UCD/KWR Celebrity: Dr. House and Sherlock Holmes

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.

Dr. Gregory House / Sherlock Holmes

UCD (Unyielding Conviction & Design) / KWR (Knowledgeable Wisdom & Responsibility)

Gregory House, M.D. — typically referred to simply as House — is the title character of the American medical drama House. Portrayed by British actor Hugh Laurie, in the television series, House leads a team of diagnosticians as the Head of Diagnostic Medicine at a teaching hospital. House’s character has been described as a misanthrope, cynic, narcissist, and curmudgeon.

Sherlock Holmes is a fictional detective created by Scottish author Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. A London-based “consulting detective” whose abilities border on the fantastic, Holmes is famous for his astute logical reasoning, his ability to adopt almost any disguise, and his use of forensic science skills to solve difficult cases. In 2009, Sherlock Holmes was portrayed by Robert Downy Jr. in the movie Sherlock Holmes directed by Guy Ritchie.

We have combined both House and Holmes for this MDNA celebrity profile because in essence, they are the same character. In fact, House creator David Shore was a fan of Sherlock Holmes and the name House is a play on the name “Holmes” via its phonetic similarity to the word “homes.”

Being fans of both the television show House and the movie Sherlock, we have profiled both House and Holmes as UCD/KWR. Each character represents a fascinating study on both the potential strengths and weaknesses of their MDNA Profiles.

It’s easy to mistake both with KWR as primary MDNA Profiles based upon their personalities portrayed by the talents of Hugh Laurie and Robert Downey Jr. Both are highly analytical, precise and have an absolute obsession for being right. They both use information to manipulate and gain power. They also each possess the trait of selective responsibility that is common to the KWR profile. The trap of selective responsibility comes from believing that being accomplished in one area, such as career or academic achievement, gives one the right to be irresponsible in other areas, such as family relationships or personal habits. For the sake of entertainment, both House and Holmes take this to whole new, and very dysfunctional levels. One example of this is their habitual drug use.

However, upon closer examination, one can clearly see that each character’s strengths align with the UCD making it their primary profiles. KWR is therefore the secondary profile “personality,” representing how they deliver the UCD “promise.”

The first clear sign of the UCD is both characters have the ability to solve problems and find hidden solutions amidst chaos. For House, it’s solving medical cases when traditional medical approaches fail. For Holmes, it’s solving mysteries when every lead seems like a dead end. The UCD is known for the ability to go from nothing to something—from darkness to light. This is what House and Holmes are famous for.

The next sign of the UCD is how both House and Holmes will break relationships over ideologies and personal convictions. Both characters have no problems resorting to unorthodox methods to solve a case—even at the emotional expense of the people around them. House was always at odds with his team and superiors. Holmes drove Dr. Watson to the brink of abandoning him. Both are blunt, cranky and opinionated about everything—especially in pointing out the ulterior motivations and character liabilities of anyone. These are all very common traits of how the UCD profile can drive everybody nuts, and then away.

Even though the UCD/KWR characterization is highly exaggerated in both characters, studying them can help us understand how to understand those in the real world with the same MDNA. When locked in on solving a problem, the UCD’s capacity to simply ignore relationships, and the KWR’s selective responsibility, can be quite challenging. But sometimes it’s simply the price we must pay for the solution everybody needs. Be patient. The results are always worth it.

IAF/UCD Celebrity: Olivia Pope (Scandal)

How the main character of this hit series fixes scandals and is motivated by her instincts.

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.

Olivia Pope

IAF / UCD (Intuitive Alignment & Fulfillment / Unyielding Conviction & Design)

In the television series Scandal, starring Kerry Washington, Olivia Pope is a former White House communications director that has started a freelance “legal” agency of sorts. As a crisis management firm, Pope’s specialty is “fixing” problems—scandalous problems. She is portrayed at first being fearless, sharp and unflinching with the uncanny ability to find solutions to complex situations (starting with Russian gangsters and kidnapped babies).

At first, this would indicate a UCD profile. The UCD is known for the ability to solve problems, especially amidst chaos. The UCD is also black and white when it comes to ideologies. Olivia Pope’s entire team is very aware of her expectations and beliefs (for example crying is something you just do not do because Olivia does not believe in crying).

