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At Organised Human we have embedded Transactional Analysis (TA) into our work and into our culture, because we find TA to be hearty, healthy, relevant and useful.

Here are some Frequently Asked Questions about TA:

What is TA? Transactional Analysis is a collection of tools, models and thinking developed by Eric Berne and his colleagues, that relate to how people communicate with other people (our external dialogue) and with themselves (our internal dialogue). These dialogues can be thought of as containing ‘packets of communication’ going back and forth. Eric Berne called these Transactions and the methods of understanding them Transactional Analysis

Where is TA used? It is used in organisational, educational and psychotherapeutic settings. It is used in organisations, for example, to help leaders develop their communication skills. It is used in schools, for example, to support the social development of young people. It is used in clinical work, for example, when someone has negative self-talk.

What makes it useful? It was designed to be easy to understand, with straightforward language. It was also designed to be applicable, so that people can make changes and can develop themselves and improve their situation.

What concepts might I have heard about? The concept of Okness is central to TA and it is ok to feel Not OK …we are all allowed to have a bad day! Also, many people have heard of Ego States.
What are Ego States? This is a useful model that includes the Parent Ego State (the internalised voice of someone else, such as a care-giver), the Adult Ego State (our grounded and rational place) and the Child Ego State (our energetic and intuitive self).

What is an example of TA in action? If we think about someone visiting this website, it might be that their experience of it is:

• A Parent Ego State voice in their head ‘saying’: This is all nonsense, or maybe, this is something I should look into.
• An Adult Ego State voice in their head ‘saying’: I would like to learn more about how Friihday can support my organisation. I have a question to ask.
• A Child Ego State voice in their head ‘saying’: I’m too busy to think about this, or maybe, my gut instinct is this could be useful.

So what? Well, the example shows how we experience a feeling response, or a thinking response, or a doing response to things. It might be that a Parent voice says ‘this is all rubbish’ or our Child voice says ‘I’m too busy’ when, if we take a moment to listen to our Adult voice, saying ‘let’s ask a question’ we can act in a more grounded and purposeful wa

How can I apply this easily? The next time you go shopping, who is putting things in your basket? Is it your Parent being sensible, or your Adult counting the cost of each item first, or your Child sneaking in treats? Who is in charge?

How does Organised Human use TA? We have embedded some of the core concepts into the design of our Friihday survey tools. We also work in an I’m Ok – You’re OK way with each other. We also value the importance of clear Contracting.

How can I find out more about TA? You’re welcome to email us with your questions!
Please contact us today for more information.

We love what we do. Have an Ok-Ok Friihday!