In the complex world of commerce, family businesses stand apart, not just as economic entities, but as ideals of generational dreams, emotional ties, and identity. Yet this very intimacy often harbors a hidden psychological risk: role confusion. This phenomenon, where the lines of familial and professional identities blur, poses a major challenge to leadership, succession, and organizational harmony. I. Where …
Parental Identity Spillover: When Parenting Styles Bleed into Leadership Behavior
Leadership in the workplace is often treated as a domain governed by formal training, corporate norms, and individual personality. Yet, a growing body of research suggests that leaders are not insulated from the roles they play in their personal lives—particularly that of a parent. This phenomenon, referred to as parental identity spillover, describes how parenting styles subtly influence, and sometimes …
The Psychology of Returning Parents: Identity Disruption, Role Re-entry, and Occupational Recalibration
Returning to work after parental leave is more than a logistical transition—it is a profound psychological journey that reshapes identities, redefines roles, and recalibrates career aspirations. For many parents, the shift from caregiving to professional responsibilities brings a complex interplay of emotions, from excitement and ambition to anxiety and self-doubt. This article explores the psychology of returning parents through three …
From Parent to Partner: Unconscious Blueprints in Romantic Selection
Ever looked at your partner and wondered why I chose him? Or what part of me thought dating her would be a good idea? Maybe in a moment of insecurity you thought, why would someone like this choose someone like me? Or in a moment of pure bliss, you thanked God for helping you find your soulmate. Well it seems, …
Occupational Leadership Role as Symbolic Parenting: Boundary Management in Work Relationships
We do not typically consider our supervisors to be our parents, and to be honest, most leaders would not desire that title. But there is a growing recognition in leadership psychology that occupational leadership often mirrors symbolic parenting, like leaders nurturing their juniors, guiding, setting limits, and managing emotional situations in the workplace. This idea becomes particularly pertinent while examining …