Developing Engaged Citizens

Feb 15

In this episode of the Doorknob Comments podcast, we are excited to sit down with Dr. Edward Shapiro, a distinguished author and psychoanalyst.

During our conversation, we discuss his book "Finding a Place to Stand.” We explore the significance of family dynamics, institutional roles, and citizenship. He highlights the value of self-reflection and the challenges of leadership in a polarized society. Dr. Shapiro also shares a story illustrating the importance of action in confrontational situations. His book serves as a testament to the value of this learning process and is a recommended read for anyone interested in leadership, group relations, and active citizenship.

Key Takeaways

Engaged citizenship is vital for a cohesive society and involves active listening and open-mindedness.
Group relations conferences provide insights into organizational dynamics and the role of authority.
Leadership requires courage to act in challenging situations, as illustrated by a social worker's story.
Learning from others and self-reflection enhance leadership.
Asking “How are they right?” rather than “How am I right?” is a paradigm shift for effective listening and collaboration.

In This Episode:

[04:30] Experiences and journey to Austen Riggs
[14:30] Therapy and its role in family dynamics
[19:49] The family as an institution
[22:39] The book's idea in addressing societal issues
[24:28] The concept of good citizenship
[30:10] Group relations conferences and their impact
[45:19] "Why do I have to do this?"

Notable Quotes

[12:47] “People resist impatient people who are labeled by others as one of the problems of family dynamics.” - Ed

[19:49] "The family is an institution and like any institution, it has a mission on behalf of society, and that mission is development - Ed

[38:32] "I don't know that everybody wants to be a leader. Many people are afraid of leadership because of what's happened in their families around taking up leadership roles. We always bring our family role into our organization.” - Ed