Managing ego

Egoism Ego The conscious thinking subject The part of a person that can think and feel Egoism Theory that bases on morality on self-interest, systematic selfishness, self-opinionatedness

Ego states Parent ego Adult ego Child ego

Ego states At anytime in any situation, we hold our conversation initiating speech from one of these ego states, directing to another persons one of these ego states Involvement of the similar or different ego states in a conversation between the two persons makes one ‘communication transaction’. In any organizational setting, three basic rules work.

RULE 1: Complementary Transaction When transactions are parallel between the two ego- states of the Manager and the Subordinate, Communication is most easier and congenial. This is called ‘Çomplementary’ Transaction. Extension Functionaries at all levels should try to maintain this type of transaction in their communication behaviour

3 major systems of complementary transaction: Fig 1: Parent-Parent Transaction Supervisor Supervisee P P Workers today are not like they used to be earlier Yes Sir, you are right. All the time they think of what they get A A C C

3 major systems of complementary transaction: Fig 2: Adult-Adult Transaction Supervisor Supervisee P P How much raise we can expect this year I think we are getting Rs. 500/- as bonus A A C C

3 major systems of complementary transaction: Fig 3: Child - Child Transaction Supervisor Supervisee P P Lets not finish that today, I am too tired Okay, lets go out for a drink A A C C

RULE 2: Crossed Transaction When we desire to get engaged in a complementary transaction with another person but another person responds from the ego-state other than the one he was intended, “Crossed Transaction” takes place. In such transaction, communication is invariably disrupted and finally stopped.

4 major systems of Crossed Transaction: Fig 1: Adult-Adult, Child-Parent Supervisor Supervisee P P If you now go home peacefully, I will talk about your demand later No Sir, we will not move until we get our demand met. We want action and we want it now. A A C C

4 major systems of Crossed Transaction: Fig 2: Adult-Adult, Parent-Child Supervisor Supervisee P P How much raise we can expect this year. Why we should worry about it. We should do our job. Account section will take care A A C C

4 major systems of Crossed Transaction: Fig 2: Parent-Child, Parent-Child Supervisor Supervisee P P Dinesh, I think you are going to finish that report you were supposed to You are not my boss on this account A A C C

4 major systems of Crossed Transaction: Fig 2: Child-Parent, Child-Parent Supervisor Supervisee P P I hate the way you criticise me You will realise what I said about you only when I leave this place A A C C

RULE 3: Ulterior Transaction When both the parties in a situation socially transact overtly from their adult-ego but psychologically their covert meanings are different, ‘Ulterior Transaction’ takes place. This is called “Game”. It inhibits accurate and open communication between the people.

2 types of Ulterior Transaction Angular Transaction when 3 ego-states are involved Duplex Transaction when 4 ego-states are involved

Angular Ulterior Transaction P P Social: Scooter will be great for you but you cannot afford it Psychological: So that I could allot the advance to my favourite Social: You are right Sir, I cannot afford it Psychological: However, I am not going to decline the advance I will say I will buy the scooter A A C C

Duplex Ulterior Transaction Social: Ms. Rekha , lets have lunch together Psychological: I will get an opportunity to know you better Social: Okay Boss Psychological: I too would like to know you A A C C

Conclusion In majority of events, Extension functionaries should desist from playing with the Ulterior Transactions in their communication behaviour. It not only spoils organizational climate but also badly affects work and productivity. Game playing is very dangerous for the growth of profession, though, sometimes, individuals’ vested interest are well served but that too at the cost of others.

Conclusion Crossed transactions should also be avoided because it will not only disrupt communication interaction but will also sow the seeds of conflict leading to enmity, extension functionaries, by and large, need to establish complementary transaction with their communication behaviour. But in actual practice, this has not been the case. Ulterior transactions are more pronounced in their communication behaviour especially at higher levels of the hierarchy.

Thank you..