Exploring Group Shadows of
Teal Groups/Organizations
Here is a checklist of some Teal-group shadows I have observed over the years. A group shadow is a pattern of group interactions (involving some or all the group members) which can be observed to be detrimental to the well-being of the group and to its actions/results/expression of its Evolutionary Purpose.
These are patterns I've seen and experienced in groups nominally or even predominantly operating in Teal/Yellow consciousness. At the end below, I talk briefly about how this list might be USED by a group.
The list is not in any particular order.
"EGO" MEANS "INVALID"
1. Someone comes up with a tension and others assume or discern it is individual, "from ego," or "defensive," instead of actually looking to see whether it is indeed a systemic/group matter/tension. It could be valid and useful for the group to consider EVEN IF the individual is coming from ego-shadow. Both-and, not either-or. By "shooting the messenger" down (into silenced invalidation) without reflecting, potential collective intelligence is lost.
LEFTOVER HABITS AROUND POWER AND DECISIONS
2. Individuals in a self-management environment are often still tethered to old habits of consciousness/behavior, and, for example, seek consensus before acting
(Green) or seek permission before acting (Orange.) This becomes a group shadow if others, due to their own individual shadows, don't realize
this and call attention to it.
One effect detrimental to the group is that things don't get done even though
they might have been good for the group. Also, the self-inhibiting breeds resentment in
those who won't act without consensus or permission; that
contaminates the relational space and reduces their enthusiasm for
contributing to the thriving of the whole group.
