Organisation development is not an event but a practice, that involves an ongoing, systematic process of implementing effective organisational change. OD is both a field of applied science focused on understanding and managing organisational change and a field of scientific study and inquiry.
What we mean by:
Systems psychodynamics
Systems psychodynamics draws upon Psychoanalysis, psychodynamics, social anthropology, complexity theory, action research, open systems theory, systems thinking and socio-technical systems (STS) which is an organisational development is an approach to complex organisational work design that recognises and studies the interaction between people in their different roles, tasks and sub-systems and the technologies of their workplace.’ Lawlor, Sher 2023 p3 Tavistock Institute
OD facilitators and practitioners are trained to enable organisational development through a variety of intervention techniques. As we mature as an ICS our OD leads and improvement and transformation have much to benefit from sharing and connecting our expertise and supporting our whole systems to transform, with distinct initiatives as well as facilitating our leaders to adopt an organisational development approach.
Systems thinking is at the core of all we do in system leadership. This is relatively new for the NHS, less so for council colleagues and education sector. It was increasingly introduced in the NHS from 2015 and has become more prominent since 2021. Many of the origins of this way of leading can be found in the behavioural sciences and linked to Tavistock Tradition approach. A popular and simple way or working is Living Systems Leadership. In this approach organisational development is everyone’s business. A move away from programmatic courses to an approach, supported by OD, experienced senior leaders, transformation leads who are pivotal in creating enabled leadership. Our Systems Leadership CoP is the cog in the wheel which will work towards bringing these key people together and take up clear roles of Curator, Moderator and Facilitator
In light of systems psychodynamics for example ‘rather than functioning as a leaders of change, the role of organisation development is one of providing containment, understanding and facilitation for others to take up their roles responsible in their change process’ David Lawlor, 2023
Systems psychodynamics draws upon Psychoanalysis, psychodynamics, social anthropology, complexity theory, action research, open systems theory, systems thinking and socio-technical systems (STS) which is an organisational development is an approach to complex organisational work design that recognises and studies the interaction between people in their different roles, tasks and sub-systems and the technologies of their workplace.’ Lawlor, Sher 2023 p3 Tavistock Institute.
During Pre-strategy testing Myron Roger’s Maxim’s were found to be a helpful way to apply this way of thinking to every day work and development
As systems leadership takes hold with more people become interested, a growing body of knowledge and contested theories, approaches and methodology emerges. This site has curated some content helpful for ICS leaders everywhere but with a specific focus on what is needed and being worked on in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire. A simple way to bring systems thinking into your leadership practice can be applying Myron’s Maxims:
- People Own what they help create
- Real change happens in real work
- Those who do the work do the change
- Connect the system to more of itself
- Start anywhere, follow everywhere
- The Process you use to get to the future is the future you get
Our AIM
- To build relationships beyond organisational boundaries.
- Help us all understand where we are as a system – celebrating success and sharing our challenges
- Utilise colleague expertise and skills to help each other and address these challenges, with the intent to improve citizens and colleague experience
- To aid professional development and release talent and leadership across our ICS
The Midlands Region NHSE support this stating they focus on the following 5 areas –
Influencing without formal authority
Challenging the status quo
Releasing the potential of human systems
Consulting mindset and skillset
Self as courageous role model
Helpful Literature on Systems Leadership
System Synergy 