189: Adrenaline And Leaders

<p>The brain when triggered by fight or flight impulses, releases adrenalin into the larger muscle groups.  It also fires up the brain and the mouth, but not always in the right order.  Today we look at how to control the chemical surges that can get leaders into serious trouble.</p> <p> </p> <p>Our cave dwelling ancestor past is still with us today.  Rather than sabre tooth tigers though, we are reacting to anyone who argues with us or seeks to deny us what we want.  The chemical cocktail in our bodies ignites passion, anger, mouth-before-brain outbursts, cursing, putdowns, sharp rebukes and killer comebacks.  Being fleet of foot, our reactions saved us from being lunch for predators, but today that same nifty speed can get us into big trouble with those around us.</p> <p> </p> <p>Common sense is not common.  Crystal clear communication goes unheard.  The obvious is not obvious.  There are no shortages of things in our leader world, which can set off a chemical chain reaction, pumping adrenalin into us, that we can come to regret.  The six-step devastation cycle plays out like this:  Event, Interpretation, Emotional Response, Physical Response, Attitude Response and Effect.  Event triggers can be mistakes; stupidity; something said, overheard or reported; irritating interactions with others or a business crisis.</p> <p> </p> <p>Our speed is astounding.  We react in a nanosecond, but we regret at leisure.  Once the adrenalin kicks in, we are off.  So, to maintain control we need to stop the chain reaction before it ignites.  You normally imagine that leaders are there because they are in control and can therefore be trusted.  Someone who can’t control their own emotions, isn’t usually someone we want running anything, let alone big corporations worth very large sums. </p> <p> </p> <p>I was amazed to see one of the captains of industry a hostage to his adrenalin.  His curriculum vitae was perfect, a prince of the first water.  Yet he would explode with instant, white-hot rage when he didn’t get the results he want