Neuroscience

How to Keep Your Cool in High-Stress Situations

Fight and flight aren’t your only options.

by

and

Stephen W. Porges

by

and

Stephen W. Porges

January 15, 2021

Illustration by Katty Huertas

Summary.

When faced with a high-stress situation, one that even feels threatening, it can feel like we don’t have control over our response. Research has shown that our bodies can instinctively go into a “fight-or-flight” reaction. As a leader, the more effectively you can self-regulate these reactions the better you can lead and help others. Recent research in the field of neuroscience offers insights into this process of self-regulation and how you can move from the fight-or-flight response to a higher state of openness that invites collaboration, creativity, and thriving.

A CEO called one of us (Robert) for help. The company she was leading was on the cusp of a huge opportunity related to a new technology. But she was stymied and stuck.

Robert E. Quinn is a professor emeritus at the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business and a cofounder of its Center for Positive Organizations.
David P. Fessell is an executive coach, faculty associate at the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business, and a retired University of Michigan professor of radiology. He writes and speaks on positive psychology and emotional intelligence and is a graduate of the Second City Improv Conservatory.
SP

Stephen W. Porges is a Distinguished University Scientist at Indiana University where he is the founding director of the Traumatic Stress Research Consortium and is professor of psychiatry at the University of North Carolina. He is the originator of the Polyvagal Theory, a theory that emphasizes the importance of physiological state in mental and physical health.

How to Keep Your Cool in High-Stress Situations

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