Dr. Thomas Gordon created a model for both building and maintaining close and enduring relationships. He did this by converting abstract concepts into teachable, behavioral skills and making them accessible to the general public. In his words, he “gave psychology away”.
He was criticized for this because many of his colleagues thought these skills should only be used by professional therapists in their role as counselors.
Dr. Gordon was an optimist. He felt that people could be taught these skills by trained and certified Instructors and then learn to help themselves to have healthier, more equal and respectful relationships.
He first identified the necessary skills for democratic leadership in organizations (in the early 1950’s), that later evolved into L.E.T. These skills later proved equally effective for parents (P.E.T.), teachers (T.E.T.) and then for teens, sales professionals, etc.
His best-selling books and worldwide network of authorized Instructors in nearly 60 countries, have been offered to over eight million people. Wow. So millions and millions of people have the tools for preventing, as well as solving, problems, to learning how and when to listen, how and when to confront and more. And his pioneering relationships skills have been adopted by countless other training programs.
If you’ve heard of Active Listening, I-Messages, Problem Ownership, Communication Roadblocks, No-Lose Conflict Resolution, it’s most likely because of Dr. Gordon’s work.
We are introducing the Gordon Model to more and more people around the world and we’re eternally grateful to all of you who help us do that.
August 26th, 2024 marks 22 years since the passing of this great human being who has helped millions of people have better relationships. We devote ourselves every day to carrying this model—OUR model— forward, protecting its integrity and purpose.
Today and every day, we say thank you, Tom Gordon. THANK YOU. We love you, we miss you, and we are forever grateful for you.