The 5 principles of Relationship Systems Intelligence

Whatever work we do, we are always in relationship.

Relationship Systems Intelligence (RSI) is an advanced and courageous way of approaching leadership and team interactions. It goes beyond Emotional Intelligence (relationship with oneself), and Social Intelligence (relationship with others). Relationship Systems Intelligence (RSI) is where the focus is on the web of connection between members of the entire group, team or system.

Organization and Relationship Systems Coaching (ORSC) is an innovative and powerful coaching model based on Relationship Systems Intelligence.  A ‘relationship system’ is any interdependent group of people, sharing a common identity or function.  Psychologists might refer to a ‘collective consciousness’.  Business consultants might talk about a ‘corporate culture’.  Therapists would likely address ‘family dynamics’.  All are ways of referring to what we call the Third Entity.

The 5 principles of Relationship Systems Intelligence

• Accessing the Team’s entity:
  Each relationship system has its own unique identity or ‘personality’.
  
  
• Hearing, seeing and feeling the Team:
  Every member of the relationship system is a Voice of the System.
  
  
• The Team has the answers:
  Relationships systems are naturally intelligent, generative and creative.
  
  
• Roles belong to the Team:
  Relationships systems rely on roles for their organization and execution of functions.
• Change is constant:
  Relationships systems are in a constant state of emergence.

It’s all in the Relationship

The development of RSI within a team or organizational system accelerates collaboration and supports the creative thinking needed to face the current challenges. In the same way that Emotional Intelligence equips individuals to master their internal life, and Social Intelligence engenders empathy, RSI enables leaders and teams to tap into the true potential of human beings’ collective intelligence and creative powers.

The basic idea of RSI is the redirection of focus from the individuals within the system, to the whole system as an entity in itself. This shift in focus enables Leaders, teams and organizations to move beyond personal concerns and conflicts to a positive and generative group identity. The strength of a team’s identity provides resilience and the resources necessary to navigate the constantly changing challenges organizations face.

Through ORSC training we learn the concepts, skills and tools to be more effective with others. Want to learn more about the 5 Principles and the upcoming ORSC Courses?