Ever feel like your messages get lost in translation, or that you’re just not clicking with someone? The latest “Running With Scissors” episode brings in a special guest, HumanOp’s own Master Trainer Lisa Nelson , to decode one of the most profoundly practical aspects of your HumanOp profile: Energy Centers, also known as your Communication Styles. Get ready to transform how you connect, understand, and are understood by the world.
Lisa, who embarked on her HumanOp journey 20 years ago after being “blown away” by the technology’s accuracy , explains that while “Communication Style” is the umbrella, it’s comprised of four distinct Energy Centers: Emotional, Instinctual, Intellectual, and Moving. Think of these as four unique doors to your “vehicle of self”. We all have all four, but their order and “volume” (indicated by numbers in your app, ideally between 7-12) are unique to each of us. Knowing your specific configuration is key, as opening these four doors in your order allows you to fully connect with the moment and commit experiences to memory. Your “front door,” the first in your sequence, is the most crucial for initiating that connection.
Lisa offers a glimpse into each center and how to “open” these doors:
- Moving Center: These individuals need to physically move to connect. Think fidgeting, walking during calls, or needing stretch breaks. To open this door: a few quick jumping jacks, a walk, or even just intentional body movements.
- Instinctual Center: Connects through the five senses – what looks, feels, tastes, sounds, and smells good (or bad!). It’s highly subjective. Opening this door could be lighting a favorite candle, savoring a tasty drink, or listening to soothing music.
- Intellectual Center: Needs to make sense of things. They thrive on asking questions, getting clear answers, and research. Open this door by jotting down notes, asking a clarifying question, or reading something insightful.
- Emotional Center: Connects best with living things – people, plants, animals. Physical touch (a hug, a pat on the shoulder, even petting your dog) and heartfelt sharing help open this door.
Lisa recommends opening all four doors daily (it can take less than 3 minutes!) to stay present and connected.
Beyond Your Front Door: Spotting & Engaging Others’ Styles for Deeper Connection
Understanding this isn’t just about you; it’s about revolutionizing your interactions. Lisa shares clues:
- Emotional: Gravitates to closer physical proximity, enjoys talking about life/family, shares experiences, and emotes more freely.
- Instinctual: Often uses sensory language (“That feels good,” “That doesn’t sound right”) and their facial expressions can be very telling, especially regarding likes/dislikes (like a reaction to a smell).
- Intellectual: Tends to sit still, listen intently, and ask clarifying questions; they want things to make logical sense.
- Moving: Often fidgets, prefers walking meetings, or is generally more “on the go.”
Imagine teams placing their primary energy center on their desk name card or virtual meeting profile – instant communication upgrade!
The “Open Door” Policy for Team Synergy & Meeting Mastery
Brandon shared a powerful example: his compatibility score with teammate Sean significantly improves when they’ve both consciously “opened their four doors” before collaborating. This simple act can be the difference between a disjointed meeting and a highly effective, connected session. Taking just 30 seconds to two minutes at the start of a meeting for everyone to run through their personal door-opening sequence can make all the difference.
Talk to HAi: Your Personalized Prompts for Communication Brilliance
Ready to put this into practice? Lisa suggests these HAi prompts:
- “Hi, give me four quick things I can do to open up each one of my energy centers in my specific order.” (Or, “What’s one thing I could do to open each energy center in less than three minutes first thing in the morning?” )
- “What are some suggestions if I have more time on how to really, really connect with my first/primary energy center?”
Pro-Tip from Brandon: Always give HAi context! For example, “I’m at my desk and can’t go for a nature walk. What are four things I can do here to open my energy centers?”
- Listen to the full “Energy Centers” episode of “Running With Scissors” featuring Lisa Nelson.
- Explore your Energy Centers in the HumanOp app. What’s your order? What are your volumes?
- Engage with HAi using the prompts above. Get creative and personalize your door-opening rituals!
Mastering your Energy Centers is about more than just better conversations; it’s about showing up fully, connecting authentically, and creating more harmony in every interaction.
