Differentiation in Leadership
Workplaces are emotional systems just as families are, in that
the same patterns of reacting under stress are present.
Human service organisations have a unique set of demands in that
the focus is on a personal service to people. This can evoke increased subjectivity
in work practices.
This workshop is specifically geared to those in a managerial or
co-ordination role in the Helping Professions.
It will explore the common dynamics of work systems under stress
and help the manager to identify their role in the emotional process.
This is an excellent workshop for coming to grips with Murray Bowen's
theoretical concepts as well as developing clear strategies for managing common
leadership dilemmas.
The workshop will provide opportunity for discussion and the application
of the principals to workplace dynamics.
Video excerpts will be used to bring the ideas to life.
Program:
Part 1
Systems concepts at work - Understanding the predictable patterns of reaction
to anxiety and stress in the workplace.
The Two Life Forces: individuality and togetherness. The desire to think,
feel and act for self alongside the desire to fit in, to think, feel and act for others.
How does this tension show itself in leadership challenges eg performance reviews,
personnel issues, leading with conviction and connection?
What does differentiated leadership look like? How is this particularly challenging
for managers and coordinators?
Challenges to maintaining a differentiated position in leadership
- the role and dynamics of anxiety and reactivity. Personal leadership inventory.
Communication that contributes to the health of the workplace
- practicing the language of differentiation: balancing conviction and connection.
Part 2
Identifying and avoiding triangles as a way of diffusing tension
- keeping the problem in the relationship from which it is trying to escape.
How to de-triangle: identify your role and where the problem or stress
belongs. Re-directing the emotional traffic. Strategising about how
each triangle role can be exited.
Understanding our programming for responding to anxiety and conflict
- reactivity at work. The influence of family of origin.
What are the circular anxiety dance steps? Over / underfunctioner;
optimist / pessimist; aggressive / passive aggressive;
dominant / submissive; pursuer / distancer.
The key to differentiated leadership - start with self
- getting objective in order to think systems. Developing honest self awareness.
Self soothing strategies.
Where to from here? Strategy checklist for beginning to increase personal
differentiation levels in your own leadership role. | 
