Systems at Work

Strengthening organisations through relationship effectiveness

Our consultants draw from Bowen Systems Theory to:

• Uncover the ways that relationship & emotional processes may be derailing the best business & leadership strategies
• Use understanding of systems patterns to assist in re-building organisational effectiveness

"Improvement .... begins when one can find a leader with the courage to define self, who is as invested in the welfare of the organization as in self, who is neither angry nor dogmatic, whose energy goes to changing self rather than telling others what they should do, who can know and respect the multiple opinions of others, who can modify self in response to the strengths of the group, and who is not influenced by the irresponsible opinions of others ... A leader is beyond the popular notion of power.  A responsible leader automatically generates mature leadership qualities in other group members who are to follow."

(Kerr and Bowen 1988, 342-43)

To go beyond quick fix approaches to leadership and improved workplace relationships you may be interested to apply family systems principles to your efforts to be effective at work. Our specialty is strengthening relationships by uncovering and addressing the patterns behind relationship disruptions. 

The FSI Systems @ Work offers a range of consulting services to assist in the application of systems principles to workplace dynamics including:

• Workshops/seminars (on or off site)
• Leadership coaching
• Resolution of relationship impasses
• Coaching on how to maintain course in the face of relationship tensions
• Consulting and systems assessments:  Assisting managers to identify systems dynamics and to plan strategies for improving workplace effectiveness.

Our approach is informed by Bowen Systems Theory that identifies predictable patterns of relating that develop in the dynamics of any relationship system.  Coaching, consultations and training looks at the balance of individual self awareness, self regulation and value/goals clarification alongside interpersonal relating and patterns of team behaviour.

Core Topics Addressed in Systems @ Work

• Systems concepts at work
• Self regulation in the face of tension
• How to focus on self not others to bring results
• Insiders and outsiders:  dealing with triangles
• Understanding our programming for dealing with tension
• Communication that contributes to the health of the workplace
• Learning how to disagree well
• Who's responsible for what?
• Dealing with stuck teams!