IAF Celebrity: Donna & Rachel (Suits)

If I had to complain about two characters in Suits it would be Donna and Rachael. Mainly because they have so much unexplored potential (this recently has changed quite a bit in the latest season). Yet, when it comes to MDNA, they are written as pretty much the same characters only to play opposite of Harvey and Mike respectively. Let’s take a look.

Rachael & Donna – IAF/SSA

Rachael and Donna work in support roles, both in the law firm and as show characters. Unfortunately, this is where the “hot assistant” and office romance tropes run a bit stale. But, when it comes to the real world, we can learn a few things about the IAF/SSA.

IAF (Intuitive Alignment & Fulfillment)

Just as we learned with Mike Ross, the IAF is emotionally complex, sensitive and very compassionate. They are fiercely loyal to those most intimate to them. This means when their friends are offended, the IAF is also offended on their behalf. Donna is this to Harvey and Rachael to Mike. Being loved by IAFs like these fine ladies is absolutely nothing to complain about.

The IAF also operates in intimate ecosystems. They have circular methods of thinking that allow them to see every detail to achieve professional excellence. Donna always exhibits an uncanny intuition to make things happen. And Rachel always knows what people are feeling all around her. Their personal ecosystems empower other people’s ecosystems. This makes them great at their jobs. This is also where the SSA is typically secondary to the IAF gift in support type roles.

SSA (Sacrificial Service & Authority)

There is a big difference between helping people as an IAF and serving people as an SSA. Both sacrifice. But the IAF will help people to make people feel happy and fulfilled. Whereas the SSA serves people simply because it needs to be done. Both Donna and Rachel help Harvey and Mike, but deliver this help through serving others. This is why the SSA is their secondary gift.

Between the two, Donna is much more mature as an SSA secondary. She understands servant leadership and the authority that comes with it. She wants nothing more than to build a platform of success under Harvey. Where Rachel seems much more self-serving in terms of her own feelings and desires.

If I was to really stretch this, I would say that, professionally speaking, each of these ladies has some upcoming issues they need to overcome. In this way they are opposite. Donna needs to get over her constant sacrificing for Harvey. Her heart always gets in the way. She has achieved professional success but the personal fulfillment is lacking because of her pining for Harvey. Rachael on the other hand is finding personal fulfillment in a relationship with Mike. However, she is trying to find herself in terms of professional success, especially in the shadow of her father who is a very accomplished lawyer.

Eventually, I believe both Donna and Rachael will take a major leap into their own character arcs. We can see if they remain true to their MDNA gifts then.

That’s it for Suits week! What did you think?

(We now return you to your regularly scheduled programming. Ha!)

Fictional characters also can have MDNA profiles. Typically every great character is based upon somebody in real life, except the persona and core traits are amplified. This makes learning the principles of their MDNA profile much easier and a valuable exercise. Not to mention it can be fun and entertaining.

SSA Celebrity: Herb Kelleher

Please note that these are unofficial profiles only and have not been verified. Description is only based upon public information and may represent either primary or secondary MDNA profiles. This profile is intended for educational purposes only to demonstrate the possibilities of MDNA for those that have been personally assessed.

Herb Kelleher

SSA (Sacrificial Service & Authority)

The SSA profile is very hard to find in popular culture—mainly because the SSA prefers to be behind-the-scenes building platforms of success for others. In fact, the SSA will often avoid the spotlight at all costs.

However, the SSA is actually designed for a servant leadership role. This profile is designed for positions of authority even though it may not be their natural preference. Herb Kelleher is the perfect example of the SSA as servant leader.

Kelleher is the co-founder of Southwest Airlines and was its president, CEO and chairman from 1982 to 2001. He is famous for leading the airline company to 30 consecutive years of profitability and producing the highest return to shareholders of any company in the S&P 500 during his tenure.

As an SSA, Kelleher’s management style says it all. When an SSA imprints their social DNA into an organization, the entire culture becomes about building platforms of success for everybody. Like Kelleher, Southwest Airlines had a reputation for hard work and high spirits. The company was voted Fortune magazine’s Best Place to Work in America in 1998 and was consistently ranked among the top 10 most-admired companies in the nation. Historically, the airline is among the most generous in terms of compensation and benefits. In 1974 Southwest became the first airline to offer a profit-sharing plan.

Every SSA is known for their willingness to sacrifice and serve others in tangible ways. At Southwest Airlines Pilots helped clean up cabins, ramp workers sold tickets, and Kelleher himself spent time loading baggage, ticketing customers, and mixing drinks on board. Statistically, Southwest employees work longer and harder than employees at any other airline. Southwest employees always went the extra mile. Stories include an employee stopping to help a stranded traveler change his tire, flight attendants visiting passengers in the hospital, and a reservation agent driving an 85-year-old woman 20 miles between airports so that she could make her connection.

