Lea Im Obersteg wearing a white pullover, holding a leg of a plastic skeleton, representing unconventional tools that get applied during her work.

The Connect Framework

Some call it unconventional.

I call it: Use whatever works to transform organizations and humans.

Inspired by Theory U from Otto Scharmer, my Design Thinking past and strategyzing approaches, the Connect Framework is both: a system view on organizational reality and a hands-on frame for the individual journeys each individual is going through.

Carefully curated tools and methods are embedded in the Framework and support you and your teams of your journey.

Just at the edge of the comfort zone.

Diagram of The Connect Framework with three steps: 1. collect, 2. create, 3. connect, illustrated with playful characters and flowing lines.

The three continuously and sometimes simultaneously used process steps…

Two overlapping circles, with the left circle labeled '1', representing the first building block of the Connect Framework: Collect.

collect

We start by listening. To the data, yes, and to what might be the unsaid in a room. We use spreadsheets and emotions as equally relevant input at this stage.

Diagram of two overlapping circles, with the right labeled '2', representing the second building block of the Connect Framework: Create.

create

Then we move, by experimenting, building, and adjusting as we go, always close to your organizational reality to feel the difference immediately.

Diagram of two connected circles labeled with the number 3, representing the third building block of the Connect Framework: Connect as an ongoing practice.

connect

And throughout it all, we pause. To reflect, to celebrate milestones, and to make sure the journey stays joyful, also in challenging times.

Theory Back-bone

Major works that influence how we work together:

  • Scharmer Otto (2009): Theory U

  • Schmid, Bernd (2014): Systemic Organizational Development

  • Grubendorfer, Christina and Ackermann, Christina (2023): The Real Book of Work

  • Lafley, A. G. and Martin, Roger L. (2024): Playing to Win

Magic Methods & Tools

Whatever helps us to unlock new behavior:

  • Design Thinking and Innovation tools

  • Improv Theater

  • Silence

  • Paint, swords, colors, trees…

…remember: it’s an ongoing and non-linear process.