Why do you act the way you do? And why do others act the way they do?
Your behaviours typically stem from two main sources:
1. The strategies you've learned to keep yourself safe.
2. The strengths you've developed for your success.
When faced with challenges, you tend to rely on what you know and what makes you feel secure. So, you're often operating from either your defences or your strong points.
This makes you ponder about your true self, beyond your ego and the mechanisms that were built to protect you.
Perhaps the more significant question is: Why are you really the way you are? Why did you develop these safety strategies and strengths, and how can you gain control over them to have more options in dealing with yourself and others?
Imagine effortlessly and effectively navigating yourself and others, avoiding misunderstandings and mistakes by understanding what's really happening.
I've spent over 20 years studying human behaviour, particularly fascinated by personality models. My preferred framework for understanding the sometimes perplexing behaviours of myself and others is Character Structure.
Character Structure is a comprehensive map of personality, rooted in the work of Alexander Lowen, originally known as Bioenergetics. I utilise a business-oriented adaptation called The 5 Character Structures.
This lens delves into the layers of the human onion, offering profound psychological insights into both yourself and others. It is particularly helpful for senior leadership teams.
In today's complex and dynamic work environment, leaders need this heightened psychological awareness to navigate people and relationships effectively. It has been transformative for me and those I've shared it with.
On one level, The 5 Character Structures explore how you defend yourself at the surface level of your personality (the ego). On another level, it reveals how this defensive armour has shaped your unique strengths and gifts.
Often, you assume your behaviours are just innate traits. However, understanding The 5 Character Structures unveils the unseen barriers within your personality. It empowers you to unlock your potential, overcome unhelpful habits, and break free from repeating patterns.
The 5 Character Structures offer the key to fostering more productive relationships with anyone.
Matt helps leaders and teams develop their mindset and resourcefulness so they can relate productively, communicate effectively, and navigate challenge, change and complexity with confidence.
Through coaching and training, he empowers leaders with better choices and more options for progress - building better leadership from the inside out.
Curious what that could look like for you or your organisation? Let’s talk.