MASTER Risk Model - Learning Resources - Mindset

Cognitive Adaptability

Read a report that challenges your strategic view—summarize its strongest insight in one sentence.

Pause and ask: “What’s another way to see this?” when responding to complex stakeholder demands.

Choose one habit to change today—alter the order, method, or tool you rely on as CEO.

Read an article from an unrelated industry—note one idea you could apply in your company.

Challenge a default choice in a low-stakes task—test the opposite approach for flexibility.

Use the phrase “That’s interesting—tell me more” when someone challenges your vision.

Emotional Adaptability

When tension rises with stakeholders, pause and name the feeling—labeling reduces its grip on your tone.

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

Practice rewriting a reactive message before sending—replace heat with clarity in communications.

Repeat “I choose how I respond” before entering tense investor or board conversations.

Smile or breathe before responding to criticism—reset emotional tone before speaking.

Do a quick body scan during pressure—note where tension sits in your body.

Behavioral Adaptability

In your next executive meeting, shift your style—listen more if you dominate, speak more if you usually don’t.

Adjust one routine in your executive schedule—notice what happens when you break a habit.

Choose to observe one discussion silently—adapt to the group rhythm before adding your input.

Say “yes” to something you’d normally decline—document the leadership outcome it creates.

Try a different feedback style—if direct, soften; if soft, be more structured.

Work in a new location for half a day—track how it shifts focus and style.

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