Category Archives: bowen family systems theory

The brain and learning, 2

Posted on April 28, 2009 by Israel Galindo

Today’s brain and learning concept: the brain is social. Bowen systems theory and developmental psychologists stress that individuals must always be seen as integral parts of larger social systems. Part of our identity depends on establishing community and finding ways … Continue reading →

Posted in bowen family systems theory, Christian Education, development theory, personal growth, teaching | Tagged , , , , , | 3 Comments

Five just plain wrong notions about leadership

Posted on April 20, 2009 by Israel Galindo

On occasion I find myself startled at hearing a persistent wrong notion that just won’t go away. These notions are sometimes overheard in informal conversation, but sometimes they are offered in lectures or presentations. I don’t doubt that the people … Continue reading →

Posted in bowen family systems theory, leadership | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

Differentiation and emotional maturity

Posted on April 6, 2009 by Israel Galindo

A friend has been working on his differentiation of self for some time now. He is a curious learner, has done responsible self-work (reading, seeing a therapist, using a coach, working on his family of origin relationships), and he asks … Continue reading →

Posted in bowen family systems theory, development theory, leadership, personal growth | 1 Comment

Taking stock

Posted on March 30, 2009 by Israel Galindo

The new job has taken me out of the loop of what used to be a steady study of Bowen Family Systems Theory (BFST). I’ve missed being regularly engaged in study and discussions about the theory and its application with … Continue reading →

Posted in bowen family systems theory | 3 Comments

How to deal with a wall

Posted on March 17, 2009 by Israel Galindo

One of the first dollars I made for a job was knocking through a wall in a New York City brownstone. I used a sledgehammer and it took me an entire day. I was paid a dollar, but in the … Continue reading →

Posted in bowen family systems theory, leadership | Comments Off on How to deal with a wall

Congregations during pastoral transitions

Posted on March 9, 2009 by Israel Galindo

Pastoral transitions can be anxiety-ridden times for congregations. Congregations that go through an interim period without pastoral leadership need to navigate transition without an organization’s chief resource: its leader. That transition involves many challenges, including, disruption of homeostasis, a shift … Continue reading →

Posted in bowen family systems theory, congregational life, leadership, second chair | Comments Off on Congregations during pastoral transitions

When is a cutoff not a cutoff?

Posted on March 2, 2009 by Israel Galindo

At a recent workshop with clergy on Bowen Family Systems Theory and congregational leadership one lingering question came up. When dealing with the concept of cutoffs among clergy, it has become inevitable that someone will bring up the matter of … Continue reading →

Posted in bowen family systems theory, congregational life, leadership | 2 Comments

Traits of the well-defined leader

Posted on February 17, 2009 by Israel Galindo

I came across some notes from a presentation by my friend Ken Hurto (who recently pleasantly surprised me by finding me on Facebook). Ken’s presentation on leadership was titled “Being a Lighthouse and Not a Bulldozer.” In it he used … Continue reading →

Posted in bowen family systems theory, leadership | 2 Comments

Easier said than done

Posted on February 16, 2009 by Israel Galindo

The concept of the self-differentiated leader is attractive. And those who work toward being a self-differentiated leader strive toward a high goal. But while the concept is relatively easy to define, it’s easier said than done when it comes to … Continue reading →

Posted in bowen family systems theory, leadership | Comments Off on Easier said than done

It’s a gender thing (maybe)

Posted on February 10, 2009 by Israel Galindo

During a recent conversation I was asking for help in clarifying a misunderstanding from a colleague. She began our conversation by saying, “It’s probably a gender thing.” I’ve never found that a helpful way to start a conversation. My thought … Continue reading →

Posted in bowen family systems theory, development theory, personal growth, world view | 1 Comment