You’ve likely heard of fight, flight, and freeze—the body’s instinctive responses to threats. But these aren’t just survival reactions formed in childhood. They show up in adult life, especially at work, where pressure, politics, and feedback can feel emotionally risky. These aren’t flaws, but protective responses to perceived danger. Here’s how to spot them on your team and respond in a constructive, supportive way.
Fight: De-escalate with curiosity. Arguing, interrupting, or dominating conversations often signals a fight response. Instead of powering up, slow down. Ask, “What’s most important to you here?” Reframe conflict as collaboration, and affirm moments of cooperation.
Flight: Gently invite people in. When someone withdraws or stays silent, they may be protecting themselves from judgment. Don’t mistake this for disengagement. Ask for their take without pressure, highlight the value of their contributions, and emphasize a team culture of curiosity.
Freeze: Make uncertainty safe. If someone gets stuck or can’t make a decision, they may fear getting it wrong. So normalize not knowing. Help them break the problem into smaller steps and ask guiding questions to build clarity without adding pressure.
Tune into tomorrow’s tip for three more threat responses. |
