Elevator Systems - Bowen Family Systems Theory S3 Ep6 Co-Workers with Jake Morrill
Aug 12, 2025
Jake Morrill, founder of Generation to Generation Leadership Coaching and faculty at the Bowen Center, dives into workplace dynamics through Bowen Family Systems Theory. He discusses the importance of differentiation of self, balancing over and under-functioning, and leading with integrity despite pressures. The conversation highlights the power of open communication, the influence of external factors on professional behavior, and the significance of aligning work roles with personal values. Real-life examples provide insight into navigating challenges for a healthier work-life balance.
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Use “This Is Me, Who Are You?”
- Use the discipline: say “This is me, who are you?” to represent your view and invite the other's perspective.
- Asking the other to speak reduces assumptions and keeps you connected to the real person.
Spot Over- and Under-Functioning Patterns
- Over- and under-functioning form reciprocal patterns that shape work dynamics.
- Noticing which role you play helps you stop projecting and manage your reactivity.
Work Reflects Larger Social Emotional Forces
- Societal emotional process means social and global pressures shape workplace anxiety and behavior.
- Calm surface functioning can mask distance, walking-on-eggshells, or unresolved tension.
