Being Inner or Other-Directed

 by Norb Leahy  (Carl Rogers Personality Theory)

 

Inner-directed - Guided in thought and behavior by one's own set of values rather than societal standards or norms. (this works best when we are skeptical of external standards)

 

Other-directed - Directed or guided chiefly by external standards as opposed to one's own standards or values. Pertaining to someone readily influenced by the attitudes of others.  (this does not work well if the external standards are corrupt, but works extremely well if you want to be a better baseball player or go to heaven)

 

Carl Rogers’ theories are based on Basic Assumptions and beliefs about Personality Development.  Rogers has an optimistic view that is useful in working with high performance groups.

 

Basic Assumptions
+ Optimistic view of human nature
+ Humans are growth oriented, individualistic
+ Client is in charge, responsible
+ Always "becoming"
+ Inner directedness
+ Self regard, conditions of worth

Personality Development
+ Humans develop in positive and constructive manner
+ Congruence - Genuineness or realness
+ Unconditional Positive Regard - Acceptance and caring
+ Accurate empathetic understanding - ability to grasp the subjective world of another
+ Mental health -- Is a congruence of ideal self and real self

Sources: http://home.earthlink.net/~andyda/psych/personality/baperson.html www.thefreedictionary.com/inner-directed http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carl_Rogers

Carl Rogers’ theories were based on his beliefs. For those who share his assumptions there are other authors and consultants who have compatible theories. Carl Rogers (Inner-Directedness and Self Actualization). Art Miller (SIMA “Do what you love”), Gordon Allport (Traits), William Marston (DISC test), Ralph Waldo Emerson (Self Reliance), Ayn Rand (Individual Sovereignty), J Edwards Deming (Rational behavior requires theory, Remove fear from the workplace).

Our world-view includes our view of human nature. I have asked the question: “What percent of the population do you believe are capable of succeeding in life ?”  Anyone who believes that most people can succeed would agree with my list of authors above.  My criteria for succeeding in life would be self-supporting, not overburdened, happily employed, happy relationships, doing what you love.  You could be a janitor. I was always keen to identify real abilities in individuals and unleash them. 

Being other-directed (influenced by others) isn’t necessarily a bad thing.  People who seek coaching and collaboration are successful. 

Styles also vary. In the Personal Styles Profile, we can identify a dominant style.  One is the Friendly Helper. I tested a successful Hospital CEO.  Staff came to him for help and he helped them.  He was a servant-leader.  That’s how he found out everything that was happening in his hospital. He chose his style well. The other two styles were Strong Achiever and Logical Thinker.

Norb Leahy, Dunwoody GA Tea Party Leader