When Common Sense Doesn't Seem to Work!

To these five aspects, we would add two more:

• the paradoxical nature of organisations, as a result of which many so-called problems of organisation can never be satisfactorily "resolved" in a simple, once-and-for-all, either-or sort of way; and
• the ongoing network of self-organising conversations that 'stitch together' the formal and shadow-side aspects of organisations; and that create their own shadow-side effects, by generating and transmitting stories, folklore, mythology, humour, rumour etc

The informal systems, social networks and political coalitions of the shadow side of organisations are formed through a process of self-organisation. They are not mandated or controlled in any formal way, and yet they have a significant impact on organisational performance and capability. In these circumstances, relying on "common sense" is not always sensible and "conventional wisdom" is not always wise.

Can We Help?

The complex, self-organising dynamics of the shadow side of organisations can't be reduced to simple models and step-by-step approaches. Instead, the concepts need to inform thinking and behaviour across the full range of issues in leadership, change and organisational dynamics. If you would like to explore the above ideas further, please get in touch.