Ever had a moment at work where you felt an overwhelming urge to argue back, walk out, shut down, or over-please? You’re not alone. These aren’t just “bad days” or personality quirks—they’re actually survival responses.

When we face stress or conflict, our nervous system reacts in four instinctive ways: Fight, Flight, Freeze, or Fawn. These responses, shaped by past experiences and even trauma, don’t just show up in danger—they also shape how we navigate work.

Let’s break it down.

Fight: The Workplace Warrior

You push back. Hard. When criticized, you get defensive or even aggressive. Maybe you challenge authority, correct your boss mid-meeting, or react sharply to feedback. The upside? You stand your ground. The downside? You might be burning bridges without realizing it.

Flight: The Workaholic or the Escapist

Stress means you run—physically or mentally. You bury yourself in work, overachieve to avoid conflict, or avoid tough conversations. You tell yourself you’re “too busy,” but deep down, it’s about escaping discomfort.

Freeze: The Numb Observer

You check out. Your mind goes blank, you struggle to find words, or you sit in meetings feeling invisible. Confrontation terrifies you, so you detach. It helps you survive, but at what cost? Missed opportunities, stalled growth, and exhaustion from pretending you don’t care.

Fawn: The People-Pleaser

You avoid conflict by over-apologizing or constantly trying to make others happy. Your emails are filled with “just checking in” and “hope that’s okay!” You fear rejection more than overwork, so you keep saying yes—even at your own expense.

Why This Matters

Recognizing these patterns is powerful. They’re not flaws; they’re survival strategies. But are they helping you—or keeping you stuck? The good news? These reactions can shift. Therapy, coaching, and self-awareness can help you reclaim your responses instead of being ruled by them.

Which one do you see in yourself? And more importantly—what would work look like if you didn’t have to operate this way anymore?