Thought for the Day

“Mindfulness at work is being kind and collaborative in our interactions, keeping mutual goals in mind, and also keeping in mind that everyone deserves to be happy.” 

- Lama Tenzin Dhonde

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!

Is Sitting Lethal?

Excessive sitting of 9 hours a day (which is more than most of us sleep) can be a lethal activity according to a Mayo Clinic Study. After 1 hour of unconscious sitting our metabolism slows down, the enzymes that burn fat decline, good cholesterol lowers, blood pressure elevates, the pancreas overproduces, backs tighten, joints shorten and the brain gets foggy.

If "sitting is the new smoking" what can we do, especially with the constant drive for output, innovation and agility in business today? Move and sit with greater awareness!

Experiment for yourself and notice the result:

• Walk stairs instead of taking elevators
• Stand up throughout a meeting (and don't harshly judge those that do)
• Walk around the block or campus for your 1:1's
• Run sprints or jump rope before an innovation or problem-solving session
• Breath more deeply and fully
• Stop and stretch every 90 minutes
• Sit up straight and ergonomically correct
• Meditate

Read Washington Post and HBR article for more. Thanks to Megan for the resource!

Interruption Technique

What is the most time (and energy) consuming part of an interruption?

It is getting back to what we were doing when the interruption occurred. It can take up to 20 minutes per interruption to get back on track. Even if we find ways to minimize interruptions (and the frustration they can engender) questions still need to be answered.

Next time you get interrupted acknowledge the request. In person or on the phone you may calmly greet the person and say, "I'll be with you in a minute." If the interruption is via email or text pause before you read it.

Then, write down the next thing you are going to do on a post-it-note. NOT a bookmark of where you are, but document your next step, action or task.

Now give your attention to the question or person. When you are done, look at your post-it-note and your brain will bring you back into the work groove more quickly.

If this works, 4 well-managed interruptions a day could give you more than 1 hour a day back!