S+T=R (Situation + Thinking = Response) is a concept we introduce during accreditation and when we talk about the Life Styles Inventory™ (LSI), but what does it mean and how does it relate to the LSI? Dominic Gourley and Head of Consulting Corinne Canter explain the concept and share a useful resource for working with your own LSI feedback.
Episode Overview: “The Power of S+T=R – Exploring Stimulus, Thinking, and Response”
In this episode of Culture Bites, host Dominic Gourley sits down with Corinne Canter, Head of Consulting at Human Synergistics Australia, to discuss the foundational concept of S+T=R: Stimulus + Thinking = Response (or Reaction). This concept is a cornerstone of their accreditation program and the Lifestyles Inventory (LSI).
Key Topics Covered:
- Breaking Down S+T=R:
- Stimulus (S): External factors, situations, or events outside our immediate control.
- Thinking (T): The internal process, shaped by conditioning, values, experience, and emotions, which interprets stimuli.
- Response/Reaction (R): The behaviour that follows, which can either be instinctive (reaction) or deliberate (response).
- Response vs. Reaction:
- Reaction: Quick, often unconscious, and instinctive behaviour with little reflection.
- Response: Thoughtful and deliberate, indicating conscious choice and reflection.
- Contextual Influence on Behaviour:
- Examples of how individuals may react differently at work versus at home due to environmental and relational dynamics.
- The role of perceived security and expectations in shaping reactions.
- Empowering the “T” (Thinking):
- Understanding that while external stimuli (S) influence us, it’s the internal thinking (T) that determines behaviour.
- Helping individuals recognise their power to interpret and choose their responses to stimuli, shifting from a victim mentality to a position of agency.
- Practical Tools for Creating Space:
- Self-audit and observation: Encouraging clients to notice and reflect on their behaviour in different contexts.
- Reflection logs: Tracking triggers, thoughts, feelings, and responses to identify patterns and develop awareness.
- Distinguishing between rumination and constructive reflection: Creating distance from immediate reactions to gain insight.
- The Coaching Perspective:
- How coaches can support clients in developing the capacity to make better choices.
- The importance of opening up options and encouraging experimentation with alternative ways of thinking and responding.
Takeaways and Resources: Listeners are encouraged to try the self-audit reflection log, available on the podcast website, to explore their own behavioural patterns. Whether you’re a coach, a leader, or on your own LSI journey, this exercise can provide valuable insights into creating space for thoughtful responses.
Engagement: Share your experiences with the S+T=R framework by emailing the team at podcast@human-synergistics.com. The hosts welcome feedback and examples of how you’ve applied these concepts in your life or work.
If you have a question you want us to answer on the podcast, email podcast@human-synergistics.com.au