In 1968, Ernest E. Meadows met Carl R. Rogers and became acquainted with the Person Centered Approach. At the La Jolla Program (an encounter with PCA and natural group process that occurs annually in the summer at the Center for Studies of the Person), Ernie experienced the energy created by PCA and recognized the value it holds for organizations. He made a proposal to provide development opportunities for the U.S. Forest Service which
in turn became his new job description (the first ever Organizational Development Specialist in the Federal Government). At that time in his life, Ernie sought opportunities for growth that were at the source of cutting edge thinking. His search brought him back to the Center for Studies of the Person.
As a Resident Fellow of the Center for Studies of the
Person, Ernie Meadows began to manifest a vision born out of: 1) his expertise as an Organizational Development Specialist; 2) his understanding and appreciation of PCA as a successful model for relationships in general; 3) his world view (civilization must solve the problems of energy, population and pollution if it is to continue on this planet); 4) his
The stuck person makes 80,000 painful transactions to reach a decision which is unsatisfying because he lacks the skill to make eight clear transactions to reach a satisfying decision. Horrors without end describe
the machinations of misunderstanding, blame, stress, and un-necessarily painful transactions that people of good will in organizations go through to try to get the work done through their relationships. Horrors without end: a work environment where everybody is
somewhat responsible for everything, and nobody is completely responsible for anything. A work environment where there is scant evidence of responsibility and futile attempts to hold people
