What is Organisational CAT (O-CAT)?
Organisational CAT (O-CAT) is a way of applying ideas from Cognitive Analytic Therapy to improve effectiveness when working relationally with individuals, teams, systems and organisations. Using an organisationally informed CAT frame in this way builds understanding of what is happening between people and the systems they work in. This understanding assists the organisation and its key people to then find productive and strategic ways forward.
O-CAT consultants help to analyse what is happening in relationships at work. Specifically they help to clarify how ways of relating can provide opportunities for performance and growth. Or, conversely, how relational factors may impact negatively upon productivity and staff well-being. A starting point for a team or organisation is the recognition that a system and the individuals within it feel stuck. Unmanageable feelings and problematic relational patterns in the workplace may be undermining effective team working or system functioning.
For example:
- tensions and ruptures in relationships threaten the ability to meet work goals or performance targets
- leaders and managers are struggling to make sense of problems in work relationships that are negatively impacting on collaboration, efficiency, staff well-being or quality of care
- individuals, teams or systems want to optimise opportunities for growth, but conflicting processes are undermining development opportunities
- you recognise that there is a chance ‘to do things differently around here’ but that you need additional support to understand this can be achieved
What does O-CAT offer?
The O-CAT approach focuses on the twin skills of analysis and change. It works at the individual, team and systemic levels and interfaces with organisational development work more widely.
Our approach is embedded in CAT theory. We make use of all the traditional CAT tools and map development to support positive change. The O-CAT approach can provide benefit to leadership and operational groups, clinical and front line teams, and individuals seeking change.
We draw upon a range of interventions depending on the focus and where change is most possible, for example:
Systemic
We may offer organisational consultancy with a focus on team culture, team working and leadership.
Clinical
Where staff need support in their responses to complex and challenging clinical needs, we may offer team trainings, case consultation, consultancy model training (eg 5-session Cognitive Analytic Consultancy) and training in specific CAT skills.
Enhancing reflective capacity in the organisation
We may support development of this key organisational capacity through approaches such as
- organisational supervision and mentoring;
- CAT informed Leadership Personal Reformulation with follow-up mentoring;
- executive coaching with senior leadership teams, and other key personnel; and
- work with OD and HR teams.
Additionally we can offer support to staff following work breakdown with a view to identifying positive and healthy return-to-work processes
Who provides O-CAT?
Catalyse O-CAT services are co-ordinated by an O-CAT work group who are Dr Sue Walsh, Dr Jenny Marshall and Dr David Harvey.
The O-CAT service is also able to draw upon the expertise of a highly experienced group of O-CAT consultants. Collectively, they bring with them decades of experience in leading NHS and other services at senior management and systemic levels through the application of CAT principles.
Contact the O-CAT Work Group
To find out more about the O-CAT approach and ways in which it may help your organisation, contact Dr Sue Walsh – sue@catalyse.uk.com – for an initial discussion about your needs.
