Category Archives: bowen family systems theory

It only takes a few of them

Posted on April 29, 2008 by igalindo

Forced terminations of clergy remains one of the most difficult, and often tragic, issues for congregations. A congregation can take years to recover from the forced termination o a pastor—and so also for the pastor. A single episode can become … Continue reading →

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Are humans a “pack animal”?

Posted on April 8, 2008 by igalindo

I finally got around to doing a presentation on “Leadership Lessons from the Dog Whisperer.” It was a fun presentation and seemed well-received. As often happens in plenary presentations participants will focus on the immediate concepts as a frame of … Continue reading →

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Roles vs. Function in BFST

Posted on April 2, 2008 by igalindo

I recently received an e-mail from a Leadership in Ministry Workshops participant asking about the distinction between role and function often made in Bowen Family Systems Theory (BFST). This distinction is often difficult for folks to make, but I think … Continue reading →

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Emotional process, leadership, and anxiety

Posted on March 26, 2008 by igalindo

In preparation for an upcoming presentation I’ve been examining the dynamics of emotional process and anxiety as they relate to leadership. Since my orientation for this study is Bowen Family Systems Theory (BFST) my definition of leadership is related to … Continue reading →

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Book review: Leadership and the New Science, by Wheatley

Posted on March 5, 2008 by igalindo

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 igalindo

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 igalindo

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 igalindo

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 igalindo

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 igalindo

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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