I have discussed chaos at some length in a previous Chapter.
Because members of families in our Focus Group are often aiming to put order on chaos I believe that it is most important to model coherence in our work. (I really like the description offered in the link – that if something is coherent all of its parts fit together well).
In human growth, the ability to cohere our actions, thoughts and feelings is an important developmental stage that can be hindered by exposure to continual chaos and trauma in childhood. We have discussed integration already, and in human growth coherence and integration are closely linked. Coherence is also linked to our Internal Working Model described here.
If, in our organisation, we value coherence and this is displayed in our dealings with others, we will at least model it to people who may be struggling – such as those in the throes of addiction. The expression the right hand knows what the left hand is doing comes to mind.
I find it helpful when considering coherence, and the strength that comes from it, to think of our organisation as being more of a matrix, or a grid, (like a wide stretched-out net) than a chain.
Unlike a chain, where every link has to be unbreakable, a grid allows for vulnerability. Or to put it another way, it gives people permission to be vulnerable. Every connection in the matrix, unlike a link in a chain, does not need to be strong all the time. If enough are strong at any one time they will make up for the ones that are, for today, a little fragile and need some mending – or minding!
Interdependence is enhanced by coherence where the overall goals and aims are pursued with rationality and reason – rather than inflexible logic and rigidity – which I will return to later when I discuss power.