A Personal Story: From Absorbing Bad Behavior to Modeling Positive Change
Imagine waking up early for your day at work. You are ready to tackle the challenges ahead, but as soon as you walk through the door, something feels off. You notice colleagues engaging in passive-aggressive communication, complaining, and cutting corners to avoid responsibility. It’s uncomfortable, and without realizing it, you begin to mirror these behaviors. You find yourself becoming frustrated during meetings, lowering your standards, and avoiding tough conversations—until one day, it hits you: you’ve absorbed the negative behavior of those around you and it’s affecting your own performance and attitude.
Now, picture the opposite scenario. You walk into a workplace where every team member is engaged, positive, and supportive. Your colleagues actively listen, engage in constructive feedback, and celebrate each other’s successes. You feel energized and motivated, watching as your own behaviors begin to shift. Slowly but surely, you begin modeling the behaviors you see in others: you collaborate more effectively, you communicate with clarity and compassion, and you feel a deeper connection to the team. This shift happens because the environment around you is modeling healthy, productive behaviors, and you’ve absorbed them.
In both scenarios, the power of behavior modeling is at play. We absorb what we observe, whether it’s positive or negative. This phenomenon—supported by cutting-edge neuroscience and HeartMath’s heart science—shows us that modeling behavior is more than just a teaching technique. It’s a fundamental way in which we learn, communicate, and connect with others.
Understanding the Science of Behavior Modeling
At the core of behavior modeling lies the science of mirror neurons. Giacomo Rizzolatti and Vittorio Gallese discovered that mirror neurons are specialized brain cells that fire both when we perform an action and when we observe others doing the same. This is why we can learn behaviors by watching others—our brains are wired to imitate. This system is essential for social learning, empathy, and emotional regulation, allowing us to mirror not only physical actions but also the emotions and intentions of those around us. Matthew Lieberman further explains that mirror neurons are central to understanding social behavior and modeling because they create a direct connection between observing and internalizing new actions.
When we model positive behaviors—such as active listening, empathy, and emotional regulation—we actively shape the environment in which we live and work. This process is not limited to classroom settings or personal relationships; it extends to workplaces, home life, and every area where social interaction takes place. For example, in organizations like Google and McKinsey, applied improvisation techniques are employed to foster creative thinking, adaptability, and effective communication among employees. These applied improvisation workshops are designed to encourage active participation, problem-solving, and collaboration by having employees model behaviors like trust and innovation, leading to better teamwork and performance.
Heart Science and Coherence: Modeling Emotional Regulation
Beyond mirror neurons, there is also the role of heart coherence, a concept that is central to the HeartMath Institute’s research. Heart coherence occurs when the heart, mind, and emotions are aligned in a state of calm and balance. This alignment is crucial for emotional regulation, and studies have shown that individuals in heart coherence are more effective at communicating, solving problems, and managing stress.
Incorporating HeartMath techniques like breathing exercises and mindfulness into behavior modeling can significantly improve collaboration and connection within teams. When leaders model heart coherence through calm, measured responses, they set a standard that others are likely to absorb. This emotional regulation fosters a work environment where positivity and resilience thrive, creating a ripple effect that improves productivity and well-being.
At Christiana Frank Consulting, I integrate HeartMath techniques with executive functioning exercises to help educators, parents, and leaders model behaviors that foster emotional intelligence and resilience. These techniques are proven to increase heart coherence, reduce stress, and help individuals engage more effectively in their environments.
Applied Improvisation: Enhancing Collaboration Through Behavior Modeling
One of the most effective tools for modeling behavior is applied improvisation, which combines neuroscience with creativity to enhance collaboration and communication. Companies like PepsiCo, Walmart, and Ernst & Young use applied improvisation workshops to build skills such as active listening, adaptability, and quick thinking. These skills are essential for effective teamwork and problem-solving, particularly in dynamic, fast-paced work environments.
Through applied improvisation, individuals learn to engage in nonverbal communication, respond to challenges in real-time, and collaborate with others to achieve a shared goal. By modeling these behaviors, leaders can foster a culture of trust, creativity, and mutual respect. In educational settings, this approach can be transformative, helping students develop critical thinking, empathy, and conflict-resolution skills—tools that will serve them for life.
At KidScape Productions, we use applied improvisation to teach children and adolescents the fundamentals of social behavior, collaboration, and emotional intelligence. Students learn to model positive behaviors in a safe, supportive environment through role-playing and scenario-based exercises. As they observe others modeling these behaviors, they internalize them, making it easier to replicate in their own interactions.
The Role of Executive Functioning in Behavior Modeling
Executive functioning is another critical component of behavior modeling. It involves the cognitive processes that allow individuals to plan, make decisions, regulate their emotions, and control their impulses. These skills are essential for navigating social interactions and modeling positive behaviors in professional and educational settings. Andrew Huberman’s research on executive functions underscores their importance in behavior regulation, decision-making, and emotional control.
When educators and leaders model strong executive functioning skills—such as effective time management, self-regulation, and problem-solving—they set an example for others to follow. This not only improves the individual’s ability to succeed but also creates a positive learning or work environment where everyone can thrive.
Call to Action: Become a Leader in Behavior Modeling with Christiana Frank Consulting
As a leader in behavior modeling, I have spent over two decades the techniques and strategies that empower individuals to create positive, sustainable changes in their environments. Whether through HeartMath techniques, applied improvisation, or executive functioning exercises, the tools I offer at Christiana Frank Consulting are designed to help you model the behaviors that will transform communication, collaboration, and connection within your organization or classroom.
If you are ready to create a culture of positive behavior modeling, where individuals can learn, grow, and thrive, reach out today to learn more about how Christiana Frank Consulting can help you achieve these goals. Together, we can create a more connected, engaged, and productive world.
Citations:
- Huberman, A. (2024). Huberman Lab Podcast: Huberman Lab Podcast
- Lieberman, M. D. (2013). Social: Why Our Brains Are Wired to Connect: Social Book on Amazon
- Rizzolatti, G., & Gallese, V. (2002). The Mirror Neuron System and Its Role in Imitation and Social Interaction: Research Paper on Mirror Neurons
- Iacoboni, M. (2009). Mirroring People: The New Science of How We Connect with Others: Mirroring People Book on Amazon
- HeartMath Institute. (2021). The HeartMath Solution: The Institute’s Research on Heart Coherence and Emotional Regulation: HeartMath Institute
