Physiology
Adrenaline
A hormone and neurotransmitter released during stress that prepares the body for 'fight or flight.' Also called epinephrine.
Biological Context
Adrenaline increases heart rate, blood pressure, and energy availability. It redirects blood from digestion to muscles, sharpens senses, and suppresses non-essential functions. The adrenal glands release it in response to perceived threats. Effects are rapid but short-lived.
Business Application
Organizational adrenaline: the crisis response that mobilizes resources for immediate challenges—all-hands meetings, emergency deployments, crunch time. Useful for acute threats but damaging if chronic.