About Perspectivity

The Perspectivity Network is a group of people from all walks of life who share the vision and want to contribute to achieving the goals of Perspectivity.

The network is open to everyone with an interest in solving complex social problems. In order to join, you have to be willing to regularly attend our workshops and events, take part in our projects and/or facilitate sessions of the Perspectivity Game. If you are interested please let us know; on the contact page you can see how to get in touch.

Why members joined Perspectivity (click on text for Linkedin profile):

Charlotte Keijzer: I joined Perspectivity because of the promise it implied. A challenging journey to find new ways to respond to the world’s increasing complexity. Since then dialogue became a way of living to me. Watching people to create their solutions just by open speaking and genuine listening. Being inspired by a growing network aimed to contribute to change. Exercising my ability to just be there and be curious, day by day.
Henriette Coppes: In my work as consultant for educational institutions as well as in private life, it strikes me that people tend to take opposite positions instead of standing shoulder to shoulder as soon as problems arise. The search for solutions to this polarizing behavior gives me inspiration and energy. It would be great if, as part of their education, young people would be inspired to make positive contributions in this increasingly complex society.
Hans Keijzer: Several years ago I started Perspectivity. I was concerned that humanity would not survive unless it would embrace true dialogue. A small group, we embarked on an uncertain journey to discover effective ways to solve problems through dialogue. We found a wealth of wisdom in books, people and organizations and developed working methods. Now, I can't imagine life without the inspiring, growing network of people who further develop and work with our ideas.
Frans Ottenhof: I believe that the only way to transcend conflict is by mutual respect between people with a different way of living. By being seriously interested in the way other people think and live. I believe that to be effective in the search for solutions, there should be a synthesis between spirituality and science. Also between social science and natural science. In Perspectivity, I have found this synthesis. Perspectivity is very important for me as a teacher and educational adviser.
Herman van der Meyden: Educated as an engineer, I was long a believer in technical solutions for the world's toughest challenges. Two years of studying international relations and working at Shell's scenarios team have radically changed my view. Impressive technological advances have put a man on the moon, but there seem to be more complex societal problems than before. Apparently there is something in human interaction, some sort of clash of perceptions, that inhibits progress to a better world. Perspectivity, for me, is the quest to define that something and find solutions to better deal with it.
Eelke Visscher: Since the beginning of Perspectivity I was onboard. The main reason for joining where the dialogue enhancing methods Adam Kahane describes in his book "Solving tough problems". Now, 5 years later, I still believe in, if correctly used, the power of dialogue. In the last five years I came in contact with some very inspiring examples and people. But most of all I discovered in my day-to-day live, both at work and in private, the positive effects it has.
Serge Borensztajn: I've joined Perspectivity because it has introduced me to a new way of thinking. Situations in which active listening and open conversation styles are being used not only result in longer lasting resolutions to a perticular challenge but it also creates more energy and will stimulate an innovative condition. Truly understanding one's motives and values is key and I believe an inspiring network like Perspectivity will contribute to this.
Brad Steiner: I was first exposed to Perspectivity during a workshop while studying at the London School of Economics. I was intrigued by the questions it raised with our group, as well as the lively discussion it sparked. Over the next year I travelled to Holland several times, becoming more involved with the inspiring network around Perspectivity. I trained as a facilitator in 2009, and have run workshops around the UK since then.
Lieneke Gianotten: The Perspectivitivity network is for me a place where we can connect with others learning and practicing to become ‘attending’: “What we pay attention to, and how we pay attention - both individually and collectively - is key to what we create. What often prevents us from "attending" is our "blind spot", the inner place from which each of us operates." (Theory-U by Otto Scharmer)
Erik Bronsvoort: as a civil engineer I was trained to solve problems using technology. In reality, technology was the easy part, implementing turned out to be a lot tougher: this is where people came in.. As my insight in sustainability issues developed, I realized that more than just a technical solution is needed to create the world of tomorrow.
Rineke Oomen: I share with the Perspectivity group insights that matters in life: working on sustainability, and open communication, respectfully dealing with differences between people, not focussing on problems but ‘empower ‘ people. I feel the weekends as inspiring encounters. In my work, parenting issues are central, the ideas of Perspectivity enriches and strengthens my personal approach and gives me courage: It's inspiring to be engaged in and contribute to the future of the youth.
Pieter van den Wall Bake: Driven by questions such as “How to really connect to people” and “Are we listening and talking, communicating, on the same level” I read Jaworski’s book and several of Kahane’s. Such literature and several international experiences made me believe that - even in the most conflicting situations and difficult surroundings - when people truly connect barriers fall. And when barriers do not exist people bond more to creating visions of a better future and better world for all.
René Hooiveld: More and more I became aware that conflicts in private, at work or to a larger extend within societies are directly related to the dynamics in human interaction built on perceptions, rationalities and emotions which are expressed verbally and non-verbally. Finding tools to see, feel, train and act to prevent or dissolve conflicts in your immediate surrounding with a group of people who share the same wish, was for me the main reason to join Perspectivity.
Jennifer Oomen: I came to Perspectivity to understand how dialogue could shape how communities interact and I am convinced that in our present world these ideas have the power to change how groups interact with and understand one another. I am involved with Perspectivity because I want to bring this thinking and understanding to all parts of the globe through my work and my life.
Yannick van Balen: I've joined Perspectivity in 2011. I've chosen to join Perspectivity School because I believe the implementation of dialogue techniques and awareness of climate change in the school curriculum is very challenging but key for the future. This strongly relates to my daily work and being a member of this network will not only help me to develop new insights but also develop innovative dialogue techniques which could be used in schools.