Systems Archetypes

Systems Archetypes

Definition

• Two people or organizations each see their welfare as depending on a relative advantage over the other
• Whenever one gets ahead, the other is more threatened leading it to act more aggressively to reestablish its advantage
• Aggressive behavior is seen as a defensive response

One High School divided into a Lower School and an Upper School

Two Principals - Escalation

• Lower school = 9th grade
• Upper school = 10th, 11th, 12th grade

Upper School

• 10th grade is the tested grade
• 11th grade SAT
• AP courses in all grades
• 12th grade college acceptances and graduation

Lower School

• 9th grade
• Little diversity in curriculum requirements
• Perception of limited resources and attention

Lower School Principal on the Defensive

• Recruits teachers from the upper school for lower school programs
• Requests more supports during meetings siting unfair number of electives in upper school
• Provides additional perks and benefits to lower school staff

Upper School Principal Reacts

• Makes sharing electives difficult across schools
• Counters perks and benefits to upper school staff

Head of School Resolves Conflict

• Reminding principals of shared vision
• Establishing a culture of teaming