We received word yesterday that a friend and colleague had to lay off nearly 80% of his staff – proof positive that the economy in the United States continues to be a huge Challenger in the lives of many.

As a fan of the my book The Power of TED* (*The Empowerment Dynamic), Bill C recently wrote on the Power of TED* Facebook page, “With the poor economy, the need to be creative is even more important. Exploring new frontiers versus the familiar way is the way forward.” 

The old “psychological contract” between employee and employer used to be this: “come to work; keep your ‘nose clean’; do what you are told; and we will take care of you.”  This paternalistic, ultimately disempowering mindset has been fading for decades and, in the current climate for all-too-many, has now been ripped to shreds.

A natural reaction of those whose lives have been thrown off course in this economy is to fall into the Dreaded Drama Triangle and its roles of Victim, Persecutor, and Rescuer.  Originally described by Dr. Stephen Karpman, the Drama Triangle engages these three problem-focused roles. A person feels victimized by the economy and different people see different persecutors – those individuals and institutions they blame for the turn of events of the past couple of years.  Many are hoping that, somehow and from somewhere, a great Rescuer will turn things around, be that the government or the Federal Reserve or some other individual or institution.  However, when the hoped-for Rescuer does not deliver – or do so fast enough – they are then seen as yet another disappointing Persecutor.  And so the drama is perpetuated.

The Victim Orientation, in which we await a Rescuer, is “the familiar way” to which Bill is referring.  Perhaps the way forward first and foremost requires the shift into a Creator Orientation and the outcome-focused roles of The Empowerment Dynamic (TED). From this mindset we can begin to create “new frontiers.”  Instead of finding and following a “career path” provided by an employer, we can begin to create a career path, focused on our desired outcome, one step at a time.

From this orientation we can tap into the resourcefulness of The Empowerment Dynamic (TED) and its roles of Creator, Challenger and Coach.  From this perspective, the down economy serves as a Challenger (rather than persecutor) sparking innovation, encouraging learning and growth.  As we work in collaboration with others, we look for and serve as a Coach (rather than a rescuer), clarifying our vision and tapping resources to create our career paths. 

While focused on the problems of the economy, the roles of victims, persecutors and rescuers may well ensure the continuation of a familiar path and cycle.  However while drawing their attention toward potential outcomes and better opportunities, creators, challengers and coaches will be among those innovative people working to create a better path for themselves and our economy.   Consider TED* fan Molly G, a successful coach and self-employment guru. Molly’s work from a creator orientation guides, serves and supports others creating more choices and opportunities despite the economy’s changing directions. What will you create today - for yourself - for the work you do?

David Emerald blogs regularly on his site www.powerofted.com.  TED* Thoughts reflects on daily applications of the principles and practices outlined in Emerald’s book, The Power of TED* (*The Empowerment Dynamic).