will not be enough to solve all our problems.
genuinely creative work requires real people.
It's now time to invest in the mind.
To form effective communities.
And vibrant organizations.
will not be enough to solve all our problems.
genuinely creative work requires real people.
It's now time to invest in the mind.
To form effective communities.
And vibrant organizations.
Point of
Departure
Many of today’s problems were once good solutions. But past approaches too often return us to where we already are. We cannot successfully manage today’s tasks this way, let alone those lying ahead of us in the 21st century.
How we organize ourselves reflects the demands of the times and the contexts. Current technological and social developments require lively, effective, human-centered organizations. Such organizations are characterized by meaning, connectedness and clarity.
COAN offers structures and practices on this path.
Meaning
Sense creates unity. (Laozi, Tao Te Ching)
In turbulent times, the question of why and the desire for orientation come to the fore.
- If we ask why and seek orientation, meaning emerges.
- Focused reflection of this kind sharpens an organization’s overall direction as well as the daily actions of its individuals.
- The answer to the question of meaning arises from interaction.
- Clear, decisive premises — regarding mission, vision and strategy — coupled with space for reflection, effectively support the process.
Connectedness
Reality arises in dialogue. (Heinz von Foerster). (Heinz von Foerster)
Human development is based not on competition, but cooperation. This has been scientifically proven.
- Participation and self-organization help us respond well to the challenges of a complex world.
- Networking and a culture of trusting cooperation are mutually dependent.
- Genuine dialogue occurs when we stop wanting to be right.
- This creates connectedness — from which shared meaning and purpose emerge.
Clarity
You do not have to put up with everything from yourself. (Viktor Frankl)
The desire for presence, awareness and inner coherence is part of our being.
- The desire for presence, awareness and inner coherence is part of our being.
- It occurs in stillness and the present moment.
- It answers the question of the individual relation to the whole.
- Clarity is a prerequisite for effective leadership.
Our Approach
COAN offers structures and practices for lively and effective organizations. We stand for dialogue-oriented, reflexive work with organizations, groups and individuals. In doing so, we rely on simple, effective methods from the realms of consulting, coaching and self-leadership — combined in the way that fits your situation and task.
COAN’s guidance is particularly helpful when you are seeking to:
- Strategically align organizations or departments
- Develop individuals, teams and organizations
- Design methods of change
- Manage crises
- Solve conflicts
- Moderate decision-making processes
Especially if you are ready to be effective in doing so. This is what it’s all about, for you and for us.
COAN Podcasts
Just as silence helps, inspiration through the stories of others does, too. What was once the campfire is now the podcast. In what follows you will find podcasts from and with us on current issues in organizational development, leadership and self-leadership. We hope you enjoy listening and find new inspiration. (so far in German only)
Leading in change: 20 years of C-Level experience
What do continuous change, New Work and New Leadership really mean for a top manager, personally and in very practical terms? What can we all learn from it to lead more effectively? In this episode, Jan-Henrik Lafrentz, currently CFO at Bentley Motors, gives us candid and deep insights into his personal learning experiences in the executive world.
We learn how to foster multi-brain thinking and change capability as a leader, what letting go really means in this context, and even get a preview of the impact of AI on leadership. Now that’s something.
Enjoy listening!
Psychological safety and multi-brain thinking as characteristics of mindful organisations
Stressed out, annoyed by meetings or just interested in how to learn from mistakes as an organisation? If that appeals to you, this podcast is for you. With Professor Alexander Hunziker from the Institute for New Work at the University of Applied Sciences Bern, we explore the question of how mindfulness – according to Alexander a completely normal and banal state of mind – is strategically relevant for organisations in times of VUCA and skills shortages. In the process, we learn how meetings and workdays come about, from which we leave fresh and perhaps even earlier than planned, even though we have achieved more than we had set out to do. And we do it regularly. Sounds almost too good, but see for yourself… Enjoy listening!
Note:
You can find Prof. Dr. Alexander Hunziker here.
There you also have the opportunity to participate in a research project on the development of mindfulness in organisations with your organisation (if you are interested, just send an email to Alexander or us).