Southwest union leader Tom Burnett once told the Wall Street Journal, “Lemme put it this way: how many CEOs do you know who come in to the cleaners’ break room at 3 a.m. on a Sunday passing out doughnuts or putting on a pair of coveralls to clean a plane?” (October 26, 1992).

SSA Celebrity: Alfred Pennyworth (Batman)

Fictional characters also can have MDNA Profiles. Typically every great character is based upon somebody in real life, except the persona and core traits are amplified. This makes learning the principles of their MDNA Profiles much easier and can be quite fun while being a valuable exercise.

Alfred Pennyworth

SSA (Sacrificial Service & Authority)

If you have watched the latest Batman movies starring Christian Bale, Alfred Pennyworth (simply referred to as “Alfred”) was played by Sir Michael Caine.

Alfred serves as Batman/Bruce Wayne’s tireless valet, assistant, butler, confidant, and surrogate father figure. He has sometimes been called “Batman’s batman.” Alfred also provides comic relief, as his sometimes sarcastic and cynical attitude often adds humor to dialogue occurring between himself and Batman. Alfred is a vital part of the Batman mythos, and appears in most other media adaptations of the character.

Even though Alfred is a fictional character, he is the classic SSA that every leader needs. There are some key SSA traits that make Alfred a wonderful representation of humble men and women of service that should be embraced and emulated in our own lives.

Even though Alfred’s job description is that of a stereotypical butler, his leadership and passion for building a platform of success under Bruce Wayne is anything but typical. Alfred manages the entire Wayne operations and operates at the highest level of trust. You will never find an ulterior motive with the true SSA. They exist to sacrifice, serve and make others great. This is what makes them heroic in their own right to be entrusted with the highest levels of authority in their own right.

Leaders are not always easy to love and support. The closer you are to any great leader, the more flaws you see. These flaws can either be exploited or protected. But just like every Batman needs an Alfred, so do other great, yet flawed, leaders in our society need the SSA. And just like Alfred, every SSA must learn to be secure in their calling. They may not share the spotlight, but they share the honor and fulfillment on the deepest level.

Bruce Wayne: No, Alfred, it’s my father’s house.

Alfred: Your father is dead, Master Wayne.

Bruce Wayne: And this place is a mausoleum. If I have my way, I’ll pull the damn thing down brick by brick.

Alfred: This house, Master Wayne, has sheltered six generations of your family.

Bruce Wayne: Why do you give a damn, Alfred? It’s not your family.

Alfred: I give a damn, because a good man once made me responsible for what was most precious to him in the whole world.

Bruce Wayne: Should I just bury the past out there with my parents, Alfred?

Alfred: I wouldn’t presume to tell you what to do with your past, sir. Just know that there are those of us who care about what you do with your future.

Bruce Wayne: Haven’t given up on me yet?

Alfred: Never.

SSA Celebrity: Mother Teresa

Please note that these are unofficial profiles only and have not been verified. Description is only based upon public information and may represent either primary or secondary MDNA profiles. This profile is intended for educational purposes only to demonstrate the possibilities of MDNA for those that have been personally assessed.

Mother Teresa

SSA (Sacrificial Service & Authority)

Mother Teresa (1910 – 1997) founded the Missionaries of Charity, which in 2012 consisted of over 4,500 sisters and is active in 133 countries. Their vow is to give “Wholehearted and free service to the poorest of the poor”. In 1979 Mother Teresa was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. In 1999, a poll of Americans ranked her first in Gallup’s List of Most Widely Admired People of the 20th Century.

We have assessed Mother Teresa as an SSA for her primary MDNA Profile. To us, she is the most famous SSA in modern history.

It would be very easy to see Mother Teresa as a primary IAF (Intuitive Alignment & fulfillment) because of her merciful compassion. However, upon close examination on not what she did, but why and how she made a difference, the SSA becomes very apparent.

One core trait that stands out the most for the SSA is what can be described as being “without guile.” The definition of guile is to be treacherous, cunning, skillful and deceitful. The SSA couldn’t be any more opposite. There are absolutely no ulterior motives or secondary agendas for the SSA—especially when meeting the tangible and practical needs of others. This is one of the outstanding qualities of Mother Teresa.

