Human Duality is a theme widely explored in literature and psychology. It refers to the conflicting nature of an individual - how one can encompass both good and evil, or more broadly, potentially incompatible characteristics. Duality is a reflection of the complexities of human nature. When comparing this concept to the dichotomy of a business leader’s work and home life it presents an insightful analogy, which goes a long way to explaining why executive coaching is facing rapidly increasing demand.
Imagine a Venn diagram. In one circle put all your most common and natural attributes and personality features relating to your experience and behaviours in your home life. In the other circle do the same, but looking through the lens of your working life.
There will be an overlap, but it is often surprisingly small. It is only by doing an exercise like this with complete honesty that we realise it. This is a major factor in having a sense of overwhelm, underperforming, or job (dis)satisfaction.
It is NOT about work-life balance; that is fundamentally about time. This Duality is about behaviour and natural instincts. Working with a Coach enables you to first become aware of the differential and secondly to develop certain skills in order to widen the overlapping area on the Venn diagram.
No wonder, then, that so many people feel that they are putting on a ‘performance’ whilst at work. Subconsciously, we are constantly trying to create the illusion that both of our circles overlap perfectly. Nobody’s do. Many people struggle with having to ‘switch on’ an alternate identity for the workplace. Similarly, there are conflicts between work and home relating to our roles, expectations of us, attributes that create success at work may create conflict at home, plus the internal conflict that all this can cause creates stress for many people.
A good Coach will help you identify the conflicts, help you develop and grow your overlapping circles, and guide you to feel more balanced. All of which means, you can enhance your performance at work AND be happier still at home.
Have you ever noticed opposing forces in your work vs home lives?
Bad Meetings Are Draining Your Team, So Turn It Around Bad meetings quietly drain time, money and morale. Learn to spot bad meetings, fix meeting culture and run focused, effective sessions that deliver results.
Management Psychology: A Practical Guide for Leaders Management psychology helps leaders link business goals with human behaviour, boosting motivation, safety and performance while supporting wellbeing.
Help for executives can transform how leaders think, decide and cope with pressure. Discover why seeking support shows strength, not weakness.