Shadow Dynamics are the unconscious, default modes of human behavior that emerge when individuals become disconnected from the group's primary objective. These dynamics serve as psychological defense mechanisms in the face of uncertainty or stress, but they come at the cost of being disconnected from reality. Shadow dynamics provide fantasy solutions to unpleasant emotions that divert energy from the primary objective, leading to organizational entropy and ineffectiveness. Hence, when individuals fall under the influence of Shadow Dynamics, we say they have fallen into [[Fantasyland]]. There are five Shadow Dynamics: 1. **[[Dependency]]**: Individuals abdicate personal responsibility and autonomy, deferring to external authorities or figures for direction, protection, and decision-making. 2. **[[Fight or Flight]]**: A state of heightened vigilance where potential issues are perceived as threats, triggering aggressive responses to eliminate dangers or avoidant behavior to escape them. 3. **[[Pairing]]**: Individuals become preoccupied with intense combative or erotic energy between two group members. The rest of the group experiences this passion vicariously as they hang on the pair's every interaction. 4. **[[Oneness]]**: A preoccupation with maintaining harmony, unity, and avoiding conflict within the group, even when necessary to make decisions and get work done. Individuals may suppress their differences and engage in groupthink to preserve a fantasy sense of unity. 5. **[[Me-ness]]**: Individuals prioritize personal interests, desires, and ambitions over the collective needs and goals of the group. They may struggle to form genuine bonds with others that are necessary to transmit and receive authorization. When a group falls under the influence of Shadow Dynamics, they begin to operate as if the goal is something other than the primary objective. Each Shadow Dynamic has a corresponding shadow goal that subverts the primary objective for those under its influence. These shadow goals provide a sense of purpose and direction for those under their influence, but lead the group towards entropy and ineffectiveness by diverting energy away from the primary objective. The shadow goals for each Shadow Dynamic are: 1. **Dependency**: Obtain guidance and protection from an idealized leader or authority figure. 2. **Fight or Flight**: Ensure survival of the group against perceived threats or dangers. 3. **Pairing**: Displace the group's anxieties and avoid the primary objective by investing hope in the pair's interaction to magically resolve the group's challenges. 4. **Oneness**: Merge into an undifferentiated, conflict-free state of harmony, unity, and shared consciousness. 5. **Me-ness**: Fulfill individual needs, desires, and ambitions. ## Deep Dives on Shadow Dynamics - [[Dependency]] - [[Fight or Flight]] - [[Pairing]] - [[Oneness]] - [[Me-ness]] ## Further Reading * [[Flavors of Dependency]] * All Shadow Dynamics can be viewed as flavors of dependency * [[The Survival Instinct]] * At the core of every Shadow Dynamic lies the drive towards survival