“We cannot do great things on this Earth, only small things with great love.” – Mother Teresa

According to Wikipedia, Mother Teresa has been described as having virtually no understanding of a cynical or godless point of view that could consider any human being less than absolutely valuable. Others have been especially struck by Mother Teresa’s lack of rage or indignation. She refused to become a “social critic.” She never attacked the economic or political structures of the cultures that were producing the abjectly poor people she was serving. For her, the primary rule was a constant love, despite social critics or religious reformers choosing to vent anger at the evils of structures underlying poverty and suffering. Mother Teresa always continued to strike an apolitical pose, refusing to take a stand on anything other than strictly religious matters. Again, these are all quintessential qualities of the SSA that prefers to simply serve without guile.

The SSA also prefers to avoid the social spotlight. To the SSA, building platforms of success as servant leaders is far more important. The sheer number of other servant leaders that joined Mother Teresa’s mission is a perfect expression of this. Another was in 1979, when Mother Teresa was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.  True to the SSA, she refused the conventional ceremonial banquet given to laureates, and asked that the $192,000 funds be given to the poor in India, stating that earthly rewards were important only if they helped her help the world’s needy. Through her sacrificial serving, she became an authority that the world recognized and followed.

As always, we point out that the true SSA is very difficult to find in today’s popular media because they are the unsung heroes of our world. Thankfully, Mother Teresa is celebrated as an inspiration to us all for how the SSA can truly make a difference.

Will the world ever know another Mother Teresa? Maybe not in the media, but servant leaders like her are all around us. If you are one of these SSA’s, we recognize and thank you.

“Life is an opportunity, benefit from it. Life is beauty, admire it. Life is a dream, realize it. Life is a challenge, meet it. Life is a duty, complete it. Life is a game, play it. Life is a promise, fulfill it. Life is sorrow, overcome it. Life is a song, sing it. Life is a struggle, accept it. Life is a tragedy, confront it. Life is an adventure, dare it. Life is luck, make it. Life is too precious, do not destroy it. Life is life, fight for it.” – Mother Teresa

SSA/KWR Celebrity: Angela Lee Duckworth

I am tickled pink to do this MDNA profile for two reasons. First, I love this TED talk. Second, Angela Lee Duckworth, MacArthur Foundation “genius” award winner and research psychologist is a true SSA (Sacrificial Service & Authority).

If you do nothing else, watch Duckworth’s TED talk on grit and the key to success. At the MDNA Institute, we talk a lot about grit and resilience. This is the talk that got us started.

At first, Duckworth may appear to be a KWR (Knowledgeable Wisdom and Responsibility) because of her involvement in research and academics. And most likely, she is a secondary KWR because of her profession. But upon closer examination, especially her youth and now growing influence, you will see she is a very special SSA.

The SSA lives to build a platform of success under people. In Duckworth’s case it is children, particularly vulnerable children. The SSA’s core competence is Leadership Platforms. Duckworth’s research is challenging the world on how we develop success in the education system through grit and self-control. She is also known for helping her own undergrad student become leaders in their own rights by helping them publish and challenging everybody who works with her to achieve a high degree of achievement.

Her childhood and youth also gives us clues to being an SSA. She was constantly volunteering, even to the point of being detrimental to her own health. She was always willing to sacrifice and serve others. Her energy is unending, which is also another SSA trait.

In developing a leadership platform, the SSA must also understand that pain and stress are keys to personal development. An SSA can fall into the trap of enabling others by taking filling needs before others can do it themselves and grow through the challenge. Not Duckworth. She and her husband have a instituted something called the “Hard Thing Rule.” Everyone in the family must choose and be doing one hard thing.

As Duckworth puts it:

“I believe kids should choose what they want to do, because it’s their life, but they have to choose something, and they can’t quit in the middle unless there’s a really good reason. There are going to be peaks and valleys. You don’t want to let kids quit during a valley.”

Beyond all of the above, one of the most telling traits of the SSA, is their authority as leaders themselves–even though they abhor the social spotlight. This is Duckworth to a tee. She prefers to stay in the background, literally disdains the attention and is described as a “reluctant star.” When an SSA has achieved professional success and personal fulfillment, they are granted great degrees of authority because they would never use this influence and power for themselves (think Mother Teresa).

Duckworth known as an “Academic who is a CEO.” A quintessential SSA/KWR if I ever did see one.

Consider me a fan of Duckworth and any other SSA willing to sacrifice, serve and use their authority to selflessly help others succeed.

For the full picture of Angela Lee Duckworth as an SSA/KWR, read it here >

Please note that these are unofficial profiles only and have not been verified. Description is only based upon public information and may represent either primary or secondary MDNA gifts. This profile is intended for educational purposes only to demonstrate the possibilities of MDNA for those that have been personally assessed.

