Understanding human groups can feel like looking at a river. Sometimes calm, sometimes wild, and always shaped by what lies beneath the surface. Systemic alliances are like the undercurrents that give direction and rhythm to that flow. They are usually invisible but hold remarkable power over how people relate, behave, and make choices together.
What are systemic alliances?
Systemic alliances refer to the invisible connections and loyalties that form between people within a group. These alliances are rooted not only in individual preference or shared goals but also in the deeper, often unconscious patterns and histories that live in a group’s “system.”
In our view, a systemic alliance is a connection that influences belonging, support, and even conflict within a group, often without people realizing it.
Picture a group where some members instinctively defend each other during discussions, while others feel consistently left out. These patterns do not arise out of nowhere. They grow from the group’s dynamics and its past stories.
Invisible bonds impact everything we do together.
Why do systemic alliances form in groups?
We form alliances far more naturally than we think. They begin at home: within families, we pick sides, protect siblings, or imitate parents. As we move into teams, communities, and organizations, these patterns repeat.
We’ve noticed that systemic alliances in groups often form around:
- Shared experiences (successes, failures, crises)
- Common backgrounds or values
- Unspoken family patterns carried into the collective
- Implicit group rules, sometimes rooted in an organization’s history
- Unresolved issues from the past, such as old conflicts or exclusions
These hidden connections shape our choices, our reactions, and even the way meetings unfold.
Recognizing the signs of systemic alliances
Spotting systemic alliances can be subtle, but the signs are there. In our experience, recognizing these patterns starts with observation and curiosity, not judgment. Here are a few ways systemic alliances may show up:
- Certain members always support or defend each other, regardless of context
- Some individuals get isolated or repeatedly left out of discussions
- Conflicts tend to “fall” around the same relationships or subgroups
- Decisions seem to reflect invisible loyalties, rather than explicit group interests
- Newcomers either “fall into line” quickly or become outsiders
We believe in listening not only to what is said but also to what remains unspoken. Body language, shared glances, or who sits next to whom at meetings often reveal more than official group charts or formal roles.
How do systemic alliances shape group outcomes?
Systemic alliances do more than connect people—they create a hidden structure to the group. This structure influences almost everything, from trust to creativity and even productivity.
When alliances are recognized and worked with consciously, they support inclusion, decision-making, and growth for the entire group.
But when they remain unspoken, they can:
- Create divisions, with “insiders” and “outsiders”
- Cement old conflicts instead of allowing healing
- Discourage innovation by sticking to the same alliances and routines
- Block honest feedback and limit collective intelligence
Once, we observed a project team where two members always sided together. At first, it seemed innocent. Over time, this alliance kept new ideas from surfacing. It wasn’t until the group named and discussed this pattern that trust began to grow, and decisions became more creative.
How to work with systemic alliances in groups
We see working with systemic alliances as more than “solving problems.” It is about making the invisible visible, so everyone can choose how to relate and contribute.
Building awareness
The first step is to pause and reflect. Instead of blaming individuals, we look for patterns of inclusion, exclusion, loyalty, or repeated conflict. Asking open questions helps:
- Who tends to ally with whom in discussions?
- Which stories get told and retold?
- Which members feel heard, and which do not?
The group’s story matters
Every alliance has a backstory—sometimes generations old, especially in families and long-standing teams. Bringing these stories into the open, gently and respectfully, allows the group to integrate the past rather than be driven by it.
Inviting open dialogue
Creating safe spaces for sharing allows people to voice feelings, concerns, or loyalties—without fear of punishment.
When conversation is possible, growth follows.
Some groups use structured reflection or even visual mapping to uncover connections in a non-threatening way. Others find value in guided group reflections, where patterns are appreciated without blame.
Integrating differences and supporting belonging
Systemic alliances work best when all members feel seen and respected, even across splits or differences.
- Name visible and invisible loyalties in the group when possible
- Encourage listening to every voice, especially those who are usually quiet
- Include stories or rituals that embrace difference, not only similarity
We have noticed that when alliances are named and respected, not demonized, groups find balance. People no longer need to “fight” for their place—they know they belong.
What can go wrong with unspoken alliances?
If systemic alliances remain unconscious, the group pays a price. Old disputes can repeat, new members get stuck in old stories, and decision-making gets blocked. The flow of energy dries up.
Sometimes, people wonder why the same misunderstandings keep happening or why innovation feels impossible. Often, the answer lies in the patterns within and between the group’s alliances. Bringing awareness is not about blaming. It is about choice and responsibility for the group’s health.
Conclusion
Systemic alliances shape every group, team, or community, whether we see them or not. We believe that naming and respecting these hidden connections brings groups closer to their collective wisdom and well-being. When we pay attention to the roots of our connections, we open new space for belonging, creativity, and shared success. Group maturity begins with recognizing what is already there, even if invisible.
Frequently asked questions
What are systemic alliances in groups?
Systemic alliances in groups are invisible connections and loyalties that form between members, shaping how people relate, support each other, and sometimes exclude others within the group. These alliances often influence group dynamics in subtle but powerful ways, sometimes without anyone being aware of them.
How do systemic alliances form?
Systemic alliances form through shared experiences, family patterns, unspoken group rules, and collective histories. They may arise from common backgrounds, repeated group stories, or unaddressed conflicts from the past, building a web of unseen relationships that guide group interactions.
Why are systemic alliances important?
Systemic alliances play a key role in shaping group belonging, communication, and decision-making. When understood and brought to light, they can support trust and growth within the group, but if ignored, they can cause splits, repeated conflicts, and block change or innovation.
How can I identify systemic alliances?
You can identify systemic alliances by observing repeated patterns of support or exclusion, noticing who collaborates closely, and recognizing who gets left out of discussions. Pay attention to body language, who shares stories with whom, and the flow of informal communication in the group.
Can systemic alliances affect group decisions?
Yes, systemic alliances influence group decisions by shaping who gets heard, which options are favored, and how feedback is shared. Unspoken loyalties can override formal roles in decision-making, sometimes leading to choices that serve only part of the group.
