Leadership Frequencies and Regaining Time and Energy
Each of us is pre-wired to start every conversation or discussion in one of the three frequencies at which our brain operates—thinking (executive function), feeling (limbic system), and acting (bottom brain stem). Confusion and conflict arise when managers communicate to their team at a frequency opposite to what they are currently processing.
I liken this to the three transmissions of a car radio; AM, FM, and Sirius Satellite. Just like the receiver in your car, your brain is programmed to tune in to a specific frequency when you turn on the engine.
The AM Leaders are the thinkers, the analytical talk-radio-people. They are tuned in to logic, data, and current events and attempt to share this perspective with others.
The FM leaders are the feelers, the emotional country-and-folk-folks. They are tuned in to the mood of the room and focused on people and culture before tactical items.
Lastly, the Sirius Satellite Leaders are the actors, the eclectic-multimodal-ad-skippers. They are tuned in to action, focused on practical topics and getting down to business.
All three frequencies are needed to fully and accurately view the world. But, it is important that leaders quickly assess the frequency at which their team is currently operating. Then, tune in to the team’s frequency before changing the station to match their own.
We use our preferred station
All too often, we keep our radios on our preferred station, attempting to communicate to our team via our pre-programmed frequency. We are essentially trying to bring others into a conversation or discussion while operating on different wavelengths. If you do not match your team’s existing frequency and transition to a collective processing method, they cannot follow, and we all leave the conversation confused.
Key Takeaways
- Think about and identify your preset leadership frequency. How does this impact your day-to-day leadership?
- Reflect on the members of your team. Who might be leading at a frequency that is different to yours?
- Is there a frequency that you are not accessing enough? What might the impact of this be?
- This week, explore how you might adjust your frequency and tune into other channels
