ABSTRACT

The use of the concept of the analyst's countertransference has always been viewed as a key element of clinical practice in psychoanalysis. By being more human in their leadership roles, they were able to connect differently that week, and in other relationships in the wider organization. They all reported the impact on their personal and professional relationships, and the quality of those relationships, and how this, in turn, enables them to be more effective leaders. The fear of losing jobs was palpable, and much of the murmured conversation was of what was not fair – the jobs which no longer existed, poor communication and a feeling of despair. Countertransference can be a great asset to our work in organizations, in the sense-making and understanding "why" things happen and some of the root causes, such that "problems" can be more accurately diagnosed.