During the first episode however, an interesting twist is revealed. (SPOILER ALERT: We apologize in advance if you plan on seeing the show as we can’t successfully provide you with a profile without spoiling the plot.) Olivia Pope has a secret past. She had an affair with the President of the United States.

This is the point where our fascinating character, adeptly portrayed by Kerry Washington, shows her true primary MDNA Profile. Olivia Pope is an IAF.

The first indicator is the IAF is designed for intimacy. Deep down, despite her seemingly stout exterior, Pope exhibits a desire to be close to the man she cares for. The IAF is also known for high levels of self-sacrifice, which she also demonstrated by leaving her job, and relationship so he could “become a better man”, with the presidential administration. Finally, the IAF can be fiercely loyal while at the same time becoming deeply wounded and offended by the people they care for. This, again, is clearly evident in how Pope handles another one of the President’s extra-marital affairs.

Most importantly however, Olivia Pope exhibits absolute trust in her “gut” and a passionate desire to see others achieve personal fulfillment. This can be seen in how she makes decisions and also coaches one of her staff in getting engaged. She repeatedly must look people in the eye to rely upon her intuition to sense the motives of her clients. Also there is the satisfaction she receives when her client in the first episode reveals to the public that he is gay after she coaches him to accept who he is. These are all core IAF motivational drivers.

Put this together and Olivia Pope is an IAF primary (her “promise”) with a UCD secondary (her “personality” which is how she delivers her “promise).

This sets the stage for dramatic television because the two profiles are the furthest apart on the MDNA spectrum. It is well documented that individuals with an IAF/UCD or UCD/IAF profile experience the most inner conflict. Olivia Pope is no exception which not only translates to great entertainment, but an amplified peek into the complexities of the IAF.

Only by watching the rest of the episodes (at this writing the show is on season 3) can we confirm whether Kerry Washington’s character will stay true her MDNA Profile. We’ll leave that up to the fans of the show. Feel free to send us your comments and feedback.

SIDE NOTE: In case you were wondering, Pope’s newest hire Quinn Perkins is also an IAF primary. However, she represents a less seasoned version of the IAF with a much softer skin compared to her new boss. Her character arc will most likely reflect how the IAF must reconcile the conviction and tolerance for pain her new career and mentor will represent on the way to finding her own personal fulfillment. Again, feel free to let us know if we’re right about this one too.

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.

UCD/CVS Celebrity: Harvey Specter (Suits)

In honor of the 5th mid-season premiere, it’s Suits week at MDNA Institute–one of my favorite shows on the USA Network. If you’re a fan, you will love this profile series. If you have never watched this amazing show, go do it! It’s on Netflix (at least for us in Canada).

Harvey Specter – UCD/CVS

Of course we have to start with Harvey! He is a UCD/CVS. While at first, he may seem like a CVS primary, if you watch carefully you will see a very complex UCD primary that acts the CVS as a secondary.

UCD (Unyielding Conviction & Design)

Harvey is driven by black and white ideologies. Growing up, his greatest trauma came from his mother having an affair. This has driven his unyielding convictions to present day. He is a problem solver–a very strategic one. When a deal is broken, he is called in. When all hope seems lost and chaos has erupted, he figures it out. He is blunt and has no problems standing completely alone for his beliefs.  But again, and most importantly, it’s his black and white ideologies that make him a UCD over any other MDNA gift.

Here are some choice quotes that scream UCD:

“The only time ‘success’ comes before the ‘work’ is in the dictionary.”

“Winners don’t make excuses when the other side plays the game.”

“What are your choices when someone holds a gun to your head? You do what they say or they shoot you, right? Wrong! You take the gun. You pull out a bigger gun or you call their bluff or you do one of another 146 other things.”

Another trait of the UCD is the ability to front-load the investment for professional success and personal fulfillment.

“Now when I got here, I dominated. They thought I worked 100 hours a day. Now, no matter what time I get in, nobody questions my ability to get the job done. Get it through your head. First impressions last. You start behind the eight ball, you’ll never get in front.”

