Systemic Constellations
Organisational Constellations
Organisational Constellations:
An Organisational Constellation is a diagnostic tool using representational mapping to explore an organizational issue that may feel complex and help to find a way forward. Examples of issues include: rigidity of the organisation (or leaders), organisation (or part of it) seems to be frozen/standing still, broken connections in the workforce, lack of flow between functions, loss of capability etc.
This method is based on systemic thinking where we look at the system as a whole. It helps us to see the individual as part of a system which is made of up many elements and to surface what is really going on.
A constellation is a data gathering process which creates a living map of how the elements sit in relation to each other and what patterns arise as a result of that relationship. This helps to analyse and resolve organizational issues, test possible solutions and strategies for change, create processes in a new way, nurture systemic awareness and restore flow to the system. It works on a more-than-cognitive level using what know intuitively and subconsciously to give us more of a picture.
The process:
1
Interview (Client and Facilitator) – to understand the issue and the system
2
Define the problem or issue, the system and what elements (people e.g. General Manager, CEO, events and abstracts e.g. money, culture, purpose etc) in the system that need to be explored
3
Set up spatial map of the elements (e.g. using either people, objects, paper or post it notes) as representatives (e.g. for the company, purpose, department, team, leader, culture etc)
4
Analyze the dynamics
5
Test alternatives
6
Make interventions to help bring harmony and balance (interventions can be made using sentences or by physically moving)
7
Show the solution or a way to solution
Method:
A constellation can be facilitated either 1:1 or in a group, either online or in person. We can map out an issue using any of the following tools: Ceci Tool (interactive online tool) post-its, flip charts, papers, objects, people.
Applications:
Decision making
Strengthen the sense of purpose
Strengthen the leadership
Developing a strategy
Problem solving
Identify your position in the market
Finding your place as a manager, project leader, employee
Team dynamics and Team development
Recruitment
Project planning
Goal setting
benefits
- Intuitive, embodied and fluid process
- Enable teams, people and entire systems to find their place, disentangle, access new resources, restore systemic coherence
- Creates distance and new perspectives quickly
- Innovative approach
- Three-dimensional view
- Easy integration
- Ease of application
A system is made up of explicit elements, including people, but also invisible dynamics and resources, unspoken rules that everybody follows even though they don’t talk about them, hidden loyalties and allegiances, as well as the aftershocks of difficult events in the past – John Whittington