Over the last fifteen years extensive research has been conducted into the dynamics of human systems. Bert Hellinger initially developed this work with family systems but many others realised that the same principles applied to organisational, social and environmental issues.

The basic premise of the work is that over time every group or organisation, from the smallest to global, develops patterned ways of operating that affects the thoughts and actions of all its members. These underlying patterns of behaviour and culture can often reduce the ability of an organisation to perform, and consume considerable amounts of effort and energy that could be used more productively. Dynamics develop which are beyond the knowledge or control of individuals.

What is Systemic Organisational Constellations?

This work offers a means to understanding the widest context for underlying patterns and dynamics in groups and organisations. Specifically it enables the following to occur:

• invisible dynamics can be revealed
• issues and challenges can be attended to differently
• essential ordering principles can strengthen scenarios
• perspectives & resolutions are developed that can be acted upon

Compared to many conventional tools and techniques, Organisational Constellations enable people who are dealing with problems, developing ideas or making decisions to see the context that is influencing their issue and the inter-relationships of the key elements involved. Such elements could include the human factor such as team members, shareholders, customers, suppliers or even government or society. They can also be more abstract entities such as historical events, money, the environment, future goals, plans, processes, competition or other concepts.

Systemic Organisational Constellations can be used in four ways:

• To help people diagnose and understand the nature of the issue or the potential of an idea by providing data that would otherwise not be available to them.
• This information can be used to help resolve issues and develop new ways to restore balance to the system.
• It has enormous potential to be used as a creative tool, developing transformational processes, services and products.
• It can also be used to test and refine the quality of an idea or decision prior to it being actioned.

How does this method work?

Often used alongside conventional tools and methods, it is proving to be one of the most radical and effective methods of bringing lasting and positive change to the most complex and intractable contemporary issues.

An Organisational Constellation is a kind of simulation in which the current situation and the impact of alternatives can be evaluated. A living map (or constellation) of the system in question is set up with people representing key elements that have been identified through an earlier dialogue. With representatives attending to their senses and feelings, new data is revealed enabling people to understand the factors that are helping or hindering success. By moving people’s positions in the map and noting the changes, as well as working with precise sentences, the entangled dynamics of the present context can be relaxed. From this place fresh perspectives and ideas can be developed which build on the strengths of the whole system.

Where is this work applicable?

An Organisational Constellation can be applied in different settings but usually with leaders within a system who are able to act on decisions. This systemic approach is being used by organisations in areas of:

• Strategy development
• Change management and consultancy interventions
• Organisational restructuring and mergers
• Conflict resolution and mediation
• Recruitment
• Market issues
• Investment decisions

Evidence of the remarkable success of Constellations is building. A good deal of work is being done in Germany, the Netherlands, the USA, Australia and increasingly in the UK. People are writing books, articles and case studies documenting its use in their work in families, schools, businesses, prisons and communities.

With a proven ability in this work, movingconstellations continues to offer a range of workshops and training programmes, as well as integrating the approach into wider systemic coaching and consulting services.