Dominator vs Elevator

When the team is under pressure and conflict arises, what do you observe?

Typically, team members either react defensively from ‘below the line’ or respond curiously from ‘above the line’. Dominators or elevators emerge.  

Dominators are triggered to resist and feel threatened whilst elevators see possibility and bring candor. 

Dominators try to be the smartest in the team, elevators make the team smarter:

1. Dominators tell, elevators ask.

2. Dominators react defensively, elevators respond curiously.

3. Dominators instil fear, elevators invoke flow.

4. Dominators know, elevators learn.

5. Dominators cause anxiety, elevators create alignment.

6. Dominators value their expertise, elevators value others’ experience.

7. Dominators dismiss others, elevators discover with others.

8. Dominators assert control, elevators access courage.

9. Dominators intimidate, elevators involve.

10. Dominators flounder, elevators flourish.   

A COMMITMENT

When there’s tension and the team is under pressure, how do you show up?

How could you elevate the team? What would be different if you did?

May you elevate and flourish.

Bernard