Reptilian brain · Threat Response
Territorial Defensiveness
Hostility triggered when someone encroaches on what you consider yours — a market, a role, a desk, a decision right; the reaction is instinctive and often disproportionate to the actual threat.
An everyday example
Blocking a sensible reorganisation because it moves one report out of your team.
What it can cost you
Fighting for territory instead of for outcomes; predictable buttons others can press.
Warning signs
- I am angry about a boundary, not a result.
- Someone knew exactly which boundary to push.
One thing to do
Ask what outcome the territory is for; defend the outcome, trade the territory.
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