In short: your CRASH state is when you are Closed, Reactive, Analytical, Separated and Hostile, and it stops you seeing situations in a balanced way. It shows up differently in each person. Learn your own pattern and its triggers so you can catch it, step back, breathe and avoid words or decisions you'd regret.
We can go through a number of emotional states every day. The positive ones are of course great, but the bad ones can let us down. Becoming aware of them in the moment can be valuable. That way instead of letting ourselves run away with our emotions we can learn to manage them.
Our CRASH state is particularly useful to recognise. This state can be recognized because we are Closed, Reactive, Analytical, Separated and Hostile. This prevents us from assessing the situation in a balanced way, managing our environment well and feeling good.
The CRASH state can manifest in different ways for each of us. Their style will depend on our personality and moment in our lives. My CRASH state makes me feel deflated, sad and isolated from others. Other people can lose their rag, showing anger and frustration.
Being able to identify our own states is important. When we are in a CRASH state we are not objective and have negative thoughts. It is probable that the feeling of isolation is not caused by actual rejection by others, or that our anger is not totally someone else’s fault. Paying attention and realising that we have entered into CRASH can help us manage the situation: breathing deeply, not saying words we’ll come to regret, postponing a decision.
So ask yourself: When I lose it, what do I usually express? How do I feel? Once you have spotted your pattern, you’ll catch yourself, take a step back and come out of it more quickly in your day to day.
Also, if you manage not only to identify it but also what triggers these states you can even prevent them. Well, I don’t always manage it but I certainly try.
And you, do you know your CRASH state well?
Frequently asked questions
What is the CRASH state?
CRASH stands for Closed, Reactive, Analytical, Separated and Hostile. In this emotional state you are not objective and your thoughts turn negative, which stops you assessing the situation in a balanced way and feeling good.
How do I recognise my CRASH state?
Ask yourself: when I lose it, what do I usually express, and how do I feel? For me it is feeling deflated, sad and isolated; other people show anger and frustration. Once you spot your pattern, you catch it sooner.
How do I get out of a CRASH state?
Notice that you have entered it, then manage the moment: breathe deeply, avoid saying words you'll regret and postpone decisions. With practice you step back and come out of it more quickly.
Can you prevent a CRASH state?
Sometimes. If you identify not only how it shows up in you but also what triggers it, you can even prevent it. I don't always manage it, but I certainly try.
About the author: Susana Serrano-Davey is a former CFO with over 25 years in corporate life. Today she mentors leaders and professionals, speaks about confidence and self-awareness at work, and is the author of Self-Confidence Is Overrated.
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