In a storm, a trained mind has the advantage
In our fourth podcast, Buddhist teacher, author and business consultant Dr. Kai Romhardt shares practical and deep insight on the topic of vibrant, effective organizations. We learn what healthy aliveness is, what fosters it, and the difference it makes in communication that aims at mutual understanding. Kai shows how leaders can train their minds to remain clear even in stormy situations. How we view effectiveness is also examined, because somehow we always make an impact – just how consciously? And do we have an independent measure of success for an impact of high quality? Perhaps the triad of sense-connectedness-clarity plays a role here, too? Explore this in the podcast…
Note: You can find the “contemplations for busy people” mentioned by Kai here and many more suggestions on the Network for Mindful Economy website.
Out for a cherry pie with the Exners
Following the podcast with the founders of WAALD, we continue our series with systemic consultants Hella and Axel Exner. Starting with the question, “What makes for vibrant and effective organizations in the context of current societal challenges?” we explore the role of companies, managers and consultants in a BANI world – that is, a brittle, anxious, non-linear and incomprehensible world. With what attitude can we act in an environment increasingly characterized by chaos that often leaves us feeling helpless? Could the koan, “There is nothing to be done,” be a key, perhaps?
(Note: This podcast was recorded in the Exner family garden. We apologize for the sound quality and recommend listening with a pair of headphones and a cup of tea….)
Narratives are not Commercials
WAALD Strategy and Advisory
is a pioneer in the field of strategic narratives. In this podcast, founders Ralf Schmidt-Bleeker and Frank Otto Dietrich share their knowledge and experience of how good narratives yield vibrant and effective organizations. Organizations are composed of thousands of anecdotes. How do they manage to fit the meaning and purpose of the organization? Why is an interplay of intention and emergence necessary for an effective strategic narrative? And why are listening and a certain loss of control on the part of top management helpful if leaders themselves want to tell a good story? You’ll find that and more in the podcast.
Good Luck, Bad Luck – You never know
In our kick-off edition, we tell a story about an old man and his horse. It is old and always topical. The short story is an invitation to observe one’s own mind and not always to take everything from oneself. But see what you think.
Endorsements
Our team has gained experience with many players in the business world. At international automotive corporations, financial services companies, mobility providers, public companies, start-ups, online companies and NGOs.
In Europe, Asia, the USA and Africa.
These are for example:
At the same time, we accompany individuals inside and outside of their organizations.
All of our clients are very satisfied. This makes us happy. Read a few endorsements below.
“Coan is very convincing when it comes to breaking new ground. They offer a very good combination of classical consulting know-how (structured, systematic, strategic thinking) and modern coaching elements, which are very important especially in change processes (creativity, questioning, getting people to exchange). Coan acts very creatively in finding customized solutions. No program is pulled off the shelf.”
(Automotive Manufacturer, Chief Executive)
“Coan supported us very effectively in our strategy and team development. The combination of strategic-conceptual expertise with a broad range of workshop methods were exceedingly effective. It especially helped how quickly and flexibly Coan’s facilitation was able to address meaningful changes in the process flow.”
(HR Manager, e-commerce company)
“COAN takes a lot of time to get the picture and get everyone on board. Everyone can say what is important to them and express their sensitivities. The whole process was a good mix of vision (where do we want to go?) and concrete action steps to really get into implementation. COAN also helped us distinguish the important from the unimportant.”
(Charitable Organization Manager)
„We had the pleasure of a Coan facilitated session in Berlin, the team provided a well-executed platform for open and efficient communication that allowed us to grow and emerge as an effective team during the workshop.“
(Head of Sales, Online Payment Provider)
Contact
COAN is connected to a network of experts, coaches, consultants, practitioners, and teachers of a range of wisdom traditions.
In addition, Coan is in contact with organizations and companies that inspire us in different directions. These include organizations such as the Network for Mindful Business or Inner Development Goals, and companies such as 7Mind, Beratergruppe Neuwaldegg and WAALD.
Jan von Bibra-Achenbach
Industrial engineer, consultant, systemic coach and Zen practitioner.
More than 20 years of experience in strategy consulting, organizational development, coaching, managing organizations and introducing mindfulness practices. Active in the Network for Mindful Business.
Torsten Westermayer
Diplom-Kaufmann, systemic coach, traditional healer, yoga teacher.
As a coach and consultant, he has accompanied executives and management teams in the development and implementation of strategies and organizational designs for more than 18 years.
Markus Plischke
Business economist, systemic consultant and solution-focused coach..
Active for more than 20 years as consultant, trainer and coach in the international environment, for, among others, Ernst & Young Consulting and the consulting group Neuwaldegg. Active in the Network for Mindful Business.