When we set goals, it’s the qualitative aspects that make them interesting and motivating. For example, a teacher might aim to have all students pass their exams. While this is a measurable goal, what truly drives the teacher is the desire to see students succeed and the sense of accomplishment that comes with it.
But how do we really know if we’re achieving our goals? It’s not just about the data we see in reports. Our “gut feeling” or intuition tells us if we’re truly making progress. This systemic awareness is shared by everyone in the organization and reflects in how others respond to our success.
To better understand our goals and the factors influencing them, we can use the method of setting up a constellation. For example, imagine we include you, your goal, your team, and your market in a constellation. If your representative keeps focusing on the competitors and ignoring the goals, it becomes clear what needs to change. Alternatively, we could observe how your project team interacts and see if they are helping or hindering progress.
If the issue seems internal, we could set up different aspects of your personality. You might find that one part of you is eager to reach the goal, while another part is holding you back. Identifying these internal and external dynamics helps you take significant steps forward.
Systemic leadership is about understanding these connections and addressing the bigger picture. It’s not just about individual efforts but recognizing the web of relationships within the organization. By adopting this perspective, leaders can gain valuable insights and make informed decisions that lead to long-term success.
In conclusion, looking at our goals from a systemic view helps us move beyond linear thinking and quick fixes. It allows us to appreciate the factors that truly motivate us and recognize the interconnectedness of all elements within our organization. By setting up constellations and examining both external and internal dynamics, we can gain valuable insights and make strategic adjustments to achieve our goals. This holistic approach fosters continuous improvement and collective growth, leading to greater organizational health and success.Reference: Invisible Dynamics. Systemic Constellations in Organisations and in Business, Klaus P. Horn,Regine Brick