The Intern Movie: The IAF/SSA Man

A while ago, at the suggestion of @LizZurekBeaudry I watched the movie The Intern starring Anne Hathaway and Robert De Niro. It was a pleasant and heart-warming movie with some great messages. Plus it provides a somewhat realistic peek of a tech startup. (HBO’s Silicon Valley is the hilarious real deal for startup culture if that’s what you are looking for.) While by no means is it a deep story, the two main characters are fleshed out enough to learn some things about MDNA. Specifically Ben, played by Robert De Niro who is the perfect IAF/SSA.

IAF/SSA – Intuitive Alignment & Fulfillment / Sacrificial Service & Authority

In the thousands of assessments to-date, we find a lot of primary IAF have a secondary SSA. They tend to go hand-in-hand. And by this, not always in the best way. The IAF, who always wants people to be happy, can often default to a position of service (servitude) in order to fulfill their intrinsic motivation. While there is nothing fundamentally wrong with this, it can lead to basically being a pushover with the inability to say no–especially when others break your boundaries. This nullifies the power of these two gifts working together within one individual.

Ben, a senior widower that decides to become an intern at an e-commerce startup, however, represents the full potential of the IAF/SSA. While I know a handful of individuals that operate in the same potential, sadly, they are few and far between. This is how come, if you watch the movie, you should consider learning to be a secondary SSA no matter what your primary gift is.

The IAF Man

The IAF man has no problems with their sensitivity. Ben did not either. He even tells his boss Jules (Hathaway), that beneath his exterior, “I am a sensitive man. I’m a sensitive bowl of mush.” This was reinforced by the fact Ben started to cry watching Singin’ in the Rain.

The IAF man wants people to be happy. When asked his opinion on what Jules should do with the company, he simply states that her happiness is the most important. He also had no issues in connecting with Jules’ daughter the same way. A true heart of gold.

The IAF man is intuitive about personal fulfillment. In the opening scenes, Ben narrates, “I just know there’s a hole in my life and I need to fill it… soon.” and, “I still have music in me, absolutely positive about that!” In the same way he pursues his own fulfillment, he wants others to be fulfilled as well. This propels him to give the speech he does at the end of the movie (no spoilers here).

The IAF man has a certain “presence.” All IAFs have the ability to affect the atmosphere in both positive and negative ways. In one scene, Jules tells Ben, “The truth is… something about you makes me feel calm, or more centered, or something. And I could use that. Obviously.”

The IAF man sees and cares about the details. If you look at Ben’s regiment through the movie, from his clothes to office gear, you will see he is a very detail oriented person (notice the two alarm clocks?). He was constantly observing details in people too. In fact, his boss Jules at first asks Ben to be transferred to another intern position because she deemed him too, “observant.”

The reason I am focusing on the IAF “man”? Well let’s just say that I believe more men can operate in the IAF gift and still be a man’s man like De Niro. I’ve read a few reviews where men complained that his character made them cringe if you were used to De Niro as a tough guy, like the Godfather. I believe today’s new school IAF man can take healthy lessons from the old school and create the ultimate gentleman. But I digress.

The SSA Intern

What I also enjoyed was how Ben approached his work. Throughout the entire movie he was constantly sacrificing, serving and earning the authority within the office. He built a platform of success under everybody, starting with of course Jules. Ben knows the times to offer grabbing sushi and grabbing soup without being asked. He helps fellow employees with romance and professional etiquette. He took a fellow intern into his home and mentored him like a Father. Ben even admits that he felt like everybody’s uncle in the office.

Ben’s favorite quote was, “You’never wrong to do the right thing.” That is an SSA’s quality of being without guile. There are no hidden agendas with the true SSA. They just always try to do the right thing.

Probably one of the coolest moments that demonstrated the detailed IAF, fusing with the servant leadership SSA, was between Ben and Davis, the fellow intern living with him:

Davis: “Okay, what’s the deal with the handkerchief? That one I just don’t get at all.”

Ben: “Okay. It’s essential. That your generation doesn’t know that is criminal. The best reason to carry a handkerchief is to lend it.”

The handkerchief really becomes the symbol of the gift that Ben is to Jules and the entire company. In this, Ben the IAF/SSA is a true hero. What if the world had more managers, community leaders, mentors and fathers like Ben?

Is This Reality?

