How do you know whether you are responding or reacting? Many times, we actually do not realize how much of our behavior is reactive. As leaders, we are bombarded with decisions all day long and it’s easy to rely on our reactive brain to solve problems quickly and move on. Unfortunately, what we often miss are critical insights that are delivered throughout the day. Once you take steps to unpack the amazing gifts your mind, brain and body reveal, you will gain deeper agency over your desired outcomes. This in turn enables you to lead more optimally.
Let’s start by asking a few questions to establish how your brain processes information.
In this scenario, I want you to picture your natural response when a manager or team member comes to you with a concern:
- What is your initial gut-reaction? Do you feel calm or does it unsettle you?
- Do you press in to understand their concern or does it bother you?
- Is your instinct to solve the issue or lead them to find their solution?
- Finally, how much time elapses before you move to take action?
Every day, you cycle through these decisions many times, often without even realizing it.
What did you learn about yourself? Can you identify where you react?
Your brain naturally reacts to the stimulus it receives unless you fill in the details. By simply assessing the answers above you may realize you are in reactive mode most of your day. Now, I want you to take a look at your answers and self-reflect on what stands out.
Now, it’s my turn. For me, question #4 is eye-opening. Time is a dead giveaway.
For instance, if I am quick to react it usually means I am distracted by a task and seeking more critical information. I tend to react emotionally when I hear repeated stories without proposed solutions. Therein lies the root of the issue and the opportunity.
Perhaps my team needs more coaching on critical thinking or there is a pattern that I may be missing because I am multi-tasking. Either way, there are details we will miss in critical moments of our day unless we take an intentional, observational approach. This is the only way we can learn how to rewire our leadership to move out of reactive mode into cognitive responsiveness.
Here are a few common physical responses which signal reactive mode:
- Breathing patterns change
- Emotions surface
- Heart races
- Rate of speech increases
These are small alarms that alert your brain that something is out of whack. What comes next is where the magic begins.
Take the time to conduct your research on yourself and follow these next steps:
- Observe your feelings.
- Write down what you are thinking and feeling when you are unsettled.
- Revisit what came before.
- Reflect often on what you witness from all parties involved.
Each of these efforts will help your mind take control and redirect your response.
You have the ability to rewire the neurons that are firing. Did you know that you can enable your neurological brain to shift your thoughts and advise your operating system? It’s like when you hold down the shift key on your computer while pressing a letter. It zips along until you release the key. Your mind is the control you have over your shift key and your reaction. It also reminds you that you have an opportunity with every thought you actively observe.
Simple yes, but very difficult unless you take the steps above to acknowledge and redirect the traffic flow of information to your brain. Over time, old patterns are replaced with new neuro pathways that can guide you with more grace and allow you to engage the super-powers of your brain.
When you rewire your leadership to respond vs. react, your heart rate will slow, your brain will gain clarity, and your breath will even out so you can communicate more effectively. This is how you take back the steering wheel and optimize your leadership.
Shift your mindset. Rewire your leadership.