Playback in Organization Development – new roads, new methods

We know from experience that the methodologies used in developing organizations need to be refreshed from time to time. Not only do we feel the need to enrich organizations with new models and the roads less traveled, but we also like to pioneer in shaping these new ways. Playback methodology is one of the novelties we utilize, because it gives us great creative freedom to react to client companies and needs, as well as their personalities in a relevant manner.

Playback is based on an impromptu theater genre with a unique toolkit that enables the viewer to analyze and understand situations, and develop a proper reaction to them. The method is used differently every time: in some cases, we involve a playback theater company, where the actors play various organizational roles and situations with the help of the Playback Master. The other option is to teach some of the panels of the method to colleagues and enable them to play the parts for themselves. This not only develops deep understanding, but also the self-awareness of the individual. „Their autonomy, the scope of their inner freedom, their internal worlds, their imaginations, their behavior patterns, their creativity, their spontaneity all get a boost.” What is great about playback is that participants can bring back all their experiences to the real-world setting of the workplace. They are the ones who go through the play situations, look at different angles and create the solutions. This method is best used with clients who depend on their colleagues for a creative and innovative mindset.