What is Shadow Behavior and Why is it so Damaging?

Shadow Behavior

Shadow Behavior is a Block to Best Self and is Harmful

Shadow Behavior is simply a negative – and often automatic, unintentional and unconscious – response to events, people and situations.

Different people exhibit different Shadow Behaviors.

You may act defensively, resist change, manipulate others or act aggressively. Or you may be impatient, overbearing, territorial, unresponsive or have a moody style.

Whatever your Shadow Behaviors are, they are unique to your PRINT.

And they are predictable as well as preventable.

Of course, people display Shadow Behavior in varying degrees – as you might expect, the effect can be severe.

Not only does Shadow Behavior block personal performance and productivity, it also…

  • Damages relationships
  • Erodes communication
  • Interferes with teamwork
  • Destroys morale
  • Generates turnover
  • Clouds judgement
  • Undermines decision making

These problems carry a huge cost. According to independent research …

  • 42% of a manager’s time is spent addressing Shadow Behavior in the workplace.
  • Bosses with strong Shadow Behavior increase employee blood pressure, creating a 16% increase in risk of coronary disease and a 38% increase in risk of stroke.
  • 96% of people have experienced Shadow Behavior at work.
  • 94% of people on the receiving end of Shadow Behavior vow to “get even” with the offender.
  • 88% people on the receiving end of Shadow Behavior vow to “get even” with the organization.
  • Up to 90% of involuntary dismissals are a result of Shadow Behavior.
  • More than 65% of performance problems are a result of Shadow Behavior.
  • In a survey of over a million employees and 80,000 managers, the conclusion was: people primarily leave jobs and companies because of their boss, not because of pay or perks.

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