The red zone identifies behaviours that limit leadership effectiveness, often rooted in past stress and operating unconsciously. We measure the red zone because we cannot outgrow it unless we know it and can describe it. The 3 core red zone areas closely resemble the 3 biological stress responses of freeze/fawn, fight and flight.

Approval
We all want to belong, be seen, appreciated and valued. We want approval. This becomes red zone when we make our self-worth dependent on approval. We can become passive, people pleasing, enabling of other’s bad behaviour or need to be the smartest person in the room.

Autonomy
We all want to have autonomy and do excellent work. This becomes red zone when we lose flexibility, the perspective of others and our humanity. We can be forceful and dominant, treat people like objects, become unreasonably perfectionistic and critical.)

Security
We all want to feel safe and secure. This becomes red zone when we lose touch with the real needs our situation demands. We can be distant instead of open, conservative instead of innovative, defensive instead of curious, indecisive instead of bold and reactive instead of calm.