When stress hits, old defenses take over – overexplaining, people-pleasing, perfectionism, interrupting, even going silent and shutting down. The APPs MAP helps leaders understand these patterns and begin the inner work to reclaim calm, confidence, and choice so they can show up authentically and powerfully.
Positive Intelligence, aka PQ, focuses on identifying and overcoming internal ‘saboteurs’ – so-called negative thought patterns that can interfere with success and wellbeing. While this model resonates with many, it also presents critical limitations, particularly for individuals with histories of trauma, chronic stress, or unresolved inner conflict.
This article examines the strengths and shortcomings of the PQ framework, exposes the risks of oversimplified coaching approaches and inadequate coach education, and makes the case for a more trauma-wise, compassionate, and heart-centered approach – one that supports both coaches and individuals in fostering deeper self-awareness, self-acceptance, healing, and authentic growth.
In this article, we will explore the Change Triangle and discuss how it can help us: better understand our emotions and how to process them, be aware of automatic defenses and reduce the interference of maladaptive patterns, embrace uncomfortable inhibiting emotions so we can get closer to our true, core emotions connect with our authentic selves to foster Self Leadership, and develop the inner capacities that promote a greater sense of emotional wellbeing and resilience.
