S6. Bonus Episode: The Observer Effect

Season 6 Bonus Episode
The Observer Effect: How Awareness Shapes the Systems Coaching Process

In this conversation, Katie welcomes CRR Global co-founder Marita Fridjhon to the show to discuss the observer effect in systems coaching. Research in relational psychology and systems theory supports the idea that change arises in relationships, not in isolation. The observer effect reminds us that systems work- whether that be in a coaching session or group supervision- is a co-creative process. It is not just about analysing data, but about what becomes possible in the presence of mindful, attuned witnessing.

Key takeaways from this episode:

• In physics, the observer effect refers to how the act of observing a phenomenon can change its behavior. While the term originates in quantum mechanics, the concept is increasingly relevant to fields that rely on human presence, awareness, and relational engagement—including coaching supervision.
• The observer effect reflects a foundational truth: presence is not neutral. The supervisor is a co-participant in the relational field, actively shaping what unfolds. Observation becomes a force of change—not because of analysis, but because of mindful, attuned witnessing.
• Systems workers engaged in this model relational intelligence recognize that their tone, posture, silence, or intuitive nudge can shift the system. Whether through a well-timed pause or a single moment of spacious attention, their presence invites the supervisee to access greater awareness and possibility.
• When systems workers bring grounded, intentional presence, they create a field that is safe enough for emergence and brave enough for insight. This presence doesn’t seek to fix, but to facilitate a deepened seeing—one that includes the coach, the client, and the unseen patterns shaping the work.

Marita Fridjhon is co-founder of CRR Global and mentor to an ever-growing community of practitioners in the field of Relationship Systems work. She came to this work from an extensive background in clinical social work, community development, process work, family systems therapy, business consulting and alternative dispute resolution. Her primary focus in coaching is on systemic change, leveraging differences, creative communication, deep democracy in conflict management and the development of learning organizations.

For over 20 years, CRR Global has accompanied leaders, teams, and practitioners on their journey to build stronger relationships by focusing on the relationship itself, not only the individuals occupying it. This leads to a community of changemakers around the world. Supported by a global network of faculty and partners, we connect, inspire and equip change agents to shift systems, one relationship at a time.

We believe Relationship Matters, from humanity to nature, to the larger whole.