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Category Archives: bowen family systems theory
Functioning at one’s best
I received an interesting question about Bowen’s concept of self-differentiation. The question, an imaginative one, was “what if” some day scientists discovered a “differentiation gene.” It was fun to ponder, but, genes don’t work that way. More to the point, … Continue reading
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Why triangles are “bad”
One misunderstanding about basic concepts of Bowen Family Systems theory has to do with assigning value statements. For example, the notion that overfunctioning is “bad.” Overfunctioning, like other behaviors are not “bad” or “good,” they are merely functions, symptoms, or … Continue reading
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If it’s a choice between…
Self-differentiation is all about functioning. One manifestation of the extent to which one is functioning in a self-differentiated manner is how well one can separate feeling from thinking. I recently consulted with a normally steady and effective staff person who … Continue reading
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The Myth of Competence
Some years ago I did a presentation titled “The Myth of Competence.” It developed out of my observation that so many leaders live under a crushing load of performance-anxiety and a frame of mind I called the myth of competence. … Continue reading
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“I don’t want to do that.”
I was intrigued by overhearing a common phrase last week. Overheard several times was the phrase, “I don’t want to do that.” It’s a common enough phrase (anyone who has ever had a three or four year old around the … Continue reading
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How to learn BFST
I received an e-mail from a friend who has been studying Bowen Family Systems Theory (BFST) for the past few years. He has been reading the literature, asking good questions, and at one point sought out a therapist to serve … Continue reading
Novelty, reflection, and learning
I’ve observed that most folks settle into a professional routine (a rut, really) that intersects with the achievement of a certain level of competence. Once they learn the job and find efficient (if not effective) ways of doing it, they’ll … Continue reading
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The power of multigenerational transmission in congregations
The Bowen theory concept of multigenerational transmission in families, although often difficult to accept, is logically appreciated. Families pass along habits, traditions, beliefs, grudges, feuds, genes, and emotional process down the generations. That force can be as powerful as a … Continue reading
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Four goals of the organizational leader
Leaders approach their work in many ways. They use various frames of references to inform how they go about their work. Some, for instance, focus on the concept of “leadership style.” Others lean toward the leader-as-manager approach while others take … Continue reading
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Anxiety and the myth of security
I continue to observe manifestations of how anxiety can lead to a search for security. Even before the current manic anxiety related to the financial crises, but more so now because of it, I have been observing reactivity taking the … Continue reading
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