How to Go From Instinctive Reaction to Mindful Response

You know how sometimes you find yourself in a high-stakes meeting, and suddenly, you feel overwhelmed with emotions. Your heart races, your palms sweat, and you can’t think clearly. What you’re experiencing is known as an “amygdala hijack,” a term coined by Daniel Goleman (emotional intelligence founder). It’s when the amygdala, the part of your brain responsible for emotions, senses a threat and triggers an intense fight-or-flight response. This can happen faster than the rational part of your brain, the prefrontal cortex, can intervene, leading to impulsive actions and poor decisions. Why the Fear Response is Triggered

An amygdala hijack occurs because the amygdala reacts quicker than your prefrontal cortex. When the amygdala perceives danger, it overrides rational thought and initiates a fight-or-flight response. This is designed to protect you but can often result in overreactions and regrettable decisions. Daniel Goleman stresses the importance of emotional intelligence in managing these hijacks. Techniques like mindfulness and emotional regulation can help you stay calm and respond more thoughtfully. Recognizing Amygdala Hijacks in the Workplace

Fight Response

Scenario: During an important Senior Exec. meeting, a product manager is criticized by a senior executive for delays. Reaction: The product manager becomes defensive and argues aggressively, aiming to protect their credibility, potentially escalating the conflict.

Mindful Response: Instead of becoming defensive and arguing aggressively, a mindful leader would take a deep breath and acknowledge the criticism calmly. They might say, "I understand your concerns about the delays. Let's discuss the factors contributing to this and find a solution together." This approach defuses potential conflict and opens the door to constructive dialogue. Flight Response

Scenario: An employee is overwhelmed with extra workload due to a colleague’s unexpected leave. Reaction: The employee takes unscheduled leave to escape the stress, leaving the team in a bind without addressing the underlying issue.

Mindful Response:?Rather than taking unscheduled leave, a mindful leader would prioritize their tasks and seek support from their team or manager. They might communicate, "I'm currently handling additional workload due to a colleague's leave. Could we discuss how to best manage these responsibilities to ensure nothing falls through the cracks?" This proactive approach addresses the issue without abandoning the team.

Freeze Response

Scenario: A team leader is asked to give an unprepared status update during a company town hall. Reaction: Paralyzed by fear, the leader freezes and cannot present effectively, leading to awkward silence and a negative impression.

Mindful Response:?A mindful leader would take a moment to gather their thoughts and provide a high-level overview. They could say, "While I wasn't prepared for a detailed update, I can share that our project is on track, and I'll provide a comprehensive report shortly after this meeting." This maintains composure and demonstrates adaptability under pressure.

Fawn Response

Scenario: A territory manager employee is given an unrealistic deadline by their manager. Reaction: Instead of voicing concerns, the employee agrees and overworks to meet the deadline, seeking approval but harming their well-being and productivity in?the process.

Mindful Response:?Instead of agreeing without objection, a mindful leader would express their concerns respectfully. They might respond, "I understand the urgency of this deadline, but given our current workload, it may impact the quality of our work. Can we discuss adjusting the timeline or reallocating resources to meet this goal effectively?" This ensures open communication and protects both their well-being and productivity.

The Power of Emotional Resilience and Emotional Maturity

Emotional Resilience and Emotional Maturity are crucial for navigating life’s challenges. As a leader, building these traits helps you handle stress and make better decisions under pressure. They’re also key to maintaining healthy relationships at home and work. In conclusion:

By cultivating these skills, you enhance your overall well-being and thrive both personally and professionally. In today’s fast-paced, AI-driven, do-more-for-less world, developing your emotional resilience and maturity is essential not just for your sanity but also for the mental health of your team.

#EmotionalIntelligence #Leadership #MentalToughness #ResilientLeadership #WorkplaceWellbeing #StressManagement #EmotionalResilience