Category Archives: bowen family systems theory

Book review: Leadership and the New Science, by Wheatley

Posted on March 5, 2008 by Israel Galindo

Margaret J. Wheatley’s Leadership and the New Science ( San Francisco, CA: Berret-Koehler Publishers, 1999) is one of those books I picked up for a pull quote reference but which wound up as a “keeper” on my bookshelf. It’s a … Continue reading →

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Identified Patient Handout

Posted on February 18, 2008 by Israel Galindo

Someone recently requested a teaching handout for the concept of the “Identified Patient.” We’re happy to oblige in providing resources if we can. Attached is the handout (a “one-pager” we created:

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Good leaders don’t motivate

Posted on February 13, 2008 by Israel Galindo

I continue to come across the notion, in the literature on leadership, that good leaders motivate others. I’m becoming convinced that that is a wrong notion. I think it’s fine that people “get motivated” out of their own internal, intrinsic, … Continue reading →

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Birth order and you

Posted on February 5, 2008 by Israel Galindo

I’ve been doing some presentations related to Bowen Systems Theory with a focus on the use of doing family or origin work using one’s genogram. In my experience there is no quicker way to self-insight than delving into trying understand … Continue reading →

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Leadership in Ministry Workshops winter 2008 newsletter

Posted on February 4, 2008 by Israel Galindo

The winter 2008 issue of the Leadership in Ministry Workshops is now available. This issue’s features include:

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Happiness is overrated and unproductive

Posted on January 31, 2008 by Israel Galindo

During the J-term course on systems theory I made a passing comment in class about the current use of antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications (over)prescribed in our culture. It was made during a moment of rabbit-chasing while we were talking about … Continue reading →

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Leaving Well (If you’re going to go, go!)

Posted on January 22, 2008 by Israel Galindo

I’ve been consulting with several clergy who are contemplating leaving their ministry settings. It’s not unusual for these consultations to come in waves, and it’s always interesting that they do. It seems that issues, crises, and topics have their seasons. … Continue reading →

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In a nutshell standing on one leg

Posted on December 27, 2007 by Israel Galindo

A story is told about novelist and philosopher Ayn Rand, who, was once asked if she could summarize her philosophy of Objectivism while standing on one leg. She did, and her succinct statement of her philosophy in a nutshell is … Continue reading →

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“There’s a disturbance in the force.”

Posted on November 21, 2007 by Israel Galindo

I like Star Wars, the movie, as much as the next person—at least the original (while not technically sophisticated, or particularly well-acted, nevertheless it retains its charm). But there’s nothing like being corrected by a 16-year-old Star Wars geek on … Continue reading →

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BFST and individual personality theories

Posted on November 2, 2007 by Israel Galindo

I’d no sooner sat down to lunch at a recent conference, at which I presented on Bowen Family Systems Theory (BFST), than a participant asked, “Can I ask you a question?” “Sure,” I said, wondering what answer I’d have to … Continue reading →

Posted in bowen family systems theory, personal growth | 3 Comments