Stage Two: Interpersonal Dynamics
Stage Two of the series focuses on understanding the subtle, and sometimes subliminal, interpersonal dynamics playing out in the work environment.
Every organization is a system of interdependent roles and responsibilities. But, inherent in these roles are varying degrees of power and authority which influence the way people behave toward others with equal power—and toward those with less or more power.
Behavior in business often appears personal, but it’s based far more on position than most of us realize.
When leaders understand how to interpret positional and group dynamics in system’s terms, they will be able to divert destructive reactions and develop cooperation and mutual accountability at increasingly higher levels.
Four types of System Dynamics will be studied:
- Spatial Blindness - lack of awareness of the daily realities of other departments
- Temporal Blindness - not recognizing how situations/processes evolved into current state
- Process Blindness - lack of understanding how the parts affect the whole
- Relationship Blindness - not recognizing the interdependent dynamics of functions and personnel
Departmental conflicts, political posturing, and team motivation are all influenced by system dynamics. Leaders who see beyond symptomatic behavior can lead their teams to greatness.