Understanding Berne’s Transactional Analysis in People Management
- Tomas Belak
- Oct 4, 2024
- 2 min read
Transactional Analysis (TA), developed by Dr. Eric Berne in the 1950s, is a psychological framework that helps us understand human behavior, communication, and relationships. In people management, TA offers valuable insight into how individuals interact and how managers can improve communication, resolve conflicts, and create healthier work environments.
The Three Ego States
At the core of Transactional Analysis are three “ego states” that influence how people think, feel, and behave. These states are:
Parent: This is the voice of authority, often reflecting learned behaviors, rules, and attitudes from authority figures in our upbringing. It can be nurturing or controlling.
Adult: The rational, logical state. It focuses on facts and problem-solving, dealing with the here and now.
Child: The emotional state, representing feelings and responses developed in childhood. It can be rebellious, curious, or dependent.
In people management, recognizing these ego states helps managers understand why employees react in certain ways and how to adjust their communication accordingly.
Interactions and Communication
In TA, communication between people is called a “transaction.” A transaction happens when one person sends a message from one ego state, and the other person responds from their own. For instance:
If a manager speaks from their Parent ego state (“You need to follow this rule”), an employee may respond from their Child state with defensiveness or obedience.
On the other hand, if a manager communicates from their Adult ego state (“Let’s work on a solution based on these facts”), it encourages an Adult-to-Adult response, which is more constructive and leads to better outcomes.
A key goal in management is to promote Adult-to-Adult communication, where both parties are respectful, rational, and focused on problem-solving.
Managing Conflicts and Stress
Transactional Analysis is especially useful in managing conflicts and reducing stress in teams. When emotions run high, people often shift to their Parent or Child ego states, leading to unproductive communication. For example, a manager might become overly controlling (Parent) or an employee may react emotionally (Child).
By staying in the Adult ego state, managers can help de-escalate situations. They can encourage employees to think logically, listen actively, and focus on resolving the issue rather than reacting emotionally.
Building Better Relationships
TA also emphasizes the importance of “strokes,” which are units of recognition or attention. Positive strokes, like praise or encouragement, help build trust and confidence in employees. Negative strokes, like criticism, can lower morale if not given constructively. In people management, offering more positive strokes and balancing constructive feedback is essential for maintaining a motivated team.
Conclusion
By applying Berne’s Transactional Analysis in management, leaders can better understand their team’s behavior, communicate more effectively, and handle conflicts with a level-headed approach. Recognizing the different ego states and promoting Adult-to-Adult communication fosters a work environment that is rational, respectful, and focused on growth.
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