Some called the The Intern a “strange workplace fantasy.” And yes, because it is fictional, it is a fantasy. But that doesn’t mean it is impossible.  There are some that say having an amazing culture at a workplace is also a fantasy. And while it is indeed very difficult to develop a thriving culture in any organization, SSAs like The Intern are not some mythical creature. If we are willing to empower the SSA, and more importantly, learn to apply the principles of the SSA in our own lives, fantasy can become reality.

In an IAF vs. DLF World Which Game of Thrones Character Are You?

Game of Thrones, the novels and the mega-hit HBO series follows a currently popular trend of IAF characters trying to survive and win in a DLF world.

Fictional characters also can have MDNA Profiles. Typically every great character is based upon somebody in real life, except the persona and core traits are amplified. This makes learning the principles of their MDNA Profile much easier and a valuable exercise. Not to mention it can be fun and entertaining.

Please note that I stopped watching GoT on television after season 4 for personal convictions (how UCD of me). I do keep up on the story somewhat. But I also have only read the first four novels. Even though I might not be current on the story, I’m pretty sure I have enough to use GoT as an opportunity to learn and teach about MDNA.

DLF vs. IAF: Power Versus Compassion

The DLF is all about institutional authority and loyalty. This is overtly represented in GoT by all the warring factions that want to win the Iron Throne. This is a cruel world where domination, politics and exploitation reign. The DLF, in many ways, is like a king or queen of an empire that can fall into these traps of power and authority.

This is where the story becomes interesting as the characters we cheer for on GoT are mostly IAFs. This is also where we are heart broken because as the IAFs show mercy, compassion and generally try to do the right thing as human beings should, they are punished (most often to their deaths) by the DLF powers that be. In other words, the IAF is always being crushed for their sensitivity and hearts.

The IAFs in the story that do gain some power however, are then caught in an internal struggle of how to lead while achieving a vision simultaneously preserving their ideals and souls.

Let’s examine a few characters and how their MDNA gifts create a compelling narrative. Now although we will focus on the DLF and IAF characters, no world, fantasy or not, would be complete without the other MDNA gifts. We will touch on them here as well. (They will be at the bottom.)

Eddard Stark – IAF

Commonly referred to as Ned, Eddard Stark was the Lord of Winterfell and the Warden of the North. He is our first hero and demonstrates the IAF sense of excellence, compassion and loyalty. You can see his love for family and the sensitive nature in which he lorded over his kingdom. However, Ned’s trap was his sense of duty and sacrifice that followed King Robert Baratheon back to King’s landing. It is there his compassion ultimately leads to his demise as he is betrayed by a bunch of DLFs and slowly fed through the wood chipper and finally beheaded which starts a war.

That’s just the beginning of how deep this DLF vs. IAF world goes.

The Lannisters – DLF

House Lannister of Casterly Rock is one of the Great Houses of the Westeros world in GoT. It is also one of its richest and most powerful families and oldest dynasties. House Lannister’s Heraldry consists of a golden lion and their House words are “Hear me roar!” Their unofficial motto, which is as well quoted as the official one, is “A Lannister always pays his debts.”

These are classic traits of the DLF. A roaring lion is the perfect animal to represent the DLF gift, while loyalty is always rewarded.

Tywin and Cersei Lannister are the ultimate representations of power-hungry institutional authority. Twyin, as the patriarch of the family, expects everybody, especially his children, to obey and keep the family institution strong and growing. Each are assigned key roles and there is a system of power that everybody must follow. To Tywin, pain is a part of life and his offspring are expected to “suck it up” and grow into their leadership. His daughter Cersei is the exact same, however she was cursed with being a woman in a man’s (fantasy) world. If she was male, she would have gladly become king and ruled with the same domination and ambition.

A common and unfortunate vulnerability for the DLF is “betrayal from within.” This occurs when others do not respond to imposed institutional authority. Those that appear loyal within inner circles can then become opposition. And no matter at what level opposition occurs, this is interpreted with feelings of betrayal by the DLF. In the case of GoT, this betrayal is quite literal as Tywin ends up being murdered by his own son Tyrion.

Let’s not forget Joffrey Baratheon. He is the son of Cersei Lannister which gives him a key political role in the Lannisters obtaining power. He becomes King after Robert Baratheon. Even before he ascends to the Iron Throne however, Joffrey is spoiled, arrogant, cowardly, and sadistic. This just gets worse when he actually becomes king.

Of course Joffrey is murdered by his own grandmother-in-law (ahem, there’s that pesky DLF betrayal from within again). Which led all fans of the show to cheer because he was the absolute worst (and well portrayed) expression of an immature DLF.

