Judith and Richard Glaser published an article in HBR on the results of a study that analyzed the hormonal response of positive and negative behaviors in managers. Source: blogs.hbr.org
Oxytocin is the hormone that we produce when we feel good during a conversation like positive feedback. Cortisol is the hormone of stress produced when we have fear of being criticized or rejected.
Cortisol stays much longer in the blood than oxytocin that is why we remember more negative comments than positive ones.
So the article suggests to be mindful of the behaviors that open us up, and those that close us down, in our relationships:
Behaviors that send positive messages:
Concern for others
Curiosity
Paint picture of mutual success
Open to difficult conversation
Behaviors that send negative messages:
Don’t trust others
Focus on convincing others
Pretend to be listening
Separately I found other interesting studies showing that oxytocin levels increased in dog owners and their dogs after physical contact (See related articles).
Related Articles:
Oxytocin increases trust in humans
Psychosocial and Psychophysiological Effects of Human-Animal Interactions: The Possible Role of Oxytocin
Short-Term Interaction between Dogs and Their Owners: Effects on Oxytocin, Cortisol, Insulin and Heart Rate—An Exploratory Study:
So beware, words are powerful but your attitude may be even more powerful
Filed under: brain, communication, emotional intelligence, Empathy, Executive Coaching, leadership Tagged: Business Coaching, communication, Leadership, Management, Neurochemistry, Neurosciences, Psychology, Psychosocial 
