Systemic Coaching from a Game of Thrones perspective. Learn more on https://coacharya.com/blog/game-of-thrones-and-coaching/

1. GOT through the EUM Lens
Implications for systemic
coaching

4. Basic
premises
Systems and individuals are intertwined
Systems exist in minds of people
Systems lay down the parameters of the
“right way to be”
Systemic Coaching entails engagement
with patterns of membership and
psychological role taking

5. EUM
universes
Universe of Belonging and Protection
Universe of Strength and Desire
Universe of Roles and Boundaries
Universe of Purpose and Achievement
Universe of Meaningfulness and
Intimacy
Universe of Duality and Simultaneity
CLAN
ARENA
CLOCKWORK
NETWORK
ECOLOGY
HOLONIC
EUM-I EUM-O

6. main features
of high clan
and high
arena systems
Close knit aggressive outfits
Quick to exploit opportunities
Vigilant towards threats
Emphasizes Alpha male models of leadership
All relationships determined by expediency
and power dynamics
Low reliance on formal systems – high
flexibility to select few

7. Categories of
membership
in such a
system
SOLID CITIZENS LONE RANGERS
RESIDUE HOLDERS DISRUPTORS/CHANGE
MAKERS

8. Solid Citizens
preservers
and significant
role holders
Entrenched in both UBP and USD -
Acknowledge their basic needs/desires – fulfilment in a
familiar setting
Segregate world into ”friends” and “foes”
Submissive towards powerful and aggressive towards less
powerful
Become aggressive when feeling insecure - Interfaces
accompanied by high tension and anxiety
Examples from GOT: Cersei, Tywin Lannister, Khal Drogo,
Stannis Baratheon, Lady Olenna, Catelyn Stark ….

9. Lone Rangers
act out
repressed
instincts
which
threaten clan
Entrenched in USD but deny UBP
Value attributes like autonomy, courage and risk
taking
Get restless with confinement and routine
Carry some mistrust and discomfort with established
norms
Difficulty in making commitments in putting down
roots
Becomes self-centric and insensitive to others
Examples from GOT: Arya Stark, Bronn, Joffrey,
Ramsay Bolton, Sandor Clagen ……

11. Residue Holders
represent
vulnerable
aspects which
are dangerous in
an arena system
Entrenched in UBP and deny USD
Strong commitment and loyalty to systems/individuals
Get dislocated by direct aggression
Remain in background and serve without becoming visible
Provide emotional support and infrastructure to others
Become receptacle of the toxicity of the system
Examples from GOT: Samwell Tarly, Sansa Stark, Tommen
Baratheon …

12. Disruptors &Change
makers
question and
extend the system
Not entrenched in either UBP or USD
Reasonably secure with themselves
Not destabilized by power differentials
May be seen as self sufficient and/or difficult to offer
anything to
Usually accommodated in peripheral roles which are not
disruptive, e.g. court jester, eccentric vagabond, mystique,
…
Have potential to provide transformative leadership
Examples from GOT : Jon Snow, Daenerys, Tyrion Lannister,
Lord Varys

13. Primary focus
of systemic
coaching
Solid citizens: help them see their
collusion with the system which thwarts
both themselves and the system
Lone Rangers: acknowledge their need
for belonging and safety and price which
they may be paying currently
Residue Holders: help them to take more
risks with themselves and discover their
potency
Disruptors & Change Makers: help them
see how misalignment with the system can
become a resource, for self and others

14. What is EUM?
A comprehensive framework for understanding individuals,
collectives (groups, families, organizations, etc.,) and the
relationship between them
Three main components:
EUM Individual (EUM-I)
EUM Organization (EUM-O), and
Em-Pact
Reflexive Lenses Consulting
introduction

15. Sources
of
inspiration
of
Inspiration
Inspired by Clare Graves
theory of “Levels of
Existence”
Strong resonance with
Indian approaches like
pluralism, non-linearity,
holism, context sensitivity

16. The Framework
Posits six universes
which reside within each
individual
Each universe is a
composite system of
needs, wants, attitudes,
beliefs, values and
propensities
The universes are
evolutionary, but not
hierarchical
The universes are in
constant interaction with
each other
The instruments map
degrees of identification,
distinctiveness and
valuing of each universe

17. how is it
different?
Traditional Psychometry
• Self as a ‘noun” with
specific properties
• Focus on types, traits and
measurement
• Context free
• Emphasis on feedback
affirms/challenges/explai
ns self concept
• Focus on strengths and
weaknesses and areas of
improvement
EUM
• Self as a “verb” – a
dynamic configuration
• Focus on interplay and
patterns
• Context sensitive
• Emphasis on dialogue –
juxtaposes self concept
with self ideal and
world view
• Focus on acceptance of
multiple parts of the
self and their potential

18. EUM
Universes
Universe of Belonging and
Protection
Universe of Strength and Desire
Universe of Roles and
Boundaries
Universe of Purpose and
Achievement
Universe of Meaningfulness and
Intimacy
Universe of Duality and
Simultaneity
CLAN
ARENA
CLOCKWORK
NETWORK
ECOLOGY
HOLONIC
EUM-I EUM-O