Transactional analysis is an interesting and effective way of being aware of the impact that our actions have on those around us. Used carefully, it can allow a Manager to be much more aware of the way in which his/her actions affects the team and be more effective in positively influencing the desired outcomes.
Eric Berne, developed the model for understanding human relationships, communication and personality in the 1960’s and since that time it has been expanded and tested and is now widely accepted as an effective tool.
In simple terms, the model relates to the fact that each individual has three ego states; the Parent, Adult and the Child:
The Parent state is how we copy feelings and behaviours learnt from our parents or other role models.
The Adult state relates to feelings and reactions to the here and now and how we deal with them as grown adults.
The Child state relates to experiences and feelings from our childhood, which affects our current behaviour.
Much of the research looks into the ways that the different ego states interact with each other and how, by being aware of our own and others ego states, we can positively influence our relationships.
So how does this model help us as Managers?
If we take an honest look at how we interact with our team and also how team members relate to us, we can get a very clear idea of how the relationship is balanced. Are you interacting with your team members in a critical (controlling) parent ego stance? Does this is return result in a negative adapted child response from them, becoming either overly compliant or rebellious. If so, one answer would be to raise the use of the “Adult” state by both parties.
Understanding the different ego states can also help by providing more support and job satisfaction by tapping into your nurturing parent ego state and create a motivation environment by letting the “free child” out of its box!
For more in-depth information, read TA Today by Ian Stewart & Vann Joines
