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Part 2: Powerful Forces

  • Chapter 5-When Enough Was Enough

  • Chapter 6-E.D.S.O.

  • Chapter 7-The Big C

  • Chapter 8-Why We Have Leaders

5 A's Protocol and Concentric Circles:

To process this section of the book, you will utilize two strategies:

  • The 5 A's Protocol (available here) and
  • Concentric Circles (download here).  

    Note: The book study coordinator will need to print and have these character cards available for this exercise. (Retain the character cards as they will be used at various times throughout the book study.)

Please download a copy of the 5A's and complete for the meeting. You will note instructions for facilitating both processes are included.

Additional Food for Thought:

Simon Sinek discusses the impact of the brain's chemicals on what he labels work-life balance, but what I prefer to consider a leadership-life fit. This clip is more about the long-lasting effect of cortisol and two strategies that will help you to increase your oxytocin because they serve to build trust. You might consider these in the 'Application' segment of your 5 A's protocol.

Learn more about the brain's chemicals with Meet Your Happy Chemicals

Selfish Chemicals (ensure survival) Selfless Chemicals (Circle of Safety)
Endorphins Dopamine Serotonin Oxytocin
  • Runner’s high
  • Ability to work hard
  • Capacity to muscle through
  • Masks physical pain
  • Incentive for progress
  • Feeling of accomplishment from manual labor/crossing an item off “to do” list
  • Highly addictive (from alcohol and drugs to constantly checking email and texts)  --Provides chemical rush that makes us want more and more
  • Instant gratification
  • Feeling of pride
  • Desire for approval (‘like’ on FB or a retweet)
  • Boosts self-confidence
  • Inspires us
  • Results in increase in status
  • Reinforces bond (parents proud when child proud, coach proud when athlete succeeds and is proud)
  • Increases sense of accountability to others (they thank us for support/protection, we want to provide more)
  • The more we give of ourselves to others, the more respect and recognition we receive—the higher our status and the more we are incentivized to keep giving
  • Feeling of friendship, love or deep trust
  • Feeling when you do something nice for someone
  • Makes us social
  • Long-lasting
  • Flows more as the relationship develops and trust increases
  • Release in Circle of Safety
  • Makes us good people
  • Released with physical contact
  • Boosts immune system
  • Makes us better problem-solvers
  • Builds our resistance to addictive qualities of dopamine
  • Relieves stress
  • Lasting feelings of calm and safety
  • Responsible for feelings of empathy
Cortisol
Released in stress. Inhibits release of oxytocin. Increases anxiety. Makes us vulnerable to illness. Increases blood pressure. Impairs cognitive ability.