one side (exploring a challenge with an open mind) to the bottom (connecting with a deeper source of knowing), and up the other side (bringing new insights into reality).

The journey has three main phases:

1. Observe, Observe, Observe (Left Side of the U)

The first step is to suspend our old habits and judgments (Downloading). Instead of immediately trying to find a solution, we are encouraged to see the world with fresh eyes (Seeing) and to connect with the situation on an empathic level (Sensing). This requires an Open Mind to challenge our assumptions and an Open Heart to truly listen to others and the system we are a part of.

2. Retreat and Reflect (Bottom of the U)

This is the most critical phase, called Presencing. It’s a moment of deep reflection where we let go of the old and allow an inner knowing to emerge. By creating a space for stillness and connection, teams can tap into a shared vision of the future that wants to emerge. This requires an Open Will—the courage to let go of what isn’t working and embrace the new.

3. Act in an Instant (Right Side of the U)

Emerging from the bottom of the U, a clear vision begins to take shape (Crystallizing). Instead of lengthy planning, the focus shifts to rapid experimentation (Prototyping). Teams learn by doing, testing new ideas in the real world to see what works. Successful prototypes are then scaled and integrated into the organization (Performing).

How Nelson embodies the U-Journey: From friction to flow

Nelson’s entire philosophy is built on creating the conditions for this journey to happen. We believe, as our manifest states, that "poor collaboration isn't part of the job" and that teams perform best when they "embrace the strength of human connection".

Here’s how our "Therapy for Teams" approach aligns with Theory U:

• Turning Iivisible friction into visible actions: Nelson’s mission is to make the unspoken seen and heard. This is the essence of the left side of the U. We guide teams to move past surface-level frustrations and truly see and sense the underlying dynamics, fictions, and unspoken truths that are holding them back.

• Creating true psychological safety: Theory U is impossible without a safe container. Our workshops are designed to build psychological safety from the ground up. This allows team members to be vulnerable, suspend judgment, and speak honestly—creating the Open Mind, Heart, and Will necessary to reach the bottom of the U.

• Connecting the "Worker" and the "Person": We challenge the idea that we should split ourselves into two at work. The Presencing phase of Theory U is about integrating our whole selves. By fostering genuine human connection, our workshops help teams access the collective intelligence and creativity that only emerges when people feel fully seen and valued.

• From Burnout to Breakthrough: The right side of the U is about action. We don't just talk; we help teams prototype new ways of working, communicating, and collaborating. This hands-on approach turns insights into momentum, building confidence and creating tangible breakthroughs that stick.

Ready to Start Your Journey?

If your team is stuck in a loop of recurring problems, it’s a sign that a deeper shift is needed. By combining the profound wisdom of Theory U with our practical "Therapy for Teams," Nelson provides a path to unlock the collective potential you know is there.

It’s time to move from exhaustion to momentum and from friction to flow.

Learn more about how our workshops can help your team build the future, instead of just repeating the past.