The green zone is a place where we are in an optimal space to learn. Our “Yes” brain is fully engaged and our emotional intelligence skills allow us to “put the breaks” on if we feel ourselves becoming hyper or hypo aroused. Sounds perfect doesn’t it? But what if staff, colleagues, or family members struggle to stay in the green zone? How can we help?
One strategy to extend how often and how wide the green zone is for adults is to trigger the positive emotional attractor (PEA).
The PEA: A psycho-physiological state of being open to new ideas; activation of stress-alleviating hormones; aroused by a positive experience or through positive guidance;
One way to trigger the PEA is to change how we ask questions…basically, to ask questions that invite the adult to a place where they feel a sense of hope and open to possibilities.
The following images include example of questions that trigger the PEA when feeling stuck, when teaming, when setting goals, and when coaching.
Curious about the role of the PEA in coaching? Click here to learn about my Deep Dive Master Class on The Effortless Coach.
Across the four sessions, my co-facilitator, Jennifer Lopez, and I dig deep into the role of the PEA in getting to a change in practice.
You can also download the PPT with these questions here.