Tyrion Lannister – IAF

This is where one of the more colorful characters advances the story. Played by the amazing actor Peter Dinklage, Tyrion is born a dwarf and is shunned by his family. Yet he possesses an amazing intelligence, wit and intuition. Many times during the story he demonstrates his ability to sense what others are feeling and any accompanying ulterior motives. The issue is that Tyrion is ruled by his own sense of self-gratification. This is expressed through addictive behaviors, sexual promiscuity and in general settling for mediocrity compared to his family name.

The IAF is wired for intimacy. Deep down they want to know others and be know. This is why IAFs tend to have a very close intimate circle of friends which they fiercely care for. Tyrion’s character was no different as evidence by his relationship with Shae, a prostitute that later turns on him and breaks his heart.

Through this story arc, Tyrion slowly begins to demonstrate his compassion and breaks away from his family institution. He refuses to exercise his authority over Sansa, the daughter of Eddard Stark that was forced to marry him after she was supposed to marry Joffrey (yes it gets convoluted but that’s the GoT for you). All to the chagrin of his father of course. And as we know, he ends up killing his father. This is where his journey begins to become redemptive in a way that only GoT fans can appreciate.

Daenerys Targaryen – IAF

Daenerys becomes a queen after hatching dragons (yes, this is where things take a fantastical turn but it is executed believably enough in the books and show). She is, depending on what side you are on, the rightful heir to the Iron Throne. And because she is “The Mother of Dragons,” she is immediately recognized with power and destiny.

In the beginning of the series, Daenerys is married to Khal Drogo who represents the DLF authority in her story arc. At first, she is forced to submit to him but later falls in love and wins his heart. Classic IAF stuff! But after Drogo dies, she is introduced to the authoritarian struggle of trying to reclaim her birthright. And throughout this journey she must constantly deal with her inner conflict between compassion and power as a leader. And as usual in the GoT world, her compassion gets her in trouble.

This quote from the show demonstrates being an IAF in a DLF world the best:

“You have a good claim: a title, a birthright. But you have something more than that: you may cover it up and deny it, but you have a gentle heart. You would be not only respected and feared, you would be loved. Someone who can rule and should rule. Centuries come and go without a person like that coming into the world. There are times that I look at you, and I still can’t believe you’re real.” ―Ser Jorah Mormont to Daenerys Targaryen

Let’s take a look at some other supporting characters with other MDNA gifts that add to this mix.

Bronn – CVS

Bronn is a sellsword; a mercenary soldier whose services as a fighter are always for hire. He first starts as obscure muscle-for-hire, but is eventually financially retained by Tyrion Lannister and because of his skills, eventually becomes a knight. As per typical CVS fashion, he is motivated by ROI. He is also independent and private with his life (unless drunk) just like the CVS. In this case, he wants to be paid in gold and will work for the highest bidder. And also common to CVS, there is no black and white to him. So in the DLF world of political power, everything is a shade of grey when it comes to morals and integrity.

Podrick Payne – SSA

“Pod” starts as a squire for Tyrion Lannister. Squires in this world are basically servants to knights. And as punishment for a crime he was assigned to servitude under the dwarf Tyrion. However Podrick, although he struggles with the morality of the entire scene, serves Tyrion tirelessly and even saves the Lannister’s life. Slowly he begins to earn favor and is given more authority and responsibility. This is typical for the SSA to always be promoted as they demonstrate servant leadership and build platforms of success under others. True to form, Pod stays loyal to Tyrion even when he is offered a massive reward of knighthood to betray his friend.

Eventually Podrick is assigned to squire for Brienne of Tarth, a female warrior on a very dangerous assignment. While Brienne assumes that Podrick must hate being in her service, he is actually proud to be her squire and admires her skills. She apologizes for her previous rude behavior and offers to teach him how to wield a sword and ride a horse properly. The relationship between the two provides some of the more heartfelt scenes in the cold cruel world of GoT.

Pod was one of my favorite characters to watch and demonstrates the heart and gift of the SSA.

Melisandre – UCD

Also known as the Red Woman, Melisandre claims to be a Red Priestess of the Lord of Light. She represents the UCD theme and spirit (pun intended) in the GoT. As a UCD Melisandre is driven purely by an ideology which is expressed in a form of religion. She is an advisor to Stannis Baratheon who believes he should also be king on the Iron Throne (yes there are a lot of people fighting for DLF power here that it becomes hard to keep track). Stannis is a cookie cutter DLF. This is a very typical combination of a UCD advising a DLF on strategy and how to fix problems based upon convictions and principles. The UCD, being also driven by deep vision, understands the sacrifice often necessary to uphold an ideology. This, in the case of the Lord of Light in the GoT, of course involves blood sacrifice and death by fire.

