MASTER Risk Model - Learning Resources - Mindset

Cognitive Adaptability

Read a viewpoint opposite to yours on a policy or roadmap—summarize its strongest point in one sentence.

Pause and ask: “What’s another way to see this?” when reacting strongly to a shifting requirement.

Choose one habit today to do differently—change the order, method, or tool you usually use.

Read an article from a different function—note one idea you could apply to your roadmap.

Challenge your default choice in a low-stakes task—try the opposite to stretch flexibility.

Use the phrase “That’s interesting—tell me more” when a senior challenges your view.

Emotional Adaptability

When emotions rise in status calls, pause and name the feeling—labeling it reduces its grip on your response.

Use a grounding question in stress: “What emotion am I feeling, and is it useful right now?”

Replace a reactive message with a calmer one—pause to edit before pressing send.

Repeat “I choose how I respond” before entering a tense escalation or steering committee.

Smile or breathe deeply before responding to bad news—reset your emotional tone first.

Do a quick body scan under pressure—what emotion sits in your shoulders, neck, or chest?

Behavioral Adaptability

In your next meeting, change your usual style—speak less if you dominate, more if you usually don’t.

Adjust your workday by changing one recurring routine—notice what happens when you break a pattern.

Observe one entire conversation before speaking—sync with the room’s rhythm before you join.

Say yes to something you’d normally decline—respond differently and document what happens.

Try a different feedback style today—if direct, use inquiry; if soft, be clearer and structured.

Work from a new setting for half a day—track how it shifts focus and behavior.

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