In today’s fast-paced world, emotions often dictate our responses, leading us to react impulsively. And we DO NOT make good decisions when we are emotional. As leaders, it’s critical that we harness the power of detachment—transforming it into our superpower. At Echelon Front, we teach tactics to help leaders detach when it matters most.
1. Recognize and Detach From Your Emotions
Emotions play an important role in indicating to us that something is wrong or that the situation requires our attention. The first step in detachment is recognizing and labeling your emotions. When you name what you’re feeling—whether it’s frustration, anxiety, fear, or even joy—you diminish its power over you. This practice is not merely about acknowledging emotions; it’s about gaining control over them. We are not suggesting that you are emotionless but, instead, that you are able to detach from your emotions long enough to see the truth of what is going on around you.
2. Detach from Your Own Perspective
To truly elevate your decision-making, you must detach from your perspective. Every situation is multifaceted, and stepping back allows you to see the bigger picture. Instead of getting entangled in your own viewpoint, take the higher ground. This not only opens your mind to new possibilities but also reduces the likelihood of conflict fueled by clashing egos. As Jocko Willink reminds us, “Don’t believe what you believe”. Always consider the possibility that you are wrong and that, at best, your perspective is flawed.
3. Choose to be Curious
Take time to identify for yourself what triggers an emotional response. Get curious about these feelings without taking them personally. This curiosity helps break the cycle of reactive behavior. Ask yourself: “What is the root cause of this emotion? How can I respond more constructively?” “What is the impact or consequence of an emotional reaction in this situation?”
4. Control Your Reactions
While we cannot control every situation, we can control how we respond. Adopt a proactive approach: if there’s something you can change, take action. If not, take a step back and assess the situation. This mindset shifts focus from immediate emotional reactions to strategic thinking. By creating space between the emotion and the issue, you empower yourself to act wisely.
5. Break the Ego Cycle
A common pitfall in decision-making is allowing our egos to clash. When we let ego drive our choices, we risk damaging relationships and complicating situations. Recognize that you can’t have a clash of egos if you consciously choose to set your ego aside. This doesn’t mean being passive; it means being deliberate in how you engage and always focusing on prioritizing relationships over being right.
7. Practice. Practice. Practice.
Detachment is a skill that requires practice. The more you engage in this process—labeling your emotions, stepping back from your perspective, controlling your reactions, and putting your egot in check—the more natural it becomes. Start with small situations, the everyday opportunities to detach. With practice, you will be more equipped to detach in the moments it matters most.
8. Embrace the Reset Point
Finally, always have a reset point. When emotions run high, pause, take a deep breath, and reset your mindset. This moment of calm can transform chaos into clarity, allowing you to approach challenges with a level head. At Echelon Front, we teach this three step process: RELAX. LOOK AROUND. MAKE A CALL.
Detachment is not about ignoring emotions or denying our perspectives; it’s about understanding them deeply enough to make informed decisions. By cultivating this superpower, we not only enhance our decision-making capabilities but also foster healthier relationships within our teams.
