These are all example of Parent-Adult-Child roles that everyone plays at different times. The psychological theory behind it is called ‘Transactional Analysis’ (TA). Understanding how it works helps to make your dealings with staff, managers (and loved ones) more effective. When two people encounter each other, one speaks or ‘does something’ and the other person responds in a particular way. Either party may act in one of three ways:
- The Parent speaks with the voice of authority, explaining ‘how to’, what to do and what not to do. We have many memories of this from our own parents, when they judged, criticised and guided us.
- The Adult is the person who acts rationally based on information and data. They are attentive, ask questions and weigh up alternatives.
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