Organisational Constellations
A constellation is the process of using the human bodymind to dynamically reveal hidden dynamics in a multi-member system. A system may be represented as such collections as a team, a family, a department, or an organisation. Work has been undertaken using constellation processes in family systems for some years with success.
The idea for applying family constellations principles to organisations and business began in Austria in 1995. The innovators realised that there were hidden dynamics in organisations that eluded sophisticated consultants, trainers and coaches. You might say that when the unconscious conscience of the organisation is revealed, its leaders are better informed and deeply in touch with the roots of their problems.
Under the best of circumstances, the challenges of leaders include a delicate political dance, internal resistance to change and competitive postures that frequently take precedence over collaborative team efforts. Instinctively leaders sometimes are aware that one of its teams or departments just seems to keep marching to the beat of a different drum when compared to their peers. Results and issues seem to accrue in a negative sense around these parties for no conscious logical reason. A hidden dynamic may be present.
Is it possible to obtain an objective snapshot of unconscious organisational issues through a subjective lens? This is the aim and most powerful application of a constellation. They have become a valuable tool to enhance the decision-making and assessment process for leaders and consultants.
A constellation occurs at the systemic level. Such systemic constellation work brings focus and awareness to underlying hidden dynamics that govern us in the organisation. One often finds unconscious bonds of loyalty and love that "glue" together the organisation and which can foster deeper levels of meaning, belonging, balance and order. This drives organisational stability and positively affects performance.
You can find out more about Organisational Constellations in Richard Boyd's articles Accessing Hidden Knowledge in Organisations via Constellations and Conducting a Systemic Constellation.
Richard Boyd also facilitates Family Constellations as part of his work as an Integrative Body Mind Psychotherapist in Perth, Western Australia.