DISC stressors and triggers

It is said that our greatest strength can be a blessing and a curse. At our best we are choosing the optimal strength for a given situation. Using DISC as a lens, we can apply direct, influencing, steady or conscientious action to achieve a desired result. During challenging times however, something changes in our inner world so a strength may express in an extreme or opposing manner.

When we are triggered by a situation, person or experience our emotional body is no longer being guided by our higher self and so we behave in seemingly confusing ways. Normal stress behaviors such as autocratic (for the D), attack (for the I), acquiesce (for the S) or avoid (for the C) don't provide the relief we seek and so we may apply a more dramatic strategy. We no longer care about our long-term desired result but are focused blindly on self-protection or preservation.

The D who is normally decisive and bold may move beyond the "normal" stress behavior of overbearing and exhibit the S's passive/aggressive tendency. The I who is wants to be involved may not attack but instead clam up like the C stressor tendency. The S who desires harmony may become agressive like the D under stress and the C who values respect and expertise may lash out like the I in stress. It seems that the stronger the trigger, the greater the opposing preference or reaction.

If we recognize that when we are triggered, we are actually in an altered or unconscious state (and in that moment are not able to recognize what is going on or what we really need) we can rely on awareness, understanding and humble pie to get back to center where answers are available and everything is possible.

Thanks to Lyndee for this insight!

Past, Present and Probable Future?

Found these 3 inquiries in Rob Brezsny's astrology quips and thought you'd have fun with them. Consider your life, your leadership or a relationship and ask:

1. What fossilized fixations, ancient insults, impossible dreams and parasitic ghosts am I ready to let go of?
2. What can I do to ensure that relaxed, amused acceptance will rule my encounters with the old ways forever after?
3. What will I do with all the energy I free up by releasing the dead weight I had been clinging to?

Reflection, Contemplation and Leadership?

Thanks to whoever sent me the book "Leadership Wisdom From The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari" by Robin Sharma.

The first insight I appreciated (other than the fun title) was, "Reflection and contemplation are among the most important of all business skills." 

We don't often think of these leadership competencies as a part of business (or busy-ness) and yet what if they were?

Imagine an office where people (regardless of title) allowed time and space for the wisest part of them to lead by:

• Staring out the window 
• Pausing and regrouping between meetings
• Sitting with their legs up on a desk pondering
• Attending to energetic and emotional shifts (in self and others)
• Being outside for breaks or lunch
• Listening beneath words
• Walking mindfully
• Asking, "Is it my assignment?"
• Responding to biorhythms
• Breathing more deeply
• Aligning with seasonal cycles
• Allowing silence to reveal 
• Meditating
• Appreciating calm and quiet

What difference would these practices make to leadership, team and organizational health? Try a few (or make up your own) and see for yourself.

For more explore www.robinsharma.com/resources. And....for those of you who devalue your expertise, Mr. Sharma also has a great story about Pablo Picasso. He drew a little sketch for an admirer later in his career and then asked for $1 million dollars. The lady replied, $1million dollars for 30 seconds?"He said, "My dear, it took me 30 years to draw that in 30 seconds."

Balance or Congruence?

Work-life balance seems to be a constant challenge for those doing more with less. While the intent of this competency is for us to be healthy, happy and fulfilled the verbiage can actually create stress.

Career is one aspect of life. It not the opposite of home/family. Balance is not static. It requires subtle movement. Who you are is ever present regardless of the role you are playing.

What if work-life balance isn't about the hours you spend in one place or another, but about congruence. The more aligned and awake you are in all areas of life the less energy you'll spend trying to balance something that inherently can't be. Here are a few questions to get you started:

• Do your personal values and the organizations align? 
• Are you different at home and at work? How so? What do you gain? lose?
• Does your inhale equal your exhale?
• Do your four intelligences (physical, emotional, intellectual, intuitive) work together?
• How do you show up in different roles (mother, boss, soccer player, team member, sister, customer, board member, volunteer, etc.)?
• Where are your authentic and egoic selves at odds?
• What supports your capacity to do and be?
• How much unnecessary tension do you hold in your body? (Try standing straight using only 10% muscle)
• Do your thoughts, words and actions match?