In the most recent episodes, Harvey was willing to completely resign from his position as managing partner for his convictions. One of his major ideologies is loyalty. He also is willing to give people opportunities for redemption and to live out their designs. That’s why he hired Mike, who was a small-time drug dealer at the time, and gave him a chance to become a (fake) lawyer. This is something a CVS would not typically do.

CVS (Compelling Value & Stewardship)

Harvey takes on the lone wolf James Bond anti-hero persona as part of his dysfunctional coping mechanisms. In recent episodes, he is seen working with a therapist who sees this and cracks through the veneer.

The CVS is relentlessly resourceful and, private, independent and a master at solving problems involving financial resources. This is all Harvey. Watch how he plays poker and you will a cool and calm CVS.  However, to highlight this difference again, the CVS has no problems with shades of grey when it comes to issues and can easily work with ideological tension. Not Harvey. As a UCD, he would rather fracture a relationship than accept a different ideology.

All in all, Harvey is one cool dude. And he knows it.

“Sorry, I can’t hear you over the sound of how awesome I am.”

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.

Brand Culture and Top Companies

As part of our ongoing R&D of the Brand Culture framework, we decided to take a look at data from the best 50 companies to work according to Glassdoor.com. 

Methodology

The top 50 best companies to work for was determined by employee votes which included 57,182 reviews. We then looked at the top 5 keywords within all reviews of each company with both positive and negative sentiments. These results were then ranked based upon keywords by total reviews and keywords by company.

As we can see, the top 5 most used keywords with positive sentiment in all reviews were:

1. Benefits (24.61%) - General benefits such as health coverage but also included employee discounts and travel.
2. Work-Life Balance (17.57%) - Mainly based around whether or not the company promoted work-life balance and made it possible.
3. Work Environment (13.18%) - How the employee felt overall.
4. People (12.95%) - Included comments like "smart" and "great" along with an overall willingness to help each other.
5. Compensation/Incentives (7.94%) - Included all earning potential.

The top 5 most used keywords, of the same top 50 companies, with a negative sentiment across all reviews were:

1. Work-Life Balance (29.23%) - Many felt work-life balance had to be sacrificed to succeed.
2. Management (25.56%) - Opinions of both upper and middle management along with process such as decision-making and politics.
3. Hours (21.61%) - Included perceived hours required for job security, advancement and scheduling policies.
4. Advancement (16.77%) - Mostly based upon lack of upward mobility and inability for part-timers to secure full-time positions.
5. Growth/Size (9.98%) - Growing pains or current size of the company.

Based upon the above, here are some insights we offer.

Benefits are Different than Compensation 

Although many agree that benefits fall under compensation, it is the perception that benefits create for the employer brand in the mind of an employee that is important. The data shows that the more creative you can be with benefits, incorporating it into the brand and culture, the greater employee engagement and retention.

The reality is however, that competing on benefits packages can be a very slippery slope, especially financially. So what if your company simply cannot compete on benefits?

The data shows us the answer.

Make Your Culture About Work-Life Balance and People

As we can see in this chart, the data tell us that out of all the best companies to work for, 72% of them were reviewed positively for "work-life balance." This was followed by 58% of companies equally reviewed for "work environment" and "people" by the employees. And finally 56% of all companies were positively reviewed for "benefits."

While benefits are important, not to mention more concrete and measurable, the concept of work-life balance isn't so easy. Therefore, it is no surprise that the most positive and negative review sentiments are around this area. If companies can address work-life balance head on in their culture, you can manage the employer brand much more effectively.

Integrating work-life balance into your employer brand will attract better people. And better people make better work environments. This will more then compensate for any perceived lack of benefits. (Please note that your benefits still have to be fair.)

Work-Life Balance is Determined by Intrinsic Motivation

This is where MDNA can help. Work-life balance does not mean the same for everybody. Understanding an employee's intrinsic motivators drastically helps. For example, to some individuals, work-life balance means family time, while for others it means the flexibility to travel, take courses based on personal interests, or volunteer in the community. To take another perspective, there is a difference between quality and quantity of work-life balance. It's never the same for everybody. What's important is that the more you can encourage employees to approach work-life balance in alignment to their intrinsic motivations (Motivational DNA), and give them opportunities to live it, the better people you will have for a greater work environment.

