Tag Archives: Bowen systems theory

Five Signs of an Anxious Leader

An anxious leader whose primary concern is to be liked, affirmed, or appreciated will find their effectiveness compromised. Here are five signs of an anxious leader. Continue reading

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Four Facts About Reactivity

Reactivity typically is misdirected at the wrong object. Because leaders occupy the position of greatest responsibility in the system they often are the focus of misdirected and misplaced reactivity. Leaders who have the capacity to remember and accept that “This is not about me” can avoid taking it personally or making the expressions, messages, and behaviors of reactivity a personal issue. Continue reading

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Homeostasis finds a way

Every move toward change seems to be met with a countermove in the form of resistance, sabotage, entrenchment, confrontation, opposition, passive aggressive strategies, or sheer stubbornness. Experienced leaders never underestimate the power of homeostasis to reestablish systemic equilibrium. Continue reading

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Ten Toxic Leadership Types

The measure of successful leadership is how well a group performs, over time, in terms of valued outcomes, or the realization of the organization’s mission. Benjamin J. Inyang considers leadership as process which “involves the use of non-coercive influence to … Continue reading

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Lead like a pirate!

I have a couple of friends who are really into “Talk Like a Pirate Day” (September 19 in case you’re wondering). One dresses up like a pirate for the day  (in Johnny Depp “Pirates of the Caribbean” style) and plays … Continue reading

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Family Secrets in Multigenerational Patterns

Family secrets represent complex phenomena that reflect and reinforce multigenerational patterns of functioning. Through the lens of Bowen Family Systems Theory, we understand that these secrets are not simply about hidden information but about the emotional processes that govern family life. Continue reading

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Emotional Integration in Organizations

At the conclusion to a recent presentation on leadership in organizations someone asked, “How would you define emotional integration in an organization?” While I did not use that phrase in my presentation, it was a good question. The term integration … Continue reading

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How To Tell if Trouble is Brewing

If there’s one thing a leader hates the most it may be getting caught by surprise—getting blindsided, waylaid, sideswiped, or caught unprepared. This pitfall sometimes happens because staff or subordinates tend to be hesitant about sharing “bad news” to their … Continue reading

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Seven Moral Imperatives of Bowen Family Systems Theory

A moral imperative is a principle or duty that one feels compelled to follow based on ethical reasoning. It represents an obligation to act in a certain way because it is morally right, regardless of personal convenience or consequences. Continue reading

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A Family Genogram Workbook: Tenth printing!

We have just received the delivery of the tenth printing of A Family Genogram Workbook by Galindo, Boomer, and Reagan. We’re pleased with its success (and its steady sales!). We have a few on hand that qualify for discounts, so … Continue reading

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