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Later in "News & Resources," a link to my Confident Leader Assessment.

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In the last newsletter, I told you about one of my new coaching clients, Karen, and how in our first conversation I helped her label her negative thoughts. At the beginning of our next coaching call, Karen was overwhelmed and discouraged by all of the recent changes in her organization. Here’s what we talked about.

“In the last six months,” Karen described, “two of my managers have transferred to other divisions. Yesterday, a third manager said that he was leaving, too. Is this my fault? I’m afraid that more people, including key research staff, are going to jump ship.”

“It’s scary to think that you’re impacting their decision to transfer,” I reflected her concern.

“On top of that,” Karen continued, “I’m overwhelmed with 100+ emails a day, personnel problems that my managers can’t handle, a new lab opening in Germany next month, and added projects from my boss.”

Leadership Suffering

“Karen, what I’m about to say might sound a bit crazy,” I explained. “No matter what’s happening outside a leader---regardless of how challenging the people and events are externally---the root of suffering radiates from inside, from the mind. Our suffering is due, in large part, to the mind’s tendency to resist what’s happening.”

“You mean I should accept all this chaos and not try to do anything about it?” she asked.

“No, I don’t mean that. Let’s try something. Would you play a video in your mind of the last 24 hours?” I paused for five seconds while Karen closed her eyes and replayed her lousy day. “Can you notice where you resisted what was happening?”

“Yes, of course. I hated yesterday! I still feel tense and upset. I feel like I’m going to snap. Isn’t that normal after getting bad news?” Karen’s voice was irritated and tired.

“Your reactions are completely normal. My question is, how much did getting tense help the situation?” I asked.

“It didn’t help at all,” Karen’s voice softened, and she took a deep breath. “It compounded my stress. I felt so much resistance to everything; it felt like I was even fighting myself.”

“That’s exactly what happens," I said. "The mind resists not just what’s happening in events outside you, it resists your reaction to the events, too. It’s very painful. One model that might help you understand this internal conflict is called the Triune Brain. It explains three layers of the brain and how they have different job descriptions that sometimes compete with one another.”

The Triune Brain

Scientists use a variety of models to describe the structures and functions of the brain. One model is the Triune Brain that describes the three evolutionary layers of brain development over millions of years: the Reptilian Brain, Paleomammalian Brain, and Neomammalian Brain (MacLean 1990). In order to describe the Triune Brain to Karen, I took poetic license. I said that since her brain has three different layers, she could think of having three different “minds” or ways to process her experience. Sometimes, particularly when we’re under a great deal of stress, the three minds have competing needs.

I asked Karen for a recent example when she did something at work that she regretted.

“That’s easy,” she replied. “Last week, I was invited to present at the Senior Management meeting. Because I was nervous, I wanted to get to the conference room early. When I walked in, the Vice President of Finance, Larry, was sitting in the chair I always use for my team meetings. Without thinking, I blurted out, ‘That’s my seat!’ Of course, he looked shocked. It was so awful.”

“That does sound embarrassing, Karen. And, it’s a good example,” I replied. “Let’s use that experience to review the three brain layers and the processes that they regulate. Two cautions---the brain is much more complex than these three layers. And, some neuroscientists believe that the Triune Brain theory isn’t as accurate as once thought. However, for our purposes, I feel it’s a practical way to broadly introduce some of the structures in the brain and processes in the mind.”

Reptilian Brain

I explained to Karen that the Reptilian Brain developed at the top of the spine around 300 million years ago. The Reptilian Brain---comprised of the cerebellum and brain stem---controls self-regulation including breathing, heartbeat, daily rituals, and establishing and defending territory.

When Karen walked into the conference room, she was already nervous about her presentation. When she saw Larry, the sense that it was “her” seat originated from the Reptilian Brain, or Territorial Mind.

Next month, I’ll describe the second layer of the Triune Brain---the Paleomammalian, or Emotional Mind---that was also involved in Karen’s spontaneous remark. Until then, I invite you to notice how your sense of territory changes throughout your work day and in your personal life. Where is “your” territory, and how do you feel when you’re there? Where is “other’s” territory, and how do you feel when you’re there? Simply notice how you feel, take a breath, and allow the experience to be as it is. I’d love to hear what you experience and learn. Send me your thoughts or questions about how it works.

Reference

MacLean, Paul. 1990. The Triune Brain in Evolution: Role in Paleocerebral Functions. New York: Springer.

News and Resources:

• Here's my Confident Leader Assessment. You can rate your confidence level in ten different challenging leadership scenarios.

• If you're having trouble concentrating at work, I highly recommend leadership coach David Rock's book,Your Brain at Work. David, who coined the term "neuroleadership," compiled scientific research that explains why it's hard to focus our minds. His recommendations can help you be less distracted and more productive.

Suzanne

Suzanne Kryder, Ph.D.
P.O. Box 11892
Washington, DC 20008 USA
202.525.9430 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              202.525.9430      end_of_the_skype_highlighting begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              202.525.9430      end_of_the_skype_highlighting begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              202.525.9430      end_of_the_skype_highlighting

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