The Fight or Flight dynamic is characterized by a state of heightened vigilance, where everything is perceived as a threat to the group's survival.
In the Fight mode, individuals may become combative, argumentative, or confrontational, treating every challenge as an emergency that requires immediate, aggressive action. They may actively seek out crises to tackle, becoming addicted to the adrenaline rush of putting out fires and maintaining a constant state of urgency.
In some cases, individuals in the Fight dynamic may actively seek out or create crises to address. This can stem from an unconscious desire for excitement, importance, or a sense of purpose. By constantly fighting fires, individuals may feel valued, needed, and integral to the group's success.
This addiction to drama can manifest in several destructive ways:
1. **Manufactured Crises**
Individuals exaggerate or even manufacture crises to maintain a sense of urgency and importance. This can lead to a distorted view of reality and a misallocation of resources.
2. **Interpersonal Conflict**
The constant state of heightened emotion and urgency leads to increased interpersonal conflict and tension within the group. Individuals may become more aggressive, confrontational, or defensive in their interactions with others.
3. **Difficulty Transitioning to Normalcy**
When the group becomes accustomed to operating in a state of constant crisis, they may struggle to transition back to a more stable, sustainable mode of operation. This can lead to a sense of boredom, disengagement, or a lack of motivation when the fires are finally put out.
4. **Burnout**
If the group is unable to disengage from the constant state of urgency, group members may reach a point of burnout in which they're unable to function in their roles, or leave the group entirely.
In the Flight mode, individuals may withdraw from the group, either physically or emotionally, to avoid perceived threats. They may disengage from the group's activities, avoid confrontation, or refuse to address important issues, hoping that the problems will resolve themselves or that someone else will take responsibility for addressing them.