In the upcoming posts, we'll break down how the actual brand and marketing of these companies play a part in making them the best place to work, and how you can integrate these best practices no matter how big or small your company is.

#BrandCulture Comic #4 - How Not to Handle Company Turnover

Employees don't quit jobs. They quit people. Leadership plays a huge roll in this. Great leaders always have a pulse on their employees' intrinsic motivations. According to Officevibe's 10 Shocking Stats About Disengaged Employees, 75% of employees that voluntarily quit their jobs are quitting their bosses. If you have a boss that cares about MDNA and Brand Culture, you won't have to experience high turnover (or denial of the reasons for it).

UCD: Do you always want to fix yourself and others?

Got some UCD going on? Every MDNA gift has the potential for what we call the "Legitimacy Gap." A Legitimacy Gap is when you begin to identify yourself by what your gift does versus who you really are. You are a human being, not a human doing. In other words, we must always be careful not to define our self-worth based upon outside perceptions and performance. MDNA is best starting from the inside--your intrinsic motivation.

Here is what this looks like for the UCD.

The UCD is great at fixing things. They see problems and chaos and can come up with solutions pretty quickly. Being a problem solver, especially ones based upon principles and ideologies, is intrinsically motivating to the UCD.

This means the UCD, of all gifts, is the hardest on their own problems. If a UCD cannot fix him or herself, then a major Legitimacy Gap can occur. Quite frankly, UCDs can take themselves way too seriously sometimes. This can cause issues in relationships. When you are always trying to fix problems for people, you end up trying to fix people in general. This can alienate relationships pretty easily. 

Sometimes, a UCD simply has to say, "This is not my problem," by asking if the problem is theirs to begin with. The world will keep spinning even if you can't fix every problem. The right problems will always come along where your gift can shine.

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.

#BrandCulture Comic #3 - Emotional and Inappropriate Outbursts

This comic was inspired by some of our real experiences working in HR and the great Tom Hanks. By combining MDNA and EQ training, you can develop a Brand Culture where emotions are handled appropriately and employee development is an enjoyable experience.

The Relational Spectrum: 7. IAF

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.

IAF: Intuitive Alignment & Fulfillment

Of all the gifts, the IAF requires the most social engagement for intrinsic motivation. First off, this does not mean the IAF needs to know or be known by a lot of people. In fact, many IAF will shy away from large crowds or the social spotlight. To the IAF, the most intrinsically motivating relationships are not as much wide as they need to be deep.

In essence, the IAF does not care how many people are in their social circle. Typically, they have a very tight inner circle where there is depth, authenticity, integrity and trust. This is the reason IAFs are fiercely loyal and care deeply about your feelings. They are highly intuitive of the social "vibe" and can sense when someone feels out of social alignment. If you know an IAF, the best thing you can do is share details of your life and be open to hearing theirs (when appropriate of course).

While the IAF expresses slightly differently between men and women, today, some of the greatest IAF leaders understand that relational depth is critical for success.

The Relational Spectrum: 6. DLF

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.

DLF: Dominion Leadership & Freedom

Whether formally or not, the DLF is a natural leader. This doesn't mean the DLF has to be front and center all the time. They are just as happy leading from the back as the front. This is also how they are intrinsically motivated by social engagement.

The DLF needs the second highest social engagement to be intrinsically motivated. Again, this is by virtue. Every leader needs people around them. In fact, the best leaders know they need the best people. Therefore, social circles are very important. Furthermore, the DLF loves using his or her leadership to provide opportunity (challenge) to help others around them reach full potential.

Sometimes this means the DLF can become vilified or come across challenging because of their organized and systematic approach; especially in the face of opposition. But really, the DLF is looking for loyal relationships so you can all have each other's backs. True leadership will always make everybody greater as a group than just as individuals.

The Relational Spectrum: 5. CVS

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.

CVS: Compelling Value & Stewardship

Make no bones about it, all CVS, unless heavily influenced by a secondary, value their independence and privacy greatly. You won't find a CVS voluntarily spilling their guts or telling you a life story. Unless of course, there is perceived value in it. To the CVS, time is just as valuable a commodity as money. Therefore, socially speaking, time is a major factor for the CVS to engage in relationships. This does not mean the CVS is not intrinsically motivated by relationships. They are.

