Positive Intelligence

by Shirzad Chamine

Prof Chamine's research exposes ten well-disguised mental Saboteurs.  He explains why your mind is your best friend, but is also your worst enemy.

I found it useful  to learn how our  brains can work against us.  The rational part of our brain (prefrontal cortex) is certainly our best friend, guiding our growth and success. However, it/we must also contend with the emotional part of the brain (limbic system) which is focused on our survival.  Stress, guilt, anger and other factors often will trigger our Survival Brain in the form of the 10 'saboteurs':   Judge (by far, the strongest and most significant), Stickler, Pleaser, Hyper-Achiever, Victim, Hyper-Rational, Hyper-Vigilant, Restless, Controller & Avoider.

This book helps identify your saboteurs and teach you ways the exercise your brain in order to flex the muscle of the rational side (The Sage) and suppress the will of your survival brain (Saboteurs). Very interesting stuff.

I found the second half of the book on team development less useful.  There is a free test available to discover your top saboteurs.  I suggest you start here first and then decide if you want to dive into the book.