Science & Methodology

Leadership Therapy. Art and Science.

The artistry comes when we work one-on-one with the client – how we help a client ‘read’ the implications of his or her actions; the interpretations we make about self defeating behaviors; and the explanations we can provide about the origins of particular behaviors. But it is the science that drives our process and frames the outcome of our interventions. Leadership Therapy is based on a scientific method that, when applied to business teams and executive leaders, results in change that is positive, measurable, sustained and significantly impacts the bottom line.

There are three pillars that have informed our Leadership Therapy methodology. These are based on both the postgraduate and postdoctoral research of Dr. Anna Rowley and some of the giants of psychology, psychotherapy and family therapy.

Pillar One: Resilience
The success of Leadership Therapy comes from the assimilation of several psychotherapeutic models developed by renowned theoreticians and psychiatrists. Amongst these is the work of psychiatrist Norman Garmezy, who looked at why some people thrive and become resilient in the face of change and adversity. This inspired Dr. Anna Rowley to examine how the intense resilience in performance extremes might elevate self-confidence and self-esteem, and protect them from emotional problems. The ability to be “steeled not scarred” by ambiguity, ‘serial change‘ and hardship is the first pillar of leadership therapy.

Pillar Two: "If this team were a family, what would it be like?"
It’s a question frequently used by Dr. Anna Rowley to gain insight into the structural composition of a team. Just like families, some teams are "enmeshed" – over-involved in each others business and risk averse – while others can be "disengaged" – fragmented and absent of support and guidance. Through the examination of an organizational "family", Dr. Rowley is able to identify the relationship dysfunctions that prevent a team having maximum impact on the business.

Pillar Three: The Interpersonal Approach
Lastly, Leadership Therapy incorporates the work of psychiatrist Harry Stack Sullivan. Sullivan believed, as we do, that everything we do is motivated by our relationships with others and that we consciously or unconsciously ’train’ others to respond to us in certain ways. Our Leadership 360 is based on Sullivan’s theories and offers much more than a plot on a chart – it demonstrates how a leaders behavior impacts others – positively or negatively.

These models taken together provide the theoretical underpinning of method we use to help leaders; their teams and organizations achieve success.

Learn more about Leadership Therapy.

Areas of Focus

Improve Your Leadership Effectiveness

Leadership Therapy for Individuals© – helps leaders at all levels maximize their performance impact and overcome self imposed barriers and organizational obstacles. Learn More >

Strengthen Your Organization, Business or Team

Do you have issues with trust, belief or communication? Unclear as to the key barriers to your team’s success? Leadership Therapy for your organization, business unit or team builds capability, strengthens relationships and maximizes execution and impact. Learn More >

Strengthen Your Corporate Relationships

Do you know how your business is perceived by your key internal stakeholders and partners? Perception is reality and our Business 360© identifies the quality of these critical relationships, your business impact, reputation and brand. Learn More >