Video: Take 5 with TRACOM on Resilience

“Take 5 with TRACOM” is a video series focused on providing strategies and practical advice to help you become a more Socially Intelligent professional—all in 5 minutes or less.

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Driving Style people like to use their time effici

Driving Style people like to use their time efficiently, so when leaving voicemail be brief and to the point. Provide only the key information that is necessary, and don't bother with specific details unless this is absolutely necessary. Tell the person what your goals are, what you would like the next steps to be, and any timeframes. If feasible, provide options and let the person make a decision. You don't need to be personable with these individuals, so don't be too concerned about politeness or leaving personal comments in addition to your main message. #SOCIALSTYLEtip #DrivingStyle

Put on your game face and act confident. Surprisin

Put on your game face and act confident. Surprising as it may sound, there can be a difference between feeling confident and acting confident. As research on the brain shows, your behavior has a powerful influence on your beliefs and attitudes. A potent way to increase confidence is to simply 'act as if' you are confident. Many people find it helpful to act like a particular role model, even to behave like actors or characters. The point is not to be dishonest about who you are, rather it is to give yourself practice behaving with skill in certain areas where you want to develop better confidence. Over time, with enough practice, you will begin to naturally feel more confident.

Each Style of person has specific weaknesses. Expr

Each Style of person has specific weaknesses. Expressive Style people may not monitor the effect their behavior has on others, and they can be undisciplined in their use of time. They can lack focus during team planning or projects, and can be unprepared during meetings or presentations. These individuals may be too casual in their approach with others, and sometimes will unexpectedly change their course of activities or focus. They make decisions and take action based on intuition, to the exclusion of facts or logic, and when frustrated, can become combative or argumentative with others. These individuals can be too emotional or too personal with co-workers, and may not follow through on commitments. #SOCIALSTYLEtip #ExpressiveStyle

To maintain self-control you sometimes need to rec

To maintain self-control you sometimes need to recognize when you should leave tense situations. If you are in an emotionally heated conversation or situation, say, "I need time to think about this before I respond," or some other appropriate response that allows you to leave the situation. Not everything has to be dealt with immediately, especially if tempers are high. Separate yourself from the situation. Allow adequate time to pass so you, and the other person, can calm down. When feeling more controlled, you can then respond to the person. Remember that in these situations the amygdala is in control of your mind. It takes time to calm down and for your prefrontal cortex to resume control of your thoughts and actions. Leaving the situation is not escapism; it is a healthy and productive action that will result in a better outcome.⁣

People of each Style give different signals that t

People of each Style give different signals that they are uncomfortable or feeling stress. During meetings or conversations, you can look for these signals and try to address the situation in a way that lowers tension. By nature Expressive Style people are outgoing in their behaviors, so they are very obvious in how they convey their discomfort. They will be quick to verbalize their opinions and feelings, often in a hostile or very blunt manner. They may make critical statements about other people or situations, and if feeling extreme tension they might become emotionally charged and combative. They might attempt to dominate the situation, and while in this state they will become even louder and more animated than normal. #SOCIALSTYLEtip #ExpressiveStyle

To enhance your innovativeness, do three things: c

To enhance your innovativeness, do three things: conduct research, immerse yourself in the topic, and then let it go. These three activities have been shown to result in creative breakthroughs. In order to create something new, you need to have a firm understanding of the status quo. Albert Einstein had mastered the field of physics before he changed it, and Steve Jobs was an expert in computer design when he invented new devices that changed how people interact with technology. If you are working on something that is important to you and your company, immerse yourself in the topic. This will give you a high level of understanding, but will also provide insight about areas that can be changed and improved upon. Then relax. Once you have immersed yourself in a topic and studied it carefully, it is helpful to detach yourself from the problem. Many famous "Eureka" moments have come when people allowed their minds and energy to wander from the problems they were working on. Albert Einstein took naps or played the violin. The point is to allow your subconscious mind the opportunity to incubate on the problem. By flexing your creative muscle, then relaxing it, you will achieve results.⁣