Holding the Space

Holding the Space

Empathy Walks and Holding Generative Space: ‘Otto Scharmer and Carl Rogers Shake Hands’

September 2025
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ABSTRACT

An ‘empathy walk’, inspired by Otto Scharmer’s four levels of listening and Carl Rogers’ humanistic principles, fosters deep connection by prioritizing presence and genuine listening. Participants walk in pairs, alternately sharing and practicing generative listening, cultivating psychological safety and transforming relational dynamics. This exercise transcends roles, creating space for meaningful, authentic dialogue.

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Author: Cora Reijerse

Consultant, trainer, coach and project manager, she has roots in client-centered psychotherapy. She likes to contribute to learning and development in organizations. A moderator at the NIP (a Dutch psychology institute), she writes about AI, teambuilding and individual career coaching, and is the founder of All About Change.

Contact: info@allaboutchange.nl

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Author: David Kirsch

Appreciative Inquiry groupie, multi-lingual trainer and facilitator and podcast host. Based in Belgium, David is a social worker with a Master’s degree in Labour Sciences. Passionate about participatory management and organisational development, he has trained in Theory U and Appreciative Inquiry, been a member of the European AI Network since 2019, and is co-host of the French podcast Mise au vert.

Contact: david@simplitude.be

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