The Father Factor: Is Dad Holding You Back?

May 30, 2006 — -- Does your career seem to be stalled?

Do you have trouble interacting with your boss or co-workers? If so, it may be time to examine your relationship with your father.

According to a new book by Stephan Poulter, the father figure is the key to internal confidence.

He spoke to "Good Morning America" co-anchor Robin Roberts about the different kinds of fathers and how their personalities influenced their offspring's career opportunities.

In his book, "The Father Factor: How Your Father's Legacy Impacts Your Career," Poulter outlines five major father types, including the "Superachiever," "Time Bomb," "Passive," "Absent" and "Compassionate/Mentor."

Each type has its positives and negatives, Poulter said.

He provides questionnaires for identifying your father's type and addresses how to counteract his potentially negative impact.

Children of the "Time Bomb" father, for example, who explodes in anger at his family, learn how to read people and their moods. These skills make them good at personnel jobs, but they also may have troubles with trust.

An example of the "Time Bomb" or explosive father is former President Clinton's stepfather.

"He [Clinton] always admitted he was excellent reading people because as a child he had to learn how to read his stepfather in order to have a safe evening," Poulter said.

The "Superachiever" father affects production and performance, Poulter said.

"The bottom line -- there is not much emotion with this father," he said. "It's all about performance."

The "Passive" father is particularly common. Poulter estimates 40 percent of people are raised with a passive dad.

An "Absent" father may live in the same home as his children, but may not be involved in their lives.

"Many times the 'absent' father creates anger in the son and daughter," Poulter said.