The Behavior Cycle

A person's attitude and their behavior are closely linked, and this connection creates a feedback loop that can powerfully influence interactions.

Attitude is a particular preference or style that is formed from how a person thinks and feels about themselves, others, the team, or the situation they find themselves in.

This attitude directly drives behavior, which is what other people perceive and interact with.

The fascinating thing about this model is that one person's behavior, in turn, influences the attitude and behavior of another, creating a continuous cycle of cause and effect.

The Positive Cycle

In a positive cycle, a good attitude leads to behavior that invites collaboration and respect.

If a person has a positive attitude, their behavior is likely to be constructive, which in turn will generate a good attitude in the person they interact with.

For example, if a leader adopts an attitude of trust and support towards their team, their behavior will manifest itself in mentoring and active listening.

This will lead the team to have an attitude of respect and commitment, which will translate into collaborative and productive behavior.

This positive feedback loop strengthens relationships, where people feel valued and motivated.

The Negative Cycle

Conversely, a bad attitude can start a negative and destructive cycle.

If one person is angry, their attitude will be reflected in aggressive behavior, such as raising their voice or pointing a finger.

This behavior will negatively influence the other person, who will likely respond aggressively or withdraw from the situation.

If the response is aggressive, the first person may become even more aggressive, which escalates the conflict and perpetuates the negative cycle.

If the other person withdraws, the first person may feel justified in their anger, as their aggressive behavior has managed to "win" the conflict, which will motivate him to repeat it in the future.

This type of cycle is common in toxic environments, where aggression begets more aggression and respect is lost.

The Power of Choice

The cycle of behavior is not a life sentence; It is a dynamic that can be altered at any time.

Change begins with self-awareness, that is, the ability to recognize our own attitude and how it is manifesting in our behavior.

If a person realizes that their anger is turning into aggression, they can choose to break the cycle by adopting a different attitude.

This change in behavior, such as speaking more slowly or adopting a more relaxed posture, can influence the other person's attitude and steer the interaction toward a more productive path.

The key is to recognize that while we cannot always control the attitude of others, we can choose our own response so as not to perpetuate a negative cycle.

Summary

A person's attitude and their behavior are closely linked. A good attitude leads to constructive behavior, which generates a good attitude in others, creating a positive cycle.

Conversely, a bad attitude can start a negative and destructive cycle. Aggressive behavior, such as raising your voice, generates an aggressive or flight response.

This cycle is not a life sentence. Change begins with self-awareness and the ability to choose a different response so as not to perpetuate the negative cycle.