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Enhance Associates' Success by Managing Conditioned Responses

By Debra Forman
March 30, 2010

At times we respond inappropriately to challenging situations, as if our reactions to these uncomfortable circumstances are encoded in our DNA. Sometimes we are either so paralyzed that we cannot function or so confident that we react when it suits us. Other times, we respond in anger, blaming those we believe are at fault and resolving to yell or bully our way out of the situation. We may also act like victims, retreating into our corners and hoping all blows over quickly. These conditioned responses rob us of our effectiveness and prevent us from advancing as firm leaders.

How do we break these conditioned cycles and reprogram ourselves to act more constructively? We first need to acknowledge that we are predisposed to acting unsuccessfully in key stressful situations. Next we examine why and when we respond as we do. We then consciously shift to a more productive behavior before we find ourselves slipping into our default response. We act effectively and proactively to make ourselves better leaders.

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