Being a UCD myself, I get a chuckle when I read the following quotes from the Melisandre character because I have said the same only using different words and of course outside of a fantasy world:

“Death by fire is the purest death.”

“Look to your sins Lord Renly, the night is dark and full of terrors.”

(Yup, I can be a bit dramatic at times but sometimes people like us can’t help it!)

I know I have missed out on other major fan-favorite characters such as Jon Snow, Robb and Arya Stark. To be transparent, I am on the fence with these characters and should eventually get to digging in and properly profiling them. I will update this when appropriate. Until then, this should give you a good idea of how to read or watch Game of Thrones through the MDNA lens.

Celebrity MDNA: Batman v. Superman

When it comes to intrinsic motivation and social DNA, there is a lot we can learn from even fictional comic book characters like Batman and Superman.

Batman – CVS (Compelling Value & Stewardship)

Let’s start with the caped crusader. He was created as a CVS. We won’t go into major detail here as you can simply read the standard CVS archetype hero in our post on James Bond. But as an overview, the CVS is independent, private, relentlessly resourceful (he has no superpowers so he needs all his tools) and has no problem with the grays of morality. Batman won’t think twice in using guile or underhanded tactics to gain an advantage. He happens to be a billionaire which also adds to the CVS standard approach to maximizing resources to make things happen.

If we had to peg this Dark Knight’s secondary MDNA, we think he would be UCD (Unyielding Conviction & Design) based on recent incarnations. So final verdict for Batman is CVS/UCD.

Now Batman’s Man of Steel counterpart is more interesting.

Superman – From UCD to SSA (Back to UCD?)

Superman is traditionally known as a boy scout. He has been portrayed with a strong sense of purpose, morality, selflessness, incorruptibility, modesty, fairness, compassion, and hope. Superman was raised to believe that his abilities are gifts, and are not to be abused. This is classic SSA (Sacrificial Service & Authority). His alter ego Clark Kent plays to the SSA even more by being in the background and just wanting to help people in need.

But deep down inside Superman is a brooding anger which shows up in many stories over the years. When he was originally created, he was not the boy scout we all see as the perfect American hero–the best in us we all want. This SSA was imprinted upon him by his adopted human parents. The alien Superman is a UCD with a deep sense of conviction that can be very hard on himself and others. His convictions are so strong they can seem naively optimistic, while being respectful of the law and intolerant of any abuse of power. The UCD will make issues black and white while attempting to fix the problem. This seems to be the Superman we are seeing in the new iteration of movies from DC Comics directed by Zack Snyder.

If we had to commit, we’re going with Superman as UCD/SSA. He is a UCD deep down but has learned to serve the greater good as an SSA and maintain his mild mannered alter ego the same way.

When CVS and UCD Collide

What we know is that the CVS and UCD can be a potent combination. There are many famous CVS and UCD combos such as Bill Gates (CVS) / Paul Allen (UCD) and Warren Buffet (CVS) / Charlie Munger (UCD). As beneficial the synergies can be however, the two gifts, when at odds, can be quite destructive. Especially when the black-and-white-world of the UCD meets the world-where-everything-is-gray of a CVS. This seems to be the premise of the upcoming Batman v Superman movie that pits the two heroes against each other to eventually becoming allies.

Of course there is Wonder Woman. As an amazon princess, we’re betting DLF (Dominion Leadership & Freedom). But that’s for a future profile.

We’ll be sure to do a follow up when we finally watch the movie.

Fictional characters also can have MDNA profiles. Typically every great character is based upon somebody in real life, except the persona and core traits are amplified. This makes learning the principles of their MDNA profile much easier and a valuable exercise. Not to mention it can be fun and entertaining.

Offline or Overload? In Case of Emergency...

Now that we have reviewed the entire relational spectrum, it's time to see how, in this context, the brain works in conjunction with MDNA gifts.

As we know, the brain has two halves. Left brain and right brain. Without getting into too much neurological detail, and for the sake of MDNA, we have labelled each side of the brain with a label based upon its generalized function:

• Left Brain = Truth in Action
• Right Brain = Joyful Relationships

Truth in Action to Offline

The UCD, SSA, and KWR can have a tendency to operate only in truth in action mode, and therefore, risk going offline. Going offline means your left brain has taken over and you are only thinking about who is right or wrong. It becomes all about what you think should be done, regardless of how it affects people emotionally. In this state, people can be cranky, need to be right all the time, and care less about relationships. This doesn't have to be expressed externally either. For example. the SSA will simply move behind the scenes and just go into "servant" mode.

