Transactional Analysis: A Tool for Effective Communication at Workplace
Communication is the sharing of thoughts, messages and feelings between people. While in the workplace effective communication goes beyond mere information transfer; it involves ensuring that messages are understood as intended, fostering clear, respectful, and productive exchanges. This blog focuses on effective communication’ and how it effects teamwork, work satisfaction, and work output. Communication is important because misunderstandings create tension and negativity in the workplace. While talking about this, I will also discuss the model known as Transactional Analysis (TA) which has a potential of enhancing the communication, making people more aware and consequent in their communication transactions. Miscommunication at the workplace can manifest itself in a very broad spectrum of difficulties, ranging from simple misunderstandings to more severe disturbances in organizational functioning. It is clear that communication plays the pivotal role in creating a happy and efficient working environment and that when communication breaks down there may well be serious consequences. Several adverse consequences of miscommunication in an office setting are likely to arise, such as reduced efficiency and doubling up of work, which may arise when employees did not grasp the task demands initially. Miscommunication also often results in employees gaining a limited perception of what they need to do or what is expected of them. Additionally, projects may be delayed while staff members seek clarity or try to resolve miscommunications. Mistakes brought on by a lack of communication may result in, wasted energy, and materials. Lack of communication between colleagues is one of the main reasons of conflicts and misunderstandings. This can be due to misunderstandings in the instructions or communication in interpersonal conflicts may lead to anger and irritation. A failure of communication often results in a decline in staff productivity. This could be due to employee’s frustration which comes about when employees are constantly reminded that what they are doing is improper and they have to ask and seek clarification, this may also create the possibility of ethical misconduct. Failure to communicate effectively between the management and the employees can lead to low mutual mistrust between the two. In addition, workers who are not appreciated or perhaps misunderstood are not likely to be motivated when they are at their workplaces. In today’s world, the competitive nature of business calls for a calm and organized workplace.
Transactional Analysis (TA) as a tool:
Transactional analysis is a useful method that can help to create a positive working environment. It is a communication and psychological approach that provides valuable information about interaction between people and human behavior. I had a workshop with students of Karachi Medical and Dental College to help them understand what TA is and how this could be used to enhance organizational performance by reducing conflicts and misunderstandings within the organization. I began by emphasizing on the main idea of the presentation: We are all made of three ego states: Parent, Adult and Child. These states influence also our relations with other people and our responses to various situations.
1. Parent Ego State: This state reflects the behaviors, thoughts, and feelings that we have learned from our parents and other figures in authority. It can be nurturing (supportive and caring) or critical (controlling and judgmental).
2. Adult Ego State: This is our rational and objective self, which deals with the here and now. It processes information logically and makes decisions based on facts.
3. Child Ego State: This state embodies our behaviors, thoughts, and feelings from childhood. It can be free and spontaneous or adaptive and compliant.
Knowledge of these ego states can significantly aid in making ethical decisions, as TA helps individuals become aware of which state they are operating from at any given time. Ethical decisions often need to align with four key principles: autonomy (respecting an individual’s right to make their own choices), beneficence (acting in the best interest of others), non-maleficence (avoiding harm), and justice (ensuring fairness). For example, when faced with a difficult choice, the adult ego state often steps in to make an ethical decision grounded in logic and fairness, rather than an impulsive Child-driven choice or an overly rigid, Parent-dictated one. Furthermore, this is because empathy is built when one is in a position to differentiate the ego states of the other person. For instance, it is good to engage your colleague in productive conversation if you understand that he or she is in the Critical Parent state. Moreover, persons’ clashes result in ethical dilemmas. Thus, TA has a potential of providing a sound theoretical model for conflict resolution and promoting healthier and more ethical ways of resolution. It is only when we can recognize these ego states in ourselves and in others that we can more effectively initiate interaction and communicate. Communication is the key to success in any organization. This is provided by the TA that provides the framework of how interactions are sent and received. Employees can manage the content of their communication based on their awareness of the ego states that are involved. Here, the interactions as well as the ego states help in identifying the root of the conflict. It makes techniques of negotiation as well as reconciliation more effective. Problems can be solved at the level of an ego state, which is much more positive and has a longer-lasting effect. However, TA focuses on the individual’s analysis of his or her own behavior and the use of ego states. The cultivation of this self-awareness is very important in one’s personal and individual development. The ability to recognize situations and personal reactions is very helpful for employees who want to regulate their emotions and responses. Therefore, there is less stress and more professional behavior in the workplace. This creates an environment which is more conducive to build more productive teams. The teams which are knowledgeable in relation to the dynamics of the group helps the team deal with the complex nature of the workplace processes in a more coherent way. Team members can assist one another well if they understand which ego states are active since people’s behavior changes depending on the state. From this, there is enhanced cooperation, mutual respect and unity within the team.
Conclusion:
By understanding the dynamics of the Parent, Adult, and Child ego states, individuals can communicate more effectively, resolve conflicts, and create a more harmonious work environment. However, it is crucial to also highlight that effective communication is not only about respect and empathy but is essential for maintaining team harmony, which in turn drives productivity.
By investing in communication skills and implementing models like Transactional Analysis, organizations can cultivate a positive, efficient, and harmonious work environment where individuals thrive both personally and professionally. This approach aligns with the bioethical principles: promoting autonomy by encouraging individuals to communicate openly and make informed decisions; fostering beneficence by creating an atmosphere that supports personal growth and well-being; upholding non-maleficence by minimizing misunderstandings and conflicts that could harm relationships; and ensuring justice by fostering equitable collaboration and fair treatment across the team. The long-term benefits include not only improved team dynamics but also enhanced productivity and overall success for the organization, while adhering to these ethical standards.
Written By
Sonia Langhani
Division: Substance Related And Addiction Disorders
Theme: Intentional and unintentional injuries Multimorbidity Digital Mental Health
Pakistan Institute of Living and Learning