Postures

Postures are physical manifestations of emotions and that are induced willingly or through reaction. In group dynamics the wrong combination of postures can lead to indecision, group complacency or conflict. Awareness of postures, however, can improve innovation, productivity, rapport, and the eventual outcome of the project. The knowledge is a useful tool for influencing behaviour and producing desired outcomes in positive interactions.

There are 4 primary postures that are most useful to us. Each has its positive and negative sides. When harnessed, these postures can bring out the best of your mental and emotional facilities. When left to chance, each may be the product of a negative reaction. Or if positive, it is not maximized to it’s fullest potential. These postures are: The Warrior, The Lover, The Child, and the Emperor.

A. The Warrior

The first of the 4 primary postures is the one that accesses the most energy, has the most directed focus and clear in desired outcome. This is the Warrior posture, and it takes whatever action is necessary to accomplish a goal. The strength to overcome adversity is natural to the warrior, and so is the need to fight for the values that are central to your identity.

The warrior is intense in action and focus, nothing outside of the center of concentration is significant. It is quick to react to the situation at hand and has a heightened instinct to survive. This is great when you are working on an important project with a prompt deadline, or when you are pursuing your goals. But it may not be appropriate when dealing with people, or when you need to make important, long term decisions.

B.  The Child

The second posture is humble and playful; it is without worry and sees the beauty in everything. This posture is the Child, and life is a magical journey. Curiosity and wonder exist in all things. Emotional hurt is only temporary and forgiveness is easy because life is constantly moving forward. The Child can make even the most boring activity exciting and fun; a simple box can inspire creativity and become an emperor’s castle.

The Child cannot fail because every outcome is a learning experience and every learning experience is another success. Bringing out the child in a brainstorming session or when trying to form new ideas will be a great advantage.

Letting the child out in the office now and then to lighten up a day, can make a big difference in rapport with colleagues and create a less formal and more efficient atmosphere at work. It may not be appropriate when you need to “get the job done quickly” or when someone needs to be listened to and supported emotionally.

C. The Lover

The third posture has the capacity to love; self love, love of others, and love of mankind in general. This posture is the Lover and is supportive, nurturing, passionate, patient, and can give unconditionally. The lover draws on the emotional center to extend a part of self to others. The Lover is not hurt if the emotions or kindness are not reciprocated because he gives unconditionally and so expects nothing in return.

This posture is very useful when coaching or guiding others in a new task, or when they have made a mistake. The lover shines through when listening to someone, or just being there for them, or sending a thank you card that can mean so much.

The lover can also be harsh out of love, in some cases it takes a great deal of love to tell someone the truth (that may hurt) instead of using kindness that does not help that person to grow. The lover has the capacity to determine the course of action that most benefits others.

D. The Emperor

The fourth of the postures is the Emperor, this is the wise one, it sees the good in all, yet lives quietly and unobtrusively. It leads and supports others to lead; it is caring, practical and responsible. Wisdom comes from the ability to establish extreme clarity of purpose.

The Emperor sets an example, Calm and purposeful are the Emperor’s normal states. This state draws others to your cause because of its clarity of its outcomes and its clearly structured plans to achieve those outcomes.

The Emperor reveals itself in times of crisis to be the role-model because of the ability to make calm objective decisions, and while the Emperor is not always appreciated, it is always respected.

There is a 5th posture, this is The Angel. While this posture has no negative side, it requires effort to develop it. Each Brain color has components of the Angel so ample Brain Flexibility is important, but the key factor is the extensive Circle of Tolerance the Angel possesses.

Understanding the  power and effects of postures, and whether they are positive or negative, gives us insight to harness their strength.  This gives us a greater scope of ability to influence our environment and promote corporate harmony.