The CVS sees value in people and believes in helping others--just not at the cost of privacy, independence and ROI. For example, if a CVS makes a donation, they prefer to do it privately and most often anonymously. Yet the donation is made because of a combination of relational connection and calculated social ROI.

In summary, the CVS being on the right side of the relational spectrum, is very intrinsically motivated by social engagement. They just may not appear to be relational on the surface (many CVS are accused of being cold and arrogant). But deep down, they can be the resourceful gift that keeps on giving in all areas of an organization.

The Relational Spectrum: 4. EIA

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.

EIA: Empowering Inspiration & Attraction

The EIA is right in the center of the relational spectrum for good reason. This is because the EIA is typically right in the center of every social network. The EIA is highly relational, like the IAF, while, at the same time, can relate to the more non-relational gifts easily. In other words, the EIA is equally intrinsically motivated to spend 1-on-1 time as they are with the social spotlight standing in front of large crowds.

Some describe the EIA as a "party waiting to happen," which is quite often true. Most importantly, the EIA can be a "social chameleon" crossing all demographic and cultural boundaries. This is very handy when diversity is valued.

If you are an EIA here is one tip: to embrace the multitude, you must also be comfortable with solitude. In other words, the more people you want to reach and influence, the more you need to be OK spending time alone. By virtue, the wider your social vision, the more possibility there will be of some people not liking you (the stronger your vision means, quite often, the stronger the opposition will be). This simply comes with the territory of being a visionary leader. Therefore, the more comfortable you are with your own skin, by yourself, the more effective you will be with everybody else.

#BrandCulture Comic #2 - Who Has More Emotional Intelligence?

This comic is based on a joke that Ed Kang, creator of MDNA, tells all the time. It's also based upon some observations of how people conduct themselves on Twitter. If you want to read more about how MDNA is integrated with EQ, here is a great article >

The Relational Spectrum: 3. KWR

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.

KWR: Knowledgeable Wisdom & Responsibility

The KWR is closer to the middle of the MDNA spectrum when it comes to relationships. The KWR is intrinsically motivated by relationships primarily in the areas of subject matter expertise and knowledge transfer. For example, the KWR enjoys relating to others that share common interests and understanding. Another example are KWR teachers that relating to other learners through knowledge. The TV show Big Bang Theory is a great example of KWR friendships with strong subject matter bonds and educational roles (not to say all KWRs are "nerds" and "geeks" as some of the highest performing athletes are also KWR). In other words, if you want to engage a KWR, talk about something they are learning or already know well.

Still, being on the left side of the MDNA spectrum, the KWR has no issues being alone; especially taking into consideration secondary gifts. Again, this is about intrinsic motivation. The KWR will always be intrinsically motivated by social engagement more than the UCD or SSA. Another aspect that makes the KWR very sociable is their sense of humor, which may not be for everybody, but makes them approachable in their own unique ways.

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 Relational Spectrum: 1. UCD

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.

UCD: Unyielding Conviction & Design

The UCD needs the least relational engagement to be intrinsically motivated. In other words, the UCD is completely fine being alone and can stay effective. They are very happy being completely autonomours. In fact, the UCD needs the most time alone to recharge.

Don't be surprised if the UCD would rather go home after work and isolate themselves for some "silence and darkness." Or if they seem to avoid meetings that are for the sole purpose of chemistry and bonding, it is totally normal. They are not rejecting people or being unloving at all. They will be just fine.

At the same time, don't let the UCD get too isolated. The UCD may think they need some alone time, but really connecting with another person is necessary. As you can see by the spectrum, the UCD has a strong potential to go relationally offline quickly. The UCD tends to take him or herself pretty seriously. Going out and getting some (relational) fresh air is healthy.

#BrandCulture Comic #1 - What Happens Without Brand Culture

Based on our own experiences, this comic represents the reason we are so passionate in helping companies with Brand Culture. It's also  the reason we are so grateful for the companies we do work with. Thank you! Stay tuned for more issues!

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.