Ordering principles
Four dynamics
The systemic perspective recognizes 4 hidden ordering principles that influence social systems, relationships, and interactions, and which determine the success and failure of our coexistence. Four dynamics in which we are less free than we would like to think or hope.
When we better understand the power of these ordering principles, we can penetrate deeper into what is really important. Moreover, these principles appear to be universally valid.
1. Membership or the right to belong to a system
In every action and thought, we instinctively express our membership. But because we belong to many different and conflicting systems, our behaviour can sometimes seem very irrational. No one, especially a child, will act in a way that can jeopardize his or her sense of belonging. This struggle with loyalties occurs equally between partners, siblings, between employer and employee, in teams, .... If we want to influence behaviour, we must certainly take this principle into account.
2. Place or importance of having a proper place within the system.
People feel good about themselves when they are in the right place. It's palpable in the body. When teachers behave as teachers and parents as parents, children are freer to be children. When a leader clearly takes his or her position, there is peace and safety for the employees to concentrate on their task. Becoming more aware of this principle helps us to reach a deeper connection. Many problems arise when people, through their actions, have placed themselves in the wrong position or have been put there by others.
3. Balance between give and take.
Everything we do contributes to the balance of give and take, either positively or in a negative way. And systems always strive to maintain this balance or, if it is out of kilter, to restore it. This phenomenon occurs between people, between human and non-human systems, and between the past and the future. It is often not objectively measurable, but it is always palpable. With this principle, we also note that systems are much stronger than the individual members that make it up.
Gaining more insight into this complex principle can make our relationships more harmonious.
4. Time dimension.
We are always influenced by what has preceded us and we are often entangled in the past of which we have forgotten or denied parts. By acknowledging and respecting the past, it becomes a creative and empowering resource that can be a special help when we try to shape our lives forward. Our ability to appreciate this ordering principle brings us into our true power.
When we better understand the power of these ordering principles, we can penetrate deeper into what is really important. Moreover, these principles appear to be universally valid.
1. Membership or the right to belong to a system
In every action and thought, we instinctively express our membership. But because we belong to many different and conflicting systems, our behaviour can sometimes seem very irrational. No one, especially a child, will act in a way that can jeopardize his or her sense of belonging. This struggle with loyalties occurs equally between partners, siblings, between employer and employee, in teams, .... If we want to influence behaviour, we must certainly take this principle into account.
2. Place or importance of having a proper place within the system.
People feel good about themselves when they are in the right place. It's palpable in the body. When teachers behave as teachers and parents as parents, children are freer to be children. When a leader clearly takes his or her position, there is peace and safety for the employees to concentrate on their task. Becoming more aware of this principle helps us to reach a deeper connection. Many problems arise when people, through their actions, have placed themselves in the wrong position or have been put there by others.
3. Balance between give and take.
Everything we do contributes to the balance of give and take, either positively or in a negative way. And systems always strive to maintain this balance or, if it is out of kilter, to restore it. This phenomenon occurs between people, between human and non-human systems, and between the past and the future. It is often not objectively measurable, but it is always palpable. With this principle, we also note that systems are much stronger than the individual members that make it up.
Gaining more insight into this complex principle can make our relationships more harmonious.
4. Time dimension.
We are always influenced by what has preceded us and we are often entangled in the past of which we have forgotten or denied parts. By acknowledging and respecting the past, it becomes a creative and empowering resource that can be a special help when we try to shape our lives forward. Our ability to appreciate this ordering principle brings us into our true power.