Fostering Functionality
MENTAL HEALTH AND EMOTIONAL MATURITY CAN BE SEEN AS FUNCTIONALITY:
The field of psychology has focused a lot of effort in developing a working definition of dysfunctional states. Lately the
profession has found that it might be more helpful to define what we mean by functionality. Some good research seems
to be painting a rather interesting picture:
The Functional Person:
Gives “I” messages
Feels happy, calm and clear-minded a majority of the time
Is not easily offended. Does not perceive most things as offensive or as a direct attack unless there is
Sets goals
Has and understands clear values
Is congruent and open. Makes little or no effort to hide thoughts and actions from direct observation of
Feels basically in control of most aspects of their life. Does not feel uncontrollably drawn into certain
Generally feels confident and glad to be alive.
Enjoys the company of others
Is sensitive to the feelings and needs of others around them and has the ability to choose to put the needs
Does not live to please, placate or appease
Does not blame, accuse, or criticize
Does not withdraw, clam up, or depart
Does not give gratuitous advice or attempt to control others
The Functional Family or group:
Is built on a quality relationship between parents, leaders or members of the group who see one another
Has the focus of attention on building an environment which will encourage the growth and development of
Spends more time teaching and mentoring than punishing
Has family or group members more interested in listening and communicating than being in control
Encouragement is more common than criticism
All members are involved in the process and efforts are made to individualize the environment for each
Has love evident. Energy and effort are spent on inclusion rather than isolation or distancing
The Functional Organization is an organization where the leaders are:
Both customer and employee oriented
Customer and employee advocates
Organizationally astute
Influencing
Interpersonally diagnostic
Goal-oriented
Persistent
Organized
Mentoring of subordinates
Collaborative
Initiating
Professional
Conceptual
Innovative
Communicative
Self-confident
Not likely to attempt to force others to follow their lead or decisions
Not likely to emphasize the outcome over the process
Not likely to attempt to control through administrative directives or controlling behaviors
clear and direct evidence over a period of time. When this does occur they either deal with the issue
directly with the person involved or put it behind them and out of their mind.
others and does not attempt to obfuscate.
thinking or behavior patterns.
and feelings of others above their own.
as equal partners
each individual member of the group or family
family or group member
A Sample Corporate Constitution for a Functional Organization:
As an organization we believe in the principle of promoting the individual growth and development of each and every
member of our organization. We believe that investing in our employees will ultimately result in an effective and dynamic
team of independent, creative, and responsible individuals capable of making significant contributions. We believe in the
following basic principles to govern how we work together to achieve the goals of our organization:
1. We believe that there must be a framework of basic principles of honesty, reliability and responsibility, which
govern our behavior as a group and as individuals within the group.
2. We feel that each staff member has a significant contribution to make to all decisions made by and for the
organization.
3. We are committed to the idea that the responsibility of taking care of our work environment is shared equally be
every member of the staff. We will regularly make specific assignments for specific tasks to be done by
individuals, but the general care and keeping of how we work together and the quality of the products and
services that we provide to our customers as well as the quality of the interactions among and between is the
shared responsibility of all of us.
4. We agree that each of us has a responsibility to help create a positive and nurturing environment where each of
us feels secure, safe, valued, and that each of us knows that we can count on one another to follow the
principles that we have established. We will help each other to achieve significant personal and professional
growth. We do not believe in, nor do we accept any behavior that might be considered or perceived to be
sexual, emotional, or physical harassment or purposely offensive.
5. We agree that any time any one of us feels insecure, unsafe, harassed or not valued that we will discuss our
feelings with the individual most directly concerned to attempt to resolve the situation in private. When this
direct one-on-one approach does not seem to be successful we will bring the matter to a grievance process
designated by mutual agreement with an acceptable third party. We agree to be open and direct in our
communications with one another.