Improving Working Relationships with Transactional Analysis
Understanding Communication
The last few years have seen a huge shift in the way we work. The office is no longer the hub for all work, instead many of us are working in hybrid roles and splitting our time between the office and remote working. With this additional complexity, now more than ever effective communication and key working relationships are essential for business success.
One psychological theory that sheds light on the complexities of workplace interactions is Transactional Analysis (TA), developed by Eric Berne. In this blog, we explore what TA is, its impact on interactions with colleagues, and how understanding TA can improve working relationships and contribute to organisational success.
What is Transactional Analysis?
Transactional Analysis is a theory of personality and provides a systematic approach to how we relate to and interact with others. At its core, TA is about understanding the ego states that drive human behaviour. These states are categorised into three distinct types:
Parent: when in this state we tend to think, feel and behave based on our experiences from our upbringing and interactions with our parents/caregivers. We tend to be authoritative, critical and focused on rules, norms and how things should be done.
Adult: The Adult ego state is about rationality and objectivity. It’s concerned with the here and now, dealing with current situations based on current experiences, and not influenced by the past.
Child: This state reflects the thoughts, feelings and behaviours that we experienced from our childhood. It can be spontaneous and intuitive, or it can be rebellious and disobedient. External circumstances trigger different responses.
Impact on Workplace Interactions
Every interaction at work involves these three different ego states and understanding them can explain a lot about workplace dynamics. For instance, a conversation between two colleagues might go awry if one is speaking from the critical Parent state and the other is responding from the rebellious Child state. Recognising these states can help in realigning conversations for more productive outcomes.
Whilst Adult – Adult interactions are often viewed as the most mature and effective for problem-solving and communication, that doesn’t imply that it’s the only effective approach. Each of the three ego states – Parent, Adult, and Child – serves a purpose and can be appropriate in different contexts. The key is to understand when and how to use these states effectively.
Adult-Adult Interactions: These are typically seen as the most balanced and constructive. They involve rational thinking, problem-solving, and direct communication. In a workplace setting, Adult-Adult interactions are ideal for most professional discussions, decision-making processes, and conflict resolution.
Parent-Child Interactions: These can be healthy and necessary in certain situations. For example, a nurturing Parent role can be beneficial in mentoring or coaching scenarios, where guidance, support, and care are needed. Similarly, the Child state can be a source of creativity, spontaneity, and innovation.
Parent-Parent and Child-Child Interactions: Even interactions involving two Parent or two Child states can be appropriate in certain contexts. For instance, two people in the Parent state might effectively collaborate on establishing rules or guidelines. Similarly, two individuals in the Child state might engage in brainstorming sessions, tapping into their creativity and spontaneity.
Improving Working Relationships
The healthiness of an interaction in Transactional Analysis is about people understanding how to adapt and respond. It's important to be able to switch between states as the situation demands. A good leader, for example, might predominantly interact in an Adult-Adult mode but can adopt a Parent role for providing guidance or a Child role to encourage creativity and openness. Here's how Transactional Analysis can improve your team’s interaction and enhance their contribution.
Enhanced Communication
By understanding and identifying ego states, your team can aim for Adult-Adult interactions that are more likely to result in rational, constructive dialogues.
Conflict Resolution
Transactional Analysis provides a framework for understanding the underlying dynamics in conflicts. Recognising when conversations are misaligned allows your team members to shift their approach and de-escalate potential conflicts.
Leadership Development
As a leader, you can use Transactional Analysis to adjust your management style, moving between nurturing and authoritative as the situation demands. By being flexible you can support your team members in the most effective way and improve your team’s overall contribution.
Empathy and Understanding
Understanding where your colleagues are coming from, in terms of their ego states, can foster greater empathy, patience and more supportive relationships.
Personal Development
Transactional Analysis is not just about understanding others, it’s also a tool for self-awareness. Being able to understand and reflect on your own principal ego state can lead to personal growth and improved professional contribution.
Increasing Contribution Within an Organisation
Transactional Analysis is a practical tool that, when understood and applied, can significantly improve how you interact with others in the workplace.
What's crucial in TA is your awareness of which ego state you are operating from and whether it's appropriate for the situation. Problems often arise when there is a mismatch in states (like a critical Parent talking to a rebellious Child), leading to ineffective communication and conflict.
When TA is understood and applied, it can transform an organisation's culture. Communication becomes more open and effective, leadership becomes more adaptive and empathetic, and team contribution improves. This leads to a more harmonious workplace where creativity, productivity, and collaboration thrive.
How can Transactional Analysis benefit you and your team?
Our programmes help our clients transform their team dynamics and build the contribution of each of their people. This has enabled organisations to fulfil their purpose, make an impact and achieve sustained contribution, value, and success.
Take a look at our Key Relationship theme courses and find out how we can help your organisation.