Citation
(2001), "A new neuroscience of leadership: bringing out more of the best in people", Measuring Business Excellence, Vol. 5 No. 3. https://doi.org/10.1108/mbe.2001.26705caf.002
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2001, MCB UP Limited
A new neuroscience of leadership: bringing out more of the best in people
A new neuroscience of leadership: bringing out more of the best in people
R.K. Cooper, Strategy & Leadership (UK), Vol. 28 No. 6, November-December 2000
Argues that continued calls for greater commitment, innovation and effort are being directed at workers who feel invisible and devalued by the growth of technology and the pace of change. Describes developments in neuroscience that consider intelligence to be distributed throughout the body, with "brains" in the head, heart and gut. Suggests that over-reliance upon the head, with the inbuilt tendency of the reticular activating system to interpret signals as some form of threat, can be counterproductive. Offers practical suggestions to make use of all three centres of intelligence to improve leadership and motivation: use all three sources of wisdom; ensure words are consistent with feelings; recognize others for effort, specifically and individually. Concludes that simple reliance upon facts will decrease motivation and undermine the effectiveness of work relationships.
Quality focus says: A technical article with both research and practical implications.