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.

Different Types, Different Effects

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.

The "Compassionate/Mentor" father is the one most of us hope for, Poulter said.

"Tiger Woods and his father exemplify that model," Poulter said.

Earl Woods, who recently passed away, always said he wanted the golf phenom to be a fantastic human being.

"His [Tiger Woods'] dad found what he loved and helped him get there," Poulter said.

Poulter says the first step to changing is to understand under which category your father falls.

At the end of the day, he stressed that people must take responsibility for themselves, rather than blame their mother or father for their problems. He believes examining your relationship with your father can be an important tool.

"This is a piece of the puzzle," he said. "But you have the keys to your future, and knowing more helps you unlock and move forward."