LIOS Facts
Leadership Institute of Seattle was founded at Whitworth College. LIOS's highly regarded learning model rests on its 40-year foundation of training and education in applied behavioral science and systems theory.
Applied Behavioral Science (ABS)
Applied behavioral science (ABS) refers to the collection of theories and skills that places the self of the practitioner in the center of observed events. Rather than approaching events from the outside, as a detached observer, applied behavioral scientists recognize how past and present experiences influence their perceptions of and responses to events.
ABS studies rest on the premise that dynamic leadership training starts with self. The goals of this conscious-raising process are: (1) to contribute to the health of any human community; and (2) to promote healthy systems in every context through responsible interventions. ABS can be defined as "the art and science of getting things done through and with others."
In both the degree and certificate programs at LIOS, applied behavior science intersects with systems theory to build a framework for understanding relationships between communities, organizations, groups and individuals. A key component of human systems theory is the belief that one cannot know a particular system by analyzing only its parts or components. Rather it is necessary to analyze or engage that system in its entirety.
The intellectual roots of ABS can be traced to pragmatic philosophy (John Dewey, Alfred Whitehead), social psychology (Kurt Lewin), cultural anthropology (Margaret Meade, Ashley Montague), communications skills and theory (Ed Hall, Martin Buber), counseling theories (Virginia Satir, Murray Bowen, Donald Williamson) and systems theory (Gregory Bateson).
Systems Theory
Systems theory is a study that recognizes a system as an entity that maintains its existence, and functions as a whole, through the interaction of its parts. Scientific systems theory may focus on an organism, an animal or plant population, or an entire ecosystem. Human systems theory may focus on an individual, a family, a community, or an organization. A key component to systems theory is the belief that you cannot know a particular system by reducing analysis to its parts or components, but rather you need to analyze or engage with that system in its entirety. LIOS strives to prepare its ABS practitioners with the skills needed to analyze and improve a system and its processes whether on a client, group, or organizational level.
Experiential Learning
LIOS leadership training is rooted in self-development through integrated, rigorous course work. In the science of training a professional, competent practitioner, LIOS may be seen as a laboratory. The student is both scientist and subject in the systematic exploration of self, and self in relation to others. Because course content is related to the student's immediate experience, the educational process takes the form of a series of discoveries about others, about self and about the ways perceptions and judgments affect interactions, choices and actions.
By means of individual, one-on-one and group work; focused simulations; lecture; videotaped interactive presentations; and consistent feedback from faculty and peers, students have numerous opportunities to apply their knowledge, practice their skills, experiment with change and resistance, and shape events and interactions.
The LIOS educational process is enriched by the context in which it takes place, a community committed to learning, especially from its own socio-economic, racial, cultural and gender diversity.