Threats & Forces (Part 1)

“Words make worlds.” – Judith E. Glaser

Never has this been more true as it is now. Whether it be “Breaking News” headlines, the government press briefing or remarks within an online call, each word that is uttered has gained exponential weight and impact.

A lot of people are on high stress and high alert mode and, therefore, they are quick to travel the ladder of conclusion (as mentioned in a previous post) or go into a state of amygdala hijack. I have observed that people are on a higher sensitivity plane when it comes to verbal stimuli.

So what can we do as a way to self-check ourselves as we construct and deliver different messages either professionally or socially, personally or online, in the WFH or digital dialogue conversations during this quarantine?

In C-IQ, we call them FORCES and THREATS. These are acronyms for a mental litmus test that C-IQ savvy leaders and coaches learn to be proficient in. These letters stand for a series of questions the communicators ask themselves before they deliver any form of message.

These questions help us to down-regulate to reduce the effects of fear or up-regulate to increase the impact of the executive brain.

This helps us form social connections, strengthening our ability to bond with others, instead of withdrawing from them. In fact, researchers have found that by learning to read signals sent by the amygdala, we become far more effective at embracing trust. Without which, creativity and innovative thought are not possible.

For today, I will share the T.H.R.E.A.T.S. rapid check questions.

1. In terms of TONE, what emotions do I want to elicit: fear, anger, panic, openness or love?

2. Is what I am about to say going to HUMILIATE the person receiving my message?

3. Will the words I will say create a sense of REJECTION towards the recipient’s ideas and opinions?

4. Am I EXCLUDING the person intellectually and emotionally by the words and statements I will deliver?

5. Do my words convey ANGER?

6. Do my words create walls and sense of TERITORIALITY rather than acceptance and inclusion?

7. Am I diminishing the STATUS of the receiver by my choice of words?

C-IQ savvy leaders allow us to do rapid checks before delivery, therefore, ensuring the ability to navigate even the toughest conversations. Tomorrow, I will talk about FORCES.

Since we have the time…practice with one question, be mindful of your message and then observe the outcome.