Organizational development professionals must understand how the system operates, the dynamics of the systems, and associated leverage points and tipping points. From there, organizational coaches will determine how to work with the individuals in the underground, providing meaningful and impactful coaching that allows individuals to regain their sense of purpose, esteem, income, and pride. We see a critical need for organizational consulting work with the underground system. Consultants who have the experience to diagnose integrated systems and processes can play a vital role in moving this system forward for the betterment of society, as opposed to where it is today (in the early stages of formation and struggling for identity and greater purpose). We see this as the bridge to working with the broader community, advocacy, public policy, and pro bono coaching. Of equal importance to all of the above is how to work with our own hearts to understand our personal responsibility at the macro and micro levels of the organizational underground, and how our own calling might be part of the bigger game.

Personal Level of Coaching

What a man can be, he must be. Abraham Maslow, Psychologist

Maslow’s hierarchy of humans’ five basic needs include physiological needs; safety needs; needs of love, affection and belongingness; needs for esteem; and needs for self-actualization (1943). As we have previously discussed, impact on esteem during this recession is significant, and we would argue that the basic needs at the 2nd and 3rd levels are also impacted. For some in the organizational underground, addressing basic needs at lower levels in the hierarchy become paramount. We believe that organizational coaches have a role to play here in helping members of the organizational underground redefine or reframe “belongingness.” In addition, organization coaches can use a systems perspective to create connections between members and the greater virtual underground, thereby providing a “place” where members have affinity and a sense of belonging, allowing them to move up the hierarchy to esteem. Frustrated esteem needs can lead to feelings of weakness, helplessness, inferiority, and worthlessness. If coaches use Maslow’s theory in their work with individuals in the underground, the esteem level will need particular attention. It is a dominant need that, when not met, blocks self-actualization. The skilled coach will help her client determine which areas of esteem are not being met and causing frustration. She can work with her client to develop a plan that closes the gaps. Once that happens, self-actualization is possible.