Choice Theory is a Theoretical explanation of Human Motivation and Behavior, according to Dr William Glasser M.D. It is a biological theory that explains both the physiological and psychological behavior of living creatures. Choice theory maintains that we are responsible for everything we do, and the choices we make.
Reality Therapy is a Counselling, questioning or interviewing technique developed by Dr William Glasser M.D. It is a process of teaching others to understand their own behavior, so that they can take more effective control of their lives.
Lead Management is a Management and Leadership style underpinned by the knowledge of Choice Theory and the application of the questioning technique called Reality Therapy. It is about leading by applying a simple process of modelling Choice Theory principles and self-evaluation. Dr Glasser coined the term Lead Management to describe the application of his work to the environment of organizations to help them embrace a management system that consistently produces a quality outcome.
The Programs are based on the Behavioural Concepts of Dr William Glasser – “Choice Theory Psychology”, “Reality Therapy”, and “Lead Management”. Dr Glasser’s Behavioural Concepts state that “all we do is behave”, that almost all behaviour is chosen, and that we are driven by our genes to satisfy our 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 the 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 destroy the ability of one or both to find satisfaction in that relationship and will 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. The 1998 book “Choice Theory: A New Psychology of Personal Freedom”, is the Primary Text for all that is taught by the William Glasser Institute.
Reality Therapy is the method of Counselling that Dr William Glasser has been teaching since 1965. It is the art of creating a meaningful relationship, and through that relationship, helping clients make more effective choices. As discussed in Dr William Glasser’s book, ”Counselling with Choice Theory: The New Reality Therapy”, it is now firmly based on Choice Theory, and it’s successful application is dependent on the counsellor’ knowledge of that theory. In fact, teaching Choice Theory to clients (whether client’s 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 Therapyis to help people reconnect. This reconnection almost always starts with the counsellor/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.
The William Glasser Institute
www.wglasserinternational.org