Behavior Uncut: Situational Power

All people are capable of enacting the most treasured behaviors as well as the most heinous behaviors. It’s human nature… Based on the situation, people act in ways that align with a belief of self-identity. The executive function of the brain could make an unselfish choice that would lead to certain consequences. People believe that killing other human beings is immoral and should be punished, but when at war, people instinctively react defensively to the point of killing another human being, if the situation deems it necessary to survive. Society idolizes people like Abraham Lincoln for his leadership actions during the Civil War, but his actions were strongly influenced by his position at the time and the situation in which he found himself. His behaviors were based on needs and survival. His executive functions allowed him to make difficult selfless choices, but if he were in a different situation then his leadership would not get a second mention.

People vehemently blame others for enacting negative behaviors and choose to view the other person’s inner-self as the culprit instead of the situation in which the actions occurred. Generally, people choose to demonize others, but give themselves a pass if they enact similar behaviors because it is human nature to acknowledge the situation as the cause if at the center of the problem. Situation is a powerful motivator for specific actions. People are humane and considerate when there is abundance, but the animalistic nature of the human brain (Amygdala) overpowers executive functions when there is scarcity and humane consideration is discarded. Self-identity does not allow acknowledgement of possible negative behaviors as truth because people have a strong internal need to believe that they are ideal and unique. People believe that they are not like everyone else, especially those who do terrible acts when the situation calls. People believe that they would do the so-called “right thing” during the emotional and pressure ridden situation. The reality is that we are human and we are more alike than we would like to believe. History repeats itself for a reason and human nature has not changed all that much in the last few hundred years.

Personally, my hope is that human nature has changed and evolved for the better but societal actions speak otherwise. The greater the awareness of these factors brings a greater sense of concern. We can be our greatest ally and we can also be our greatest enemy. When the situation is pleasant, we are all the best of friends, and when there is scarcity and threat, we become the most dangerous enemy the world has ever seen.

Keith Lawrence Miller, M.A., PCC, BCC, CPRW

Elite Pro Coach | Ivy League Resumes

ICF Certified & Credentialed Coach (PCC) | Board Certified Coach (BCC)

M.A. Columbia University | Organizational Psychologist

(855) My-Pro-Coach | Skype (718) 717-2820

http://EliteProCoach.com | www.LinkedIn.com/in/keithlawmiller

Leadership coaching is dedicated to enhancing leadership skills and abilities by enhancing the leader within and creating self-awareness. Targeting and understanding the underlying processes that dictate predictable behaviors creates a necessary awareness in alignment with reality that enables superior leadership. All leadership is not equal, but rather, fluid, flexible, and adaptive to the situation and environment. Implementing the correct developmental process proactively separates the good from the great. Our leadership coaching processes develops great leaders. However, facing perceived fears, accepting critical feedback, and managing emotional highs & lows in alignment with universal laws is required for maximizing personal and professional growth.

Everyone is capable of being a leader and that leadership begins with leading the self. The material offered goes above and beyond generic leadership content found on other leadership sites such as mission, vision, and tactics of leadership. Rather, we expand on these processes and include the real human aspect and psychological foundation of creating valued connections that by association inspire followers to exceed performance expectations. Additionally, these writings are geared to elicit behaviors that make leaders more follower-friendly, and attempt by diffusion, to refine the skills needed to lead successfully.