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articles and observations inspired by the work of Dr. William GlasserCategories
Author Archives: RealityCheck
Work: Three Suggestions for Keeping One’s Dignity
In an earlier column, I introduced a retail service worker who had expressed her frustrations with customers, managers, and the public in an open letter to her community. The worker’s perception, in her own words, was “trying to keep one’s … Continue reading
Posted in Workplace
Tagged conflict, making choices, perception
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Work: Keeping One’s Dignity
People who are aware that I have an interest in applying reality therapy techniques to the workplace sometimes send me work-related anecdotes. A recent email about a stressed-out customer service representative
A Need-Satisfying New Year
In their holiday message to the reality therapy community, Dr. William and Carleen Glasser sent a wish that we have “a need-satisfying, choice theory New Year filled with joy.” What would a need-satisfying, choice theory year look like for you?
Posted in Choosing Behaviour
Tagged making choices, need satisfaction
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A New Year, A New Suggestion
The New Year is a time when many people think about doing things differently (more commonly known as making New Year’s resolutions!) The reality therapy emphasis on personal responsibility leads logically to the idea that
Posted in Choosing Behaviour
Tagged examining wants, making choices
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Communication: The ‘How-to’ of Talking
In a quest for a more satisfying (or at least, less irritating) life with his parents, Liam has asked cousin Larry for help. Now, Liam’s wondering if the reason Larry gets along with his parents is because
Posted in Family
Tagged blame, conflict, criticism, internal & external control, negotiation
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Communication: What’s winning look like?
Tension has been rising in Liam’s family. From Liam’s perspective, he’s simply attempting to control his parents’ “interrogation” into his life by refusing to answer questions. But that hasn’t worked very well—if anything, their questioning has become more vigorous! Inspired … Continue reading
Posted in Win-Win
Tagged conflict, improving relationships
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Communication: You can’t make me talk
Liam is in a power struggle with his parents over his refusal to communicate. From Liam’s perspective, they interrogate him—questioning where he goes, whom he sees, what he does. It’s stifling, and his response up to now has been to … Continue reading
Posted in Choosing Behaviour
Tagged conflict, internal & external control, making choices
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Communication: What’s the Message?
“If only we could communicate.” Whether verbal or non-verbal, we communicate to send messages to the people around us. Clearly, some communications are more effective than others. Let’s take a look at Liam, who, according to his parents, is rebellious
Posted in Family
Tagged conflict, examining wants, internal & external control
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The Quality Worlds of a Happy Relationship
In a happy, satisfying relationship, the two people involved appear in each other’s “quality worlds.” What’s a quality world?
Posted in Win-Win
Tagged examining wants, improving relationships, negotiation
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External Control vs. Happier Relationships
Kristen and Sherri are in the midst of the first dispute of their shared-living arrangement. Kristen is attempting to coerce Sherri into celebrating their first evening in the city
Posted in Relationships
Tagged conflict, examining wants, improving relationships, internal & external control, negotiation
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