I’ve been asked by a lot of people the difference between behavior and how a person is wired. As you know, humans are complicated. I’m going to make this simple and use an analogy.

Certain dog breeds love to please people, and then, there are other breeds such as the Belgian Malinois who are extraordinarily smart and athletic. This dog is used in all kinds of military and security situations. Their training is strict, and some may even say harsh.

Left to their own devices, this dog may not necessarily be a good choice as a family pet. That is because their instinct and need for structure, exercise and a purpose can override their loyalty.

How does this apply to humans, you may ask? Easy – each person is unique and has their own thoughts, desires, and subconscious reactions to situations. We can learn to adjust and adapt, that is true. Behavior, after all, is learned. However, all of us at some level are who we are. If we compensate for our core and modify our behavior, this will cause stress after a period of time.  Stress, in turn, will elevate a hormone called cortisol. Prolonged heightened levels of cortisol are unhealthy and can cause damage.

That is why it’s important to recognize how you think, not just how you behave. Our thoughts, whether conscious or subconscious control our lives. Behavior is like the clothes we put on; it can change depending on circumstances.

The iWorkZone system measures both, because both are important in social and professional settings.

– Brad