Workshop: Facing the Unknown – Mindsets for Effective Action in Times of Uncertainty  

This is a time of uncertainty in the field of sustainability. The US is moving in the direction that is not exactly sustainability-friendly, EU’s ambition seems to be flagging etc. Add to this the general uncertainties in the world – political crises, economic woes, fast technological transitions. It can be hard to know in which direction to move. But uncertainty is also a driver for change, if we can grasp these difficulties as an opportunity.  

Most of the Green Tiger trainings are technically oriented, focusing on transition plans, compliance with EU regulations, footprint calculation methods, best practices etc. In 2025 we want to bring in more aspects of change management and engagement psychology. 

In this practical workshop we will learn and practice mindsets to stay grounded and effective in times of uncertainty. Having tools to face uncertainty is important for both individuals and organizations. It helps to remain resilient in times of change and realise the  opportunities this presents. 

It is said that 80% of our success comes from internal factors and our psychological abilities. In this workshop, we will focus on how to apply our internal skills to sustainability projects as successfully as possible. 

• Time: October 22, 9:00-17:00
• Venue: Tallinn, exact venue to be announced.

The workshop will be held in English.

This is a paid training: 249 EUR for Green Tiger members, 399 EUR for non-members.

Workshop content

The workshop is based on developmental psychology, which suggests that people develop through clearly distinct psychological development phases. Earlier phases are more self-centered and egoistic (which we can see in young children), in later phases the understanding expands to groups (local community, country, etc.) or even the entire planet (world-centric view). Different developmental phases have fundamentally different motivations, worldviews, self-understanding, etc.

The workshop is mainly based on the Stages development theory developed by Terri O’Fallon, but other developmental psychology models are also integrated. Different developmental phases have very different relationships with the unknown and uncertainty. It is useful to understand them, both for being more resilient yourself but also to understand how others around you react. 

This is a practical workshop, where in addition to a theoretical overview, we also provide a practical understanding of the main theses of the different developmental phases through various exercises and games.

What will the workshop give you?

A better understanding of how you and others relate to uncertainty and tools to stay grounded when facing unknown and better ability to look for opportunities 

Workshop facilitator

Dr Simon Divecha has implemented and supported change in both organizations and business sectors. He has designed and implemented change interventions in different sectors, conducted training and leadership programs and mentored leaders at different levels in implementing change.

His responsibilities have included consulting for large companies, managing international programs, leading a university research institute, co-founding companies, mentoring start-ups and leading companies and NGOs as a CEO. 

Workshop Schedule

Morning Session

 30 min: Introductions and Objectives

60 min: Presentation: Conscious Leadership Impulse 

Dr Divecha’s experience implementing Australian SolarSunrise: when renewable energy innovation meets the unexpected. Big business alongside local communities overcome worldviews clash [similar to the Estonian Wind Farm Debate]

30 min: Practical exercise and role play to experience the first common mindset

 Break

60 min: Two mini-exercises to experience the second and third common mindsets

30 min: Later stage mindsets – overview and discussion

Lunch break

Afternoon Session

 30 min: Working with key mindsets, how this creates resilience for you and organisations

90 min: Key principles for engaging with different mindsets.

 Break

60 min: Consolidation

15 min: Summary and next steps

The execution of the workshop is supported by the Embassy of UK.