Nest of Rakes

Nest of Rakes is a richly layered and provocative exploration of the complex dynamics underpinning power, leadership, and organisational life. With an incisive and poetic voice, Doherty weaves together narrative, theory, and reflective inquiry to challenge conventional notions of leadership and invite deeper contemplation of what it means to lead and be led.

Doherty delves into the messiness of human systems, drawing from psychodynamic and systemic perspectives to illuminate the often-unseen forces at play in organisational settings. Through stories, metaphors, and dialogue, he invites readers to sit with discomfort, embrace uncertainty, and surface the hidden patterns that shape our work and relationships.

The book is thought-provoking and elegantly written, offering no easy answers but instead creating space for meaningful inquiry and reflection. Whether you’re a coach, supervisor, or organisational consultant, Nest of Rakes provides a unique lens for exploring the emotional and relational undercurrents of leadership.

It is an essential companion for those who dare to go beyond surface-level interventions and engage more fully with the lived realities of organisational life. A brave and necessary read for reflective practitioners.

1. Using psychodynamic systems thinking in organisational analysis
2. Exploring unconscious processes in leadership and followership
3. Embracing discomfort and complexity as tools for growth