Articles

In complex organizations, leaders face multidimensional psychological challenges. Using the case of Arthur Andersen, a company that failed due to leadership’s inability to respond to the powerful dynamics of authorization, we discuss the importance of adaptive leadership, psychodynamic organization theory and Interpersonal psychoanalysis to understand the complexities leaders face. Successful leadership requires transparency, emotional competence, […]

The 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center devastated this investment bank. We discuss our work in helping Sandler O’Neill & Partners’ remaining managing director, employees and families, recover from the trauma of losing 39% of their friends and colleagues. We present the challenges and successes of bringing together survivors, families, volunteers and new employees […]

Through a case study of a senior executive at a foreign bank, we look at the complex dynamics between leadership, teamwork and organizational culture, and how to help leaders navigate the challenges of a rapidly changing business landscape. We address the importance of understanding the psychological factors that drive individual and organizational behavior and decision-making; […]

Leaders must be able to identify and manage workplace stresses and anxieties, what we call “troubling, frightening bits” or TFBs, that originate from employees, work, organizational dysfunction, and external events. If unaddressed, TFBs can negatively impact an organization. “Psychological containment” is the ability to keep TFBs within limits, enabling teams to stay focused and aligned […]