OS 008 - Identify What Blocks a Leader's Success, Pt 1

About Murry Bowen A psychiatrist, Bowen had dedicated his life to the “human cause,” producing a remarkable new theory of human behavior, family systems theory, also known as Bowen theory. The new theory has the potential to replace most of Freudian theory and to radically change treatment approaches, not only in psychiatry, but in all of medicine. Potential applications of Bowen theory extend beyond the human family to nonfamily groups, including large organizations and society as a whole.* *Gilbert, Roberta M. (2011-03-14). Extraordinary Relationships . Leading Systems Press LLC. Kindle Edition. 8 Concepts of Bowen Family Systems Links to The Bowen Center Triangles When there are three people in a relationship. Triangles are neither good nor bad - they are. Triangles sometime have one person on the outside when the other two are strongly connected causing tension. More: http://www.thebowencenter.org/pages/concepttri.html Differentiation of Self Strong grounding in personal guiding principles where a person does not depend on the approval of others for decisions. Each person in a group emotional system thinks for themselves rather than opting in to the will of the group in what's called "group think." More: http://www.thebowencenter.org/pages/conceptds.html Nuclear Family Emotional System The basic family unit is where we learn patterns and behaviors. By observing our family, we learn about ourselves and gain abilities to observe other emotional systems. More: http://www.thebowencenter.org/pages/conceptnf.html Family Projection Process We all inherit problems and strengths from our parents who have projected their fears and hopes to us. Observing these patterns frees us the be independent and function in basic self. More: http://www.thebowencenter.org/pages/conceptfpp.html Multigenerational Transmission Process We all posses learned behaviors that have been taught to us knowingly and unknowingly through multiple generations. Response to these emotional triggers results in less differention of self. Observing these patterns allows us to make good decisions staying true to our basic self. More: http://www.thebowencenter.org/pages/conceptmtp.html Emotional Cutoff This is where we avoid or minimize contact with people with whom we have unresolved tension. Often, we establish new relationships as a substitute with the same issues appearing over time. Meanwhile, the tension continues with the original person creating unresolved anxiety.