In our recent 30-minute video series, Conscious InSights, I sat down with my colleague Paul Wyman, the innovator behind Inner Team Dialogue. We had a great conversation about the powerful impact parts work has in transforming our deep seated beliefs and thus how we show up in leadership and life. I love working with parts with my clients and on myself!
Exploring the Riches of Parts Work
Parts work is about embracing the many facets of ourselves. Although it may seem like we have one unified self, our thoughts and feelings often show us that we actually have many different parts inside us running the show. I use parts work to help individuals navigate and befriend their internal landscapes, providing insights that benefit their personal and professional lives.
Inner Team Dialogue in Action
Paul has been a pioneer in applying Inner Team Dialogue, a technique that encourages dialogue with various internal ‘team members’—the different parts of our personalities. For example, he introduces the “Pusher,” a part commonly found in leaders that drives productivity and achievement. The exploration of balancing the Pusher with its counterpart, the “Reflector,” which promotes introspection and presence, is a fascinating journey for most leaders exploring the roots of burnout, leadership style and personal well-being. We did a mini parts interview in our video.
The Impact of Parts Work in My Work With Clients
In my coaching practice, I utilize parts work to provide a deeper exploration into what drives us, motivates us and gets in our way. This approach is transformative for leadership because it builds greater self-awareness, empathy, and connectedness.
I personally engage in this work as well, regularly examining my own parts to better understand and manage them. For instance, I’ve named one of my parts “Irritable Isabelle,” who shows up when I’m overly busy and overly tired. Recognizing and naming her helps me recognize and approach my exhaustion and frustrations with more compassion and understanding. It also helps her back off a little when I see her, recognize her and work to balance her opposite, “Resourced Ren.” Recognizing and naming these parts fosters a kinder, more accepting attitude towards myself and, by extension, towards others.
Broad Applications of Parts Work
Parts work is gaining more awareness and being used in many areas in addition to leadership coaching.
-
Therapy and Personal Growth: Therapists utilize parts work to address deep-seated emotional trauma, enhance relationships, and overcome personal obstacles, guiding individuals towards inner peace and self-comprehension.
-
Integration with Plant Medicine and Psychedelic Therapy: As interest in plant medicine and psychedelic therapy resurfaces, parts work provides a crucial framework for integrating these experiences, enabling individuals to implement and integrate their newfound insights effectively.
-
Self-Reflection and Personal Evolution: Parts work is not confined to therapy or coaching sessions; it is a tool for anyone interested in self-discovery and personal evolution, offering a way to better manage life’s challenges.
Why This Work Matters
Acknowledging and interacting with all our parts is transformative. It’s not about fixing something broken; it’s about recognizing the value in each part of our personality and integrating these aspects. This holistic perspective shifts how we view ourselves and enhances how we interact with the world.
In my practice, I stress the importance of this deep inner exploration to foster authentic, effective, and compassionate leadership (and living). Understanding our internal dynamics makes us better leaders and also creates environments rich in genuine connection and mutual understanding.
Paul’s continued work in Inner Team Dialogue creates a life-changing impact—it’s about embracing all parts of ourselves to lead with authenticity, integrity, and compassion. I encourage you to watch or listen to our Conscious InSights series and discover how you can begin to engage with the many parts of you.