Joyful Relationships to Overload

On the other side, the CVS, DLF and IAF, being all about relational engagement, can go into overload. This is when you overload yourself with emotions, or you overload others with emotions using your gifts. For example, an IAF can be flooded with all the details and freeze to the point of shutdown. The DLF and CVS also tend to flood others by pushing relational boundaries too far.

And as you probably already figured out, the EIA can go either way. This also means if your gifts cover the entire spectrum, you too can go either way, depending on the situation.

In Case of Emergency

If you find yourself offline, the best action is to spend time appreciating the joy of relationships. Spend time thinking about all that you appreciate and enjoy in others. Share how you feel versus just what you think. Don't take any action. Set what you believe as truth aside for a moment. Do not isolate. Communicate. Make maintaining relational connections a priority.

For those that get overloaded, take a moment to think of one small truth and put it into action. Don't worry about all the details. Don't worry about what others should or should not be doing. Set aside your relational expectations; especially unspoken social contracts. Identify the emotions you are feeling and consider the difference between appropriate and inappropriate response. Think. Plan it out. Don't try too much.

In both cases, these exercises will do wonders for your brain. The first step is to recognize when you are offline or overloaded. This is where others can help you. Practice makes perfect.

The Relational Spectrum: 2. SSA

The order of the MDNA gifts reveals a relational spectrum. The further you are on the left, the less relational engagement is required to synchronize with your intrinsic motivation. The further to the right, the opposite is true. To be clear, everybody needs relationships to be a holistic and healthy individual. In this series we will examine each gift on the spectrum.

SSA: Sacrificial Service & Authority

Although the SSA can be very relational, in actuality, they don't need as much relational engagement to be intrinsically motivated. However, unlike the UCD, the SSA cannot be completely alone. This is based upon the fact that the SSA is intrinsically motivated to build a platform of success underneath others over themselves.

That being said, the SSA is not as motivated by people's feelings as much as needs. An SSA is willing to simply execute because it must be done. This is the reason SSAs can be so effective. They don't need relational reasons to drive their actions. This gives them the ability to "hug porcupines," which basically means, regardless of feelings, an SSA will help anybody.

This also doesn't mean the SSA has to be friendly when doing their job. The most mature and synchronized SSAs "walk softly but swing a big stick." In other words, they have no issues using authority and making sure you are successful no matter how you feel about it. In this regard, they are true servant leaders.

The MDNA Weekend

It's Friday! And if you are looking for ways to synchronize your MDNA over the next two days, look no further. Here is how each MDNA gift can maximize the weekend. You may already have some of these healthy habits, but a reminder never hurts.

UCD

The UCD, of all gifts, needs the most time alone to recharge. You have no problems being alone and that is healthy. But see if you can purposely try to relate to someone for no other reason than the relationships. Have a random phone conversation to catch up. Have a coffee with no purpose but to appreciate and listen. This will help you stay balanced with co-workers later.

SSA

You probably have a laundry (even literal laundry) list of things on your mind to get done. Not only that, there is another list of requests people would like to get help on. Don't be afraid to ask someone to help you. Or in other cases, practice saying "no" a few times.

KWR

You may want to learn about something or hang out with a group that shares a common subject interest and expertise. That is great. Before your weekend, take a moment to think about some responsibilities you might be avoiding. Or maybe you have been in "analysis paralysis" about a decision and just need to make it. Try to incorporate them in somewhere.

EIA

Of course, you would love to be socializing and having a new (larger than life) experience. Maybe it is a party or an event. Connecting with people recharges you. Just don't be afraid to spend some time alone and being comfortable with yourself. Try contemplating this question: "If people didn't want to be around you, for no particular reason, how would you feel about yourself?" This is a great question for self awareness if you are EIA.

CVS

You could pretty much do anything and would be just fine with it. But as always, you want to maximize time and resources. Here is a challenge: try wasting some time just for the sake of wasting time. Even better, go give your time and resources to a random person that is not expecting it. Watch what happens.

DLF

Most likely, you have structure to your weekend, even if that structure means no structure. Your weekend might be packed or have intentional down time. You have it organized and will be as busy as you want to be. To challenge yourself, try letting someone else take over your agenda for a change. Let them lead you.

IAF

You have already thought through every detail for the weekend. Or you are worried about every detail that did not get covered through the week. Most likely it is both. It's time to rest and just BE. Don't worry about people's feelings, expectations or your relationships. Just BE. This is hard and only an IAF really knows what it means for them. Just BE.