A list of names

Posted on October 23, 2008 by Israel Galindo

At a recent workshop with a group of ministers from another denomination I asked the participants to introduce themselves and include in their introduction information about their context. When describing their context all participants shared the membership size of their congregation, specifically, the number they gave was the number of names on the church roll or register. I had to go back around and ask each participant to share the average Sunday morning worship attendance of their church (which ranged from one quarter to one third of the number they’d shared previously). Continue reading →

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The one year seminary

Posted on October 22, 2008 by Israel Galindo

Every once is a while (like last month, in fact) I get a call from a church leaders wanting guidance and ideas about creating a mini-seminary in their congregations. While that idea is driven by a desire to make Christian education more meaningful and effective in their congregations I am always suspect of that approach. I believe that any congregation will be well-served by taking Christian education more seriously, and, by go about its practice in more intentional ways. But I also believe that a seminary is one thing and a church another—and when it comes to educating in faith, the two should not be confused. Continue reading →

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The theory of hype

Posted on October 21, 2008 by Israel Galindo

Cleaning out some files I came across a listing of some businesses I’d done consultations for some years ago. The list was from the early nineties when I was doing more consultations with businesses and corporations than I do now. Going down the list I started checking off those businesses that no longer exist. By the time I finished I’d crossed out over two-thirds of the names on the list. If we were to engage in causal thinking we might ascribe two reasons for such a large number: Continue reading →

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Novelty, reflection, and learning

Posted on October 20, 2008 by Israel Galindo

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 rarely stray from the patterned practices of routine. It’s a case of “If it’s not broke, don’t fix it.” But it’s also a case of a non-thinking stance, “We’ve always done it this way before.” Continue reading →

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The power of multigenerational transmission in congregations

Posted on October 15, 2008 by Israel Galindo

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 tidal wave, or as subtle, though influential as an undercurrent. Most of us can readily appreciate how past generations affect contemporary family systems and the individuals in it. Continue reading →

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Four goals of the organizational leader

Posted on October 14, 2008 by Israel Galindo

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 the leader-as-visionary track. We can also talk about the “job” of the leader, or, the task, function, role, work, position, mission, charge, etc. But how would you answer the question, “What is the goal of the organizational leader?” Continue reading →

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Anxiety and the myth of security

Posted on October 13, 2008 by Israel Galindo

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 form of people seeking certitude in a time of uncertainty. But the fact is that security, guarantees, and certitudes are myths. Helen Keller wrote,

Security is mostly a superstition. It does not exist in nature, nor do the children of men as a whole experience it. Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than outright exposure. The fearful are caught as often as the bold. Faith alone defends.

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Five personal resources for leadership

Posted on October 2, 2008 by Israel Galindo

Purists of Bowen Family Systems Theory (BFST) tend to eschew all notions or frameworks of individualistic perspectives to therapy or interpreting families or organizations (like “personality type” or “traits” schemas). They prefer a consistent “systemic” approach that focuses on the system over the particulars of individuals in the system. More weight is to be given to the position and functioning of an individual in a system than on his or her personality because both are more a product of the system than of the individual. By and large I lean toward that perspective, but I think there is something to be said for the capacities that reside in the individual. Continue reading →

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Five ways to become a popular leader

Posted on October 1, 2008 by Israel Galindo

Every once in a while I need to challenge someone by asking, “Do you want to be liked or do you want to be effective?” In one sense it’s a false choice, but in another sense, leaders often will have to make a choice about their function. If the personal need to be liked, affirmed, or appreciated is the primary concern of the leader, effectiveness in how the leader functions in the system will be compromised. For those who choose being popular over being effective, there are five sure ways to accomplish success: Continue reading →

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Differentiation of self

Posted on September 29, 2008 by Israel Galindo

I recently received an e-mail from a friend who is doing self work. He asked:

I was just wondering if you thought attaining a higher level of differentiation of self lends itself to becoming better able to manage or not get pushed around by ones feelings. I hope this question is not too vague, it’s just something I need to get better at so I’m not letting my emotions/ reactivity dictate my actions.

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Posted in bowen family systems theory, development theory, leadership, personal growth | 5 Comments