Transactional Analysis (TA) is not a new tool. Dr Eric Berne, an American psychiatrist, introduced his theory of TA to the world in 1964, with his New York Times bestseller, Games People Play. So let’s begin with a simple question. Can psychological intervention solve those disputes at the workplace? “Yes,” says Lakshmi D, HR professional and TA practitioner.
“I had this colleague who just stayed at office for long hours and took credit for the entire team’s work. We were frustrated by his behaviour. It was TA that helped me understand that his behaviour was in tune to a child who needs appreciation.
But when we genuinely appreciated him for his being, he was able to slowly let go of the child-ego state.” Apart from TA, other psychometric tools like Emotional Freedom Techniques and Neuro-Linguistic Programming can also help improve work life. And here’s how:
Handling stress
Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) is a form of counselling intervention that works on the energy within our body. One is expected to focus on his issue while tapping his body’s trigger points. Counselling psychologist and certified practitioner of the therapy, Puja Kanth Alfred, tells us how it could help in a corporate environment, “It is a mind-body medicine that combines acupuncture with affirmation through tapping and helps in handling negative emotions. When it comes to stress, EFT acts as a self -help tool.” Discussing the causes, she says, “Stress can be caused due to various reasons - unrealistic goals, ego clashes or even being an introvert in an environment that demands otherwise.” So, how does this therapy work?
“It begins with counselling, after which I build a rapport with the person to make them feel relaxed. It works like yoga but is a lot quicker. Normally, five sessions (60-90 minutes each) are required for addressing a problem. Sessions can be held over phone as well.” Each session costs Rs 900.
Details: 096772 48146
Leadership lessons
Bharath Gopalan, co-author, Contagious Optimism, HR strategist and certified NLP Practitioner, demystifies Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) for us. “It can change the way we think. Our behaviour is dependent on our environment. The results we manifest out of our actions are dependent on self-talk,” he says, adding that changing the patterns of our inner talk can help us become more self-aware. ‘‘If you consider these as essential leadership qualities, then yes, NLP could empower you with the same,” he says.
Inter-personal issues
Lakshmi cites an example about old-fashioned managers taking a ‘controlling parent’ approach. ‘‘If that’s the situation in which you find yourself, TA could help. The key to handling dominating bosses is to show genuine appreciation and stroke the person’s ego,” she says. You can register for the international SAATA - ITAA conference on itaaconference. Com, August 8-11, at GRT Grand, Chennai.
Details: 098401 23048
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