Page 94 - Getting to the Heart of High Performance

Your thinking brain manages your behavior here.

Let’s say you make the opening move with a smile and
warm greeting, but the other person chooses to respond

in a neutral manner. Instantly your prefrontal cortex ana-
lyzes the exchange and decides whether to label the
reaction as neutral, negative, or even positive. That’s
your privilege, because only you know how it felt to be
on the receiving end. Then the thinking brain decides

what your next move will be. You can hold your ground
and remain positive, maybe shift to neutral, or even
make a negative move.

The six minor cycles reflect a battle of wills, a struggle
between two people to control the emotional tone of the
exchange. Just remember: you’re always accountable for
your behavior. Sure, other people may influence you, and

your mirror neurons might prime you to behave a certain
way, but your prefrontal cortex bats last. It can override
these forces. Ultimately, you choose whether to be positive,
negative, or neutral.

78 DEEP STRENGTHS