ABSTRACT

Difficult and puzzling emotions in our working roles, often experienced as disproportionate, may be unrecognised shadows of negative early inter-personal experiences, recreating dysfunctional relationships in the present. These shadows include early parent–child or sibling dynamics, or experiences of bullying at school. The particular challenges faced by family businesses, where longstanding patterns may persist in the present, are also discussed. The four case studies illustrate some of these phenomena. The first describes a shadow which had been inhibiting the realisation of potential. In the second, the shadow was causing intolerable stress. The third is an example of how shadows which had previously worked well became a hindrance towards the end of a successful working life. The fourth explores the dynamics of a family business. Becoming conscious of what is going on and its possible origins can make it easier to make sense of what is happening for ourselves and for others. This can help managers to free themselves from stuck positions and to be more effective in taking up their authority.