A Science of Change

Dr. Joseph George Anjilvelil joins me in my home for a conversation that digs into his life journey into behavioral science, why I wrote my Lewin book, my next book topic of autocracy and democracy in the US, a critique of appreciative inquiry, the birth of the T-group, and other topics. Dr. Anjilvelil fullfills his intent for journeying to Delaware by flipping the roles and interviewing me, thus bringing a fresh dynamic to the podcast. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

Listen in to a friendly chat with Dr. Nancy Zentis, founder of the Institute of OD (IOD) and the Global Institute of OD (GIOD). Follow along as Nancy tells the story of her journey from her beginnings in OD to her present passionate teaching of and providing OD through her institutes. When you are done, as Nancy puts it, "Go do OD!"

Listen in as a friend and former student talks about his experience of growing up trans in the US, and the current scapegoating of the LGBTQ community. I add the frame of Lewinian social science to decry the authoritarian practice of picking on minorities (those with less power) for political gain. We both give thanks that the manufacturing organization he is with is genuinely respectful and inclusive, not as a fad but because it is the right thing to do and the smart thing to do for productivity and morale.

A far roaming chat with Dr. Monika Stützle-Hebel, of the DGGO, which in english is the German Society for Group Dynamics (of which you can learn more at https://www.dggo.de). Dr. Stützle-Hebel reached out after learning of my Lewin book, Planned Change, and I eagerly traveled to her in Munich in 2021. We have since collaborated on two lively T-group workshops in Germany, mostly populated by German social scientists and T-group leaders, and hope to do so again in the future. Contact me if you would like to be put in touch with Monika or are interested in attending the next European event.

One of my favorite podcasts to date! I consider Dr. Burnes of the University of Stirling in Scotland as the preeminent Lewinian scholar alive today, and a wonderful source for understanding Lewin's social science and practical theories of change. If you have information for his upcoming book on Lewin he would love to hear from you! His e-mail is [email protected]. Enjoy!

Another conversation with my father, Robert P. Crosby, drawing on his T-group experience which dates to 1953 with his first group leader Walter Holcomb, and followed soon after with trainers such as Lippitt, Bradford, and Benne. We explore the history of T-groups together, using the 1964 T-group Theory and Laboratory Method as a guide to the early methods, structure, and leadership styles eminating from Lewin's inner circle.

A conversation with Margaret Seidler, author of "Payne-ful" Business: Charleston's Journey to Truth. Ms. Seidler only recently became aware of her own family's deep involvlement in the African slave trade. She has chosen to bring her family story into the light of day, focusing her energy towards helping us move towards a more complete understanding of the past so that we can overcome that which divides us today.

Listen in to a heartfelt conversation with David Ledesma, the leader who used Cotton Mears at four different locations over a 20 year span. Learn about how and why he did so. This is also part of the View from a target series, which is material for my next book, about the power of engaging the hourly workforce in improving productivity and morale.

Join us as 88 year old OD sage Dick Schmuck recalls his first hand experiences with Lewin's inner circle, including Ronald Lippitt, Leland Bradford, and Ken Benne, as well as with my dad and with behavioral scientist John Wallen. We also discusses Schmuck's books and his unique approach to action research. Sadly, Dick passed away in 2025.

Listen in as Pat Roberson, former union VP and steward at the Alcoa Warrick Texarkana rolling mill, tells the story of his life as an hourly worker before and after Gil Crosby and his team conducted Lewinian OD in the East Texas plant.