Steve Byers

Meet Steve

Creating a more human workplace is about wholeness. Why ask only part of a person to show up to work when you could gain insight and expertise from the whole person? Leaders who invite and celebrate different ways of thinking, take the time to really know others, and value every human interaction, create a culture that brings out people’s absolute best.

Steve Can Help You Transform Your Organization 

Skillful inquiry—asking powerful questions—is one of Steve’s greatest gifts. His own sense of curiosity and his willingness to inquire amplifies those characteristics in others. Exploring, learning, and imagining are potent forces for change. Steve helps create the conditions wherein people imagine what could be. He brings not only his deep knowledge of systems thinking and his record of success transforming organizations, but also his compassionate and generous nature. When a change is needed and desired, but something in the system resists changing, Steve can help. He provides people with the tools to explore and pursue their own vision or desired state. Once people can fully envision what is possible, transformation shifts from being a burden to becoming a natural outcome. Connect with Steve to find out how he can help you energize your organization and make positive transformation happen.

Steve’s Story

A lifelong learner, Steve began to experience a major shift in his thinking in the 1990s when he was exposed to the work of systems thinkers like W. Edwards Deming and Peter Senge. After working for years as a private-sector quality manager, Steve became a teacher and consultant. He earned his MA in Organization Systems Renewal in 2007 from Seattle University, one of his most transformational experiences, and now works with leaders, teams, and organizations helping human systems better think, learn, and work together. He has taught systems thinking for various institutions, including the University of Washington (Professional & Organizational Development department), St. Mary’s College of California (M.A. in Leadership Studies program), Washington’s King County Library System and Leadership Eastside in Redmond, Washington. Steve lives in Olympia, Washington, where he hosts monthly First Wednesday Conversations about leadership, systems intelligence, and inquiry. When Steve and his wife, Janet, aren’t working, they can be found paddling kayaks, tending their garden, and being in the moment with their grandchildren.

Helping Leaders and Teams Adapt and Improve their Systems

A systems thinker, Steve knows organizations are more than just the sum of their employees. It’s about the quality of our relationships. How we treat people—even in seemingly minor interactions—makes all the difference. Sometimes organizations get stuck or struggle to adapt, especially in difficult times. Steve works collaboratively with leaders and teams, facilitating difficult conversations. He identifies places to intervene and shows how changing relatively small actions can strengthen teams, improve productivity, and bring about significant and enduring systemic change. Once people have clarity around what needs to happen, Steve helps harness their intrinsic motivation so that organizational transformation is both doable and sustainable. Connect with Steve and see his LinkedIn profile to learn more about his education, work history, and specialized skills and certifications.