Barry Oshry

Barry Oshry is an internationally renowned author, facilitator, speaker, trainer, and consultant. His thoughts on organizational design and leadership have been sought after and studied by leaders around the world. Barry’s books and seminars focus on the importance of listening, learning, and recognizing the ways that our individual and collective behavior can lead to effective decision-making and successful outcomes.

As most of his readers know, Barry Oshry’s career began as a clinical therapist. He has a Masters of Social Work from the Union Institute and University. His work in therapy made him aware of the power of connection and of the impact of connecting with others. This experience was the foundation upon which he built his work as the founder of The Power and Systems Group, a consulting firm which has been helping organizations since 1983.

Throughout his career, Barry Oshry has produced articles and book reviews around a variety of subjects such as power, organizational behavior, and leadership. He also travels around the world to speak and teach seminars on these topics to business executives and elite police forces. His seminars on leadership, team-building, and organizational change are attended by participants from a variety of countries. Organizations seek his assistance for restructuring their systems, meeting organizational goals, and improving their communications.

One of the most popular books that Barry Oshry has written is “Seeing Systems: Unlocking the Mysteries of Organizational Life.” In this work, Oshry discusses the importance of understanding the systems within an organization and how the individuals within that organization all contribute to the overall functioning of the system. He also helps readers learn how to see into the deeper layers of the system and understand how each system functions in relationship to all other systems. He encourages readers to look beyond the surface and really think about how to make improvements that create better outcomes.

Another popular book Oshry has written is “The Power of Appreciative Inquiry.” Here, Oshry looks at how self-inquiry and appreciation of others can create conditions in which people are able to find the power within to deal with life’s challenges and meaningfully contribute to their work and personal lives. He outlines traits of effective leadership and takes a close look at the habits that can lead to successful outcomes.

Barry Oshry has made an indelible mark on the study of leadership and organizational behavior. His writings and seminars continue to be sought after by professionals from around the globe. His perspective on power and systems has provided insight and understanding of how to best facilitate organizational success. He invites and encourages readers and participants to listen, question, and contribute, recognizing that in order to create meaningful change and effective outcomes we must be willing to go beneath the surface and look past the obvious.