William Glasser Institute - Canada
What is Choice Theory ® ? - Choice Theory ® is the basis for all programs taught by the Institute. It states that all we do is behave, that almost all behavior is chosen, and that we are driven by our genes to satisfy five basic needs - survival, love and belonging, power, freedom and fun. In practice, the most important need is love and belonging, as closeness and connectedness with the people we care about is a requisite for satisfying all of our needs. Choice Theory ® is offered to replace external control psychology, the present psychology of almost all the people in the world. Unfortunately, this forcing, punishing psychology is destructive to relationships. When used in a relationship, it will always result in people becoming disconnected from those with whom they want to be connected. Disconnectedness is the source of almost all human problems, such as what is called mental illness, drug addiction, violence, crime, school failure, spousal and child abuse, to mention a few..
What is Reality Therapy? - Reality Therapy is a method of counselling that Dr. Glasser has been teaching since 1965. It is now firmly based on Choice Theory ® and its successful application is dependent on the counsellor’s familiarity with, and knowledge of, that theory. In fact, teaching Choice Theory ® to counselees (whether clients or students) is now part of Reality Therapy. Since unsatisfactory or non-existent connections with people we need are the source of almost all human problems, the goal of Reality Therapy is to help people reconnect. This reconnection almost always starts with the counsellor or teacher first connecting with the individual and then using this connection as a model for how the disconnected person can begin to connect with the people he or she needs.
What is Lead Management? Lead management is based on Choice Theory®. It is a philosophy and method used by persons in authority. In making decisions, lead managers are democratic listeners and they consider the viewpoints of others including those impacted by the decisions. They take responsibility for their actions and are inclusive in their leadership style. The Institute works with organizations, such as schools, to replace external control psychology with Choice Theory® as the psychology that drives the system. In practice, this means moving from a boss management approach to one of Lead Management.
Lead managers continually work on the system, not on the individuals who work in the system. Even good systems may fail to work if they become static. The only way any organization will achieve its goal, quality work, is if the lead manager can persuade them to continually upgrade the system, by communicating with the students and workers in ways that build trust.
Last Updated: September 26, 2005