Remember that the limbic system, once aroused, makes accidental connections and thinks pessimistically. Just speaking to your boss arouses a threat. If you manage someone, just asking how her day is going can carry more emotional weight than one might think. Many of the arguments and conflicts at work, and in life, have status issues at their core. The more you can label status threats as they occur, in real time, the easier it will be to reappraise on the spot and respond more appropriately. The director has a big role to play when it comes to status. But be careful about trying to help
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