Changes and crises are part of our lives. Coping with them is a key challenge and a prerequisite for a healthy and happy life. But how can this be achieved if I no longer perceive the world as normal or even crazy? And what does “normal” even mean in this context? Dr. Dirk Jakobs from Witten/Herdecke University will address these and other questions at Witten Citizens' University.

This time of multiple crises and drastic changes places enormous demands on society, companies, organisations, and individuals. At the same time, changes are a necessary prerequisite for adaptation, further development, and an opportunity for improvement. They can hit us unexpectedly, as in the case of the Russian war of aggression on Ukraine or the diagnosis of a severe illness, and at the same time, are often consciously planned, e.g. in the restructuring of a company or the termination of a long-standing partnership.

In his keynote speech Dr. Dirk Jakobs, vice president for organizational development at the UW/H, will look at both sides of the change coin: why crises are deliberately brought about and what effects they have on those affected. With the help of tried and tested models, the phases and course of change processes will be explained and illustrated using examples. Methods of crisis management will be demonstrated and participants will be equipped with a concrete tool for self-reflection and a building block for a self-help strategy, empowering them to navigate through crises and changes.

The event will be conducted in German, ensuring that all participants can fully engage and understand the discussions. 
Admission costs €7 / €